Audi Q6 e-tron: India's First Locally Assembled Electric SUV
Audi has been India's most desirable car for a decade now. Audi has marked its position really strong in the Indian Automotive market but now it seems it is also trying to fit in properly in the EV market as it is set to make a significant move in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Q6 e-tron which will be the brand's third EV in the country. This electric SUV is expected to hit the market by the end of 2024 and will be India’s first locally Assembled Audi’s EV.
The assembly of the Audi Q6 e-tron will take place at the Skoda Auto-VW Aurangabad plant using Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. This approach is likely to result in a more aggressive pricing strategy, with the expected price being around Rs 85 lakh (ex-showroom). This price point is currently unoccupied by any other luxury EV in India, giving Audi a potential edge in the market.
Positioned between the Audi Q4 e-tron, which is available internationally, and the larger Q8 e-tron (priced at Rs 1.15 crore in India), the Q6 e-tron aims to attract a wide range of luxury EV buyers. In comparison, smaller luxury EVs like the BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA and EQB, and Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge are priced between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 75 lakh, while larger models like the Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV, and BMW iX are all priced over Rs 1 crore. The strategic pricing of the Q6 e-tron fills a gap in the market, potentially making it an attractive option for consumers looking for a luxury EV.
The Audi Q6 e-tron is expected to come in different variants. The dual-motor Quattro all-wheel-drive variant will offer 285kW (388hp) and a range of 625km as per the WLTP certification, powered by a 100kWh battery. There's also a single-motor, two-wheel-drive variant with 240kW (326hp) that can go up to 641km on a full charge. Additionally, a version with a smaller, approximately 80kWh battery is rumored, but it’s unclear if this will be introduced in India, given the limited demand for lower-spec models like the Q8 e-tron’s 50 Quattro variant.
Audi plans to expand its Q6 e-tron lineup with more powerful and sportier versions. The SQ6 e-tron, expected in early 2025, will boast 516hp from the same dual-motor powertrain and will be priced at around Rs 1.1 crore. This variant will feature stiffer suspension for better handling and a WLTP-rated range of 598km. Following the SQ6, Audi might also introduce the RS Q6 e-tron, a high-performance variant with over 600hp, possibly using technology from the Porsche Macan Turbo. However, it's uncertain if this model will be available in India.
Additionally, Audi is likely to launch the Q6 Sportback e-tron, a coupé SUV variant, which, like other Sportback models, may come with a premium price and a longer range due to its aerodynamic design. The Q6 e-tron's PPE platform will also support the upcoming A6 e-tron sedan, set to be revealed later this year and likely to arrive in India by late 2025. This sedan will share powertrains with the Q6 e-tron but might offer even greater range thanks to its sleeker profile.
In Conclusion, The introduction of the Audi Q6 e-tron, with its local assembly in India, marks a significant step for Audi in the Indian market. By filling a unique price point and offering advanced technology and impressive range, the Q6 e-tron is poised to capture the interest of luxury EV buyers in the country. With plans to expand the lineup with sportier and more powerful variants, Audi is not only setting a new milestone with its first locally assembled EV but also paving the way for a more diversified and competitive EV market in India.
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