Audi has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Q6 e-tron Off-Road concept, a rugged variant of its latest electric SUV. This new concept adds impressive all-terrain capability to the brand’s newest electric model, featuring cutting-edge technology like newly developed portal axles, beefy tires, and a redesigned suspension system. With a raised stance, increased torque, and superior off-road performance, the Q6 e-tron Off-Road is set to shake up the electric vehicle (EV) market and leave traditional off-roaders in its dust.
The biggest change comes in the form of the vehicle’s new portal axles, a first for Audi. These axles, which integrate into the wheel hub assemblies, represent a complete rework of the SUV’s suspension system. Audi’s engineers designed these axles from the ground up, enabling a 50 percent increase in torque at the wheels. This is a significant improvement over the 20-30 percent increase seen with traditional portal-axle designs, offering the Q6 e-tron Off-Road a major boost in power. According to Audi, the combined torque at all four wheels can hit 9883 pound-feet for a 10-second burst, thanks to the new gear ratios within the portal axles. While this torque figure is somewhat unconventional, it showcases the SUV’s enhanced off-road capability.
The suspension upgrades also increase ride height. The Q6 e-tron Off-Road sits 6.3 inches higher than the standard roadgoing version, which gives it a commanding presence on and off the road. The wider 9.8-inch track makes it look even more aggressive and broad-shouldered. These upgrades combine to give the SUV the ability to scale gradients up to 45 degrees, making it a formidable contender for rugged terrain.
Powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain that produces 510 horsepower, the Q6 e-tron Off-Road delivers impressive performance, especially considering its off-road capabilities. While the addition of the new suspension and tires limits its top speed to 108 mph, it’s more than enough for a vehicle built for off-road exploration. The SUV is built to handle various terrains, making it a versatile option for those looking to push their electric vehicles to the limit.
Despite the impressive upgrades, Audi has not yet confirmed whether the Q6 e-tron Off-Road will enter full production. CEO Gernot Döllner spoke about the concept, noting, “We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car,” and referred to it as a prototype. Audi seems to be testing the waters, gauging interest in a vehicle that could potentially lead to a limited production model. The fact that the concept car has been spotted testing on public roads in camouflage suggests that Audi is seriously considering its future.
This isn’t the first time Audi has shown interest in entering the off-road SUV market. The automaker previously unveiled the Activesphere concept in 2023, a sleek hybrid pickup truck SUV mashup. Additionally, the 2019 AI: Trail Quattro concept presented a futuristic electric pod designed for all-terrain use. Audi also showcased its commitment to off-roading when its RS Q e-tron race car won the 2024 Dakar Rally, driven by the legendary Carlos Sainz. With this sustained focus on off-road capabilities, the Q6 e-tron Off-Road concept seems like a natural progression for Audi as they explore the possibility of entering the off-road EV space.
The Q6 e-tron Off-Road concept is a promising preview of what could be Audi’s next big step in the EV world. With its enhanced suspension, powerful torque, and rugged design, it blends Audi’s commitment to high-performance electric vehicles with the growing demand for off-road capable EVs. Whether or not it makes it into full production, the Q6 e-tron Off-Road concept is a strong indicator that Audi is preparing to compete in the all-terrain electric vehicle market, a sector set to grow rapidly in the coming years.
