2024 Audi Q6 e-tron closes in on Australian launch to challenge Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX3

Audi has shown a near-production version of its Q6 e-tron prototype at the China International Import Expo as the electric car nears its international launch.

The ‘prototype' version shown wears a more pared-back livery treatment and looks very close to production form, complete with sensors, cameras, lights, and a fully functional interior.

The electric mid-sizer is not just an important car for Audi to have a rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX3 electric luxury mid-sizers, but it also debuts the brand's key upcoming PPE platform (designed to replace the e-tron GT's J1 platform) which will underpin its electric range going forward.

Jointly developed with Porsche, this platform is designed for large scalable battery sizes and will offer an 800-volt electrical architecture for ultra-rapid charging times, as well as accommodate both SUVs and ‘Sportback and Avant' bodystyles, according to Audi.

The Q6 e-tron will also have new interior features such as a passenger screen (as seen in the likes of the Porsche Taycan), a massive 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital dash. It will also debut "second-generation" digital OLED rear lamps alongside the brand's signature matrix LED headlights.

Chinese media also reports there will be two launch variants, a 55 e-tron and an SQ6 e-tron, with driving range at more than 600km for the 55 and more than 500km for the SQ6 thanks to a large 100kWh battery. Charging time is said to be in the realm of 30 minutes thanks to a 270kW peak DC charging rate.

Audi's Q6 e-tron is shown again in near-production form at China's International Import Expo (image credit: Autohome)

Interestingly, Audi also offers a combustion Q6 as a China-only exclusive three-row SUV model, a more premium version of the left-hand drive Volkswagen Atlas.

The Q6 e-tron will be built in Ingolstadt, Germany, but it seems likely it will also be built at a new joint-venture EV-only factory Audi shares with First Auto Works (FAW) in China.

The Q6 e-tron will also have new interior features such as a passenger screen (as seen in the likes of the Porsche Taycan).

Speaking to CarsGuide an Audi representative said the prototype "looks like a good fit for the Australian market", although it is as-yet unclear whether Audi would follow its rivals in sourcing new electric models from Chinese production lines.

Audi has been slow to jump on the more mainstream EV train, with its popular-in-Europe Q4 e-tron, based on Volkswagen's ID4 and the smaller MEB architecture only recently getting confirmed for an Australian launch. The brand will be able to say more about the mid-sizer imminently, but for now, expect to see it arrive somewhere in the middle of 2024.

Chinese media also reports there will be two launch variants, a 55 e-tron and an SQ6 e-tron.

Volkswagen Group will also launch its ID.4 equivalent around the same time after significant delays in securing supply, while the ID.3 hatch, ID.5 coupe SUV and ID.Buzz are all also scheduled to join the group's electric lineup later in 2024.