1,000 km road test crowns Audi Q6 e-tron the long-distance all-electric SUV champion

The sales of EVs might be going up and down, but the electric vehicle market is getting busier and more competitive. Audi has thrown down the gauntlet with its all-new Q6 e-tron quattro and made some bold promises. Those promises were put to the test, and Audi managed to outpace its rivals in a 620 miles endurance test, proving its prowess for long-distance travel.

Bjørn Nyland, a seasoned EV reviewer known for his rigorous testing methods, orchestrated the challenge. The Q6 e-tron quattro, equipped with a 100 kWh battery and all-wheel drive, crossed the finish line in 9 hours and 30 minutes. This impressive feat surpassed both the older Audi e-tron 55 and the newer Q8 e-tron, each of which trailed by 50 minutes.

Even more remarkably, the Q6 e-tron beat the Tesla Model Y, known for its long-range capabilities. While both vehicles were tested under similar conditions, the Audi shaved 15 minutes off the Tesla's time, requiring only four charging stops compared to the Model Y's six.

The Q6 e-tron's victory can be attributed to a few key factors. First, its substantial range allows for over 249 miles of travel at a highway speed of 75 miles. Second, its DC capabilities allow for approximately 285 kW of charging input, making for quick and efficient charging stops. Lastly, its energy consumption, while not the absolute best in its class, is still respectable, given its size and performance.

Nyland's test began with the Q6 e-tron fully charged. The vehicle then embarked on its journey, maintaining an average speed of 65 mph, including charging stops. He strategically planned four charging stops throughout the challenge, keeping the battery within the optimal range for DC fast charging. This approach proved effective, and the vehicle averaged a commendable 2.3 miles per kWh (3.7 km/kWh).

While the Tesla Model Y boasts a 30% lower energy consumption in its Long Range AWD configuration and 15% lower in its Performance version, the Audi's larger battery and superior charging speed ultimately gave it the edge. The Q6 e-tron's performance in this endurance test is a big thumbs up for Audi's EV lineup.

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