The operating system is well developed and mostly easy to use, but there’s still a lot going on. And that’s not all. The Edition 1 comes with an additional 10.9-inch screen for the passenger, which can stream YouTube, display navigation, or change music. We found this refreshing but a little limiting. For example, navigation works well but is pointless when displayed on the main screen next to it.
Photo: Audi
Photo: Audi
Then there’s the HUD, which now comes with augmented reality. Part of the “Sound and Visual Package,” an expensive option, it overlays directions onto the road you see in front of you, moving as you go, while still displaying your usual HUD features including speed, speed limits, and turn-by-turn turn signals.
When the driver assistance system is on, it also displays “danger red” when you get too close to the curb, when you need to brake when approaching the speed limit, as well as a brake warning to ensure you don’t hit the car in front.
In use, we’re sure all of this would be less distracting, but the overall feeling is more overwhelming than helpful. Audi’s built-in voice assistant Chat GPT can walk you through how to use it, but this reviewer prefers to turn it all off and enjoy the freedom of driving.
The interior is a pleasant place to be, although there’s a lot of cheap plastic. The doors in particular have a large plastic sliver for your window controls, as well as a plastic glove box that looks out of place. The diamond-stitched nappa leather seats that come standard on the SQ6 are attractive. But they’re cheaper.
Speaking of which, prices start at £64,200 ($81,200) for the Q6 e-tron and jump to £92,950 ($117,500) for the top-spec SQ6.
Photo: Audi
The Q6 and SQ6 e-tron aren’t reinventing the wheel, and while they’re quick in a straight line, they’re not as sporty as they’re made out to be. Their highlights are effortless ride comfort and class-leading range, which, if we’re being honest, are probably more important, shifting the target slightly but surely.
