Audi has unveiled a wild off-road concept based on its Q6 e-tron electric SUV to show the potential of its PPE electric car platform.
Using a Q6 e-tron Sportback as its base, Audi has raised the suspension by 160mm and widened the track by 225mm courtesy of huge wheelarch extensions to accommodate the big knobbly tyres. The firm says it is ‘redefining quattro’ with this concept.
New front and rear bumpers help to enable various modifications, with the front being distinguished by an imposing five-LED lighting signature. A roof rack is also fitted, naturally.
But of greater note is what’s under the surface, with four portal axles used – as seen on cars such as the Mercedes G-Wagon-based 4×4² – that feature a gearbox within the wheel hub, allowing the axle to be positioned higher than the wheel. It enables far greater ground clearance as a result and means huge tyres can be fitted – as evidenced on this Q6.
While the Q6 e-tron’s power remains the same as the SQ6 at 510bhp, the portal axles allow for a monstrous increase to torque to a staggering 9883lb ft. Audi says its new design of axles enables around 30 percentage points more torque than typical portal axles and that this concept can climb gradients up to 45 degrees.
Though it might seem quite a far-fetched concept car, Audi has history with off-road concept cars after putting its Q8 e-tron Dakar into production in 2024, with 1,000 units being produced, albeit not for the UK. That means there is the potential for a toned-down version of the Q6 to make production.
Speaking about the concept, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, said: “The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro. The model shows the potential that our platform for all electric vehicles already has today. This vehicle can claim new ground. We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car.”
The Audi Q6 e-tron off-road concept will be seen in action at the FAT International ice race held in Zell am See, Austria, on February 1. CAR will be at the event, so make sure to check out the website and social media channels for live coverage.