The Audi Q6 E-Tron electric crossover wasn’t designed for hardcore off-road use, but a new concept car explores the possibilities of a more rugged EV from the German automaker.
Audi posted photos of the concept—dubbed the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road—on social media Thursday, but didn’t provide much detail on its features. But it appears to use portal axles to raise ground clearance and allow for the biggest-possible tires.
Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Road concept
Unlike conventional axles, portal axles situate the wheel hub below the axle hub, separated by gears. In addition to increasing ground clearance, portal axles allow for a wider stance, and the additional set of gears allows for lower gearing beyond the differential.
Mercedes-Benz previously used portal axles for a concept version of its EQC electric crossover, which was originally slated for U.S. sales but never made it here. That concept scouted the trail for Mercedes’ electric G-Class, but it’s unclear if Audi has a similar off-road production model in mind.
Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Road concept
Audi teased a more rugged EV in 2023 with the Activesphere concept, which was based on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) as the Q6 E-Tron. PPE, which brings high-power charging hardware pioneered in the Audi E-Tron GT to more EVs, is also shared with the A6 E-Tron sedan and the electric version of the Porsche Macan.
The Q6 E-Tron Off-Road is based on the sleeker Sportback body style of the Q6 E-Tron, which hasn’t reached the U.S. yet. Only the standard SUV body style is currently available to order in the U.S., as a 2025 model, with a $65,095 base price including a $1,295 destination charge. It offers up to 321 miles of EPA, and a first drive in California indicated achieving something close to that in the real world isn’t a stretch.