Audi, once renowned alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz as a member of the “German Big Three” in South Korea, faced a 47.9 percent decline in sales, dropping to 9,304 vehicles and ranking seventh in 2024. Starting with the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron -- a premium midsized all-electric SUV that combines comfort and sportiness ideal for a family car -- Audi Korea is set to launch 16 models this year, seeking a turnaround in the Korean market.

The Audi Q6 e-tron, the German luxury carmaker’s flagship model, is the first Audi vehicle to feature the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology, a modular car platform for large electric cars developed by Audi and Porsche under the Volkswagen Group. According to Audi Korea, this advanced platform has enhanced energy efficiency and power output by 30 percent and 33 percent, respectively, enabling a longer driving range and more powerful performance than the smaller Audi Q4 e-tron SUV.

Of the three models – Q6 e-tron Performance, Q6 e-tron Quattro and SQ6 e-tron -- The Korea Herald got the chance to test the premium trim of the Q6 e-tron Performance vehicle with additional convenience features, including the 10.9-inch display in the front passenger seat. The recent media drive covered a round trip of approximately 230 kilometers through Seoul and Gangwon Province.

The standout feature of the vehicle is how it offers a smooth ride on highways or even bumpy roads. Even at speeds over 100 kilometers per hour or when passing over speed bumps, it maintained stability without feeling excessively shaky, which is typical of some SUVs. The car’s PPE platform, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, combined with steel spring suspension and Audi’s new Frequency Selective Damping technology, minimizes road vibration and ensures stable cornering.

With dual-pane glass, the vehicle maintains a quiet cabin even at high speeds, effectively blocking out wind and road noise. This feature is particularly advantageous for those seeking a quiet ride during heavy traffic and commute hours.

Among the four driving modes -- dynamic, comfort, efficient and customized – dynamic mode gives a sportier appeal, with strong acceleration. Unlike the Porsche Macan 4, the Q6 e-tron Performance does not incorporate artificial engine sound, providing a quiet but powerful drive. The car also responded quickly to the accelerator and brake, allowing for fast speed control on the road.

The e-tron model can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 21 minutes, with a range of 468 km on a single charge. Starting with a battery of 99 percent in Seoul, the vehicle drove through Wonju, Gangwon Province, and returned to Seoul with 56 percent remaining after a total of 260 kilometers ride, demonstrating efficient energy consumption.

In terms of the Advanced Driver Assistance System, the car requires more updates as it only provides a warning alert to maintain the center rather than keeping the vehicle centered in the lane.

The Q6 e-tron does not stray far from the design language of Audi’s traditional internal combustion SUVs. It maintains the brand’s flagship single-frame grille while the side profile takes over its SUV shape, complemented by sleek lines and a straight roofline to blend the designs of gas-powered and electric vehicles. Inside, the car boasts an ergonomic design with headrest speakers.

Launched in Korea on Mar. 21, the Audi Q6 e-tron models start with a price tag of 82.9 million won ($55,900).

By Byun Hye-jin (hyejin2@heraldcorp.com)