First drive: New Audi Q6 e-tron – will powerful all-electric SUV knock rivals for six?

The flagship Q8 is just too big and pricey and the Q4 is not quite hitting the spot for the 2.4 kids and all that ­baggage. But last week, at a secret location in Munich, the dust covers came off the new offering, which is set to send shockwaves through the mid-sized SUV EV segment.

Built on a new PPE platform in conjunction with Porsche, the new Q6 e-tron shares many of the underpinnings of the Macan EV and boasts a face-peeling 510bhp.

It has a sprint to match – hitting 100kmh in just 4.3 seconds – and even comes with launch control on the S model.

Design-wise, there are subtle hints to its potency, with massive 21in rims and styling cues straight from the e-tron GT, with massively flared rear wheel arches and red brake callipers on each corner.

Piano-black inserts, especially in the front apron and at the bottom of the doors, add a touch of class, while state-of-the-art light technology also debuts in the new mud-plugger. It is now possible to configure the LEDs at the front to your own design thanks to 12 separate segments that can be turned on or off.

At the rear, it’s even more tech-savvy, with the coast-to-coast OLED light bar capable of flashing up hazard triangles and strobing flashers to indicate danger should you be in a crash or stop suddenly.

But the real magic begins when you open the door and feast your eyes on the new interior. Audi has worn the crown of king of the cabins for the last two decades and its latest effort ensures that it is still the one to follow.

Bedecked in stone leather upholstery with piano-black inlays and chrome finish, the interior is the last word in luxury and refinement, but the piece de resistance is the new “digital stage”.

This comprises a curved display split into two sections – a 11.9in Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5in MMI touchscreen – for all of the car’s infotainment. It is further enhanced by ambient lighting, making the concave screen seem like it is floating, especially at night.

Not to be outdone by Mercedes, Audi has thrown in a third 10.9in MMI front-­passenger display, where passengers can enjoy a movie, YouTube or browse through a range of apps such as TikTok, Instagram or gaming.

This comes with “active privacy mode”, which prevents it from distracting the driver while on the move.

Expect to see this tech percolate down through the whole range as early as next year, when the face-lifted A5 breaks cover.

Thanks to the new platform, there’s oceans of space on board, including 526 litres of boot luggage that increases to 1,529 with the seats folded flat.

Measuring 4.7 metres long, 1.9m wide and boasting a wheelbase of 2.8m, there’s generous head and legroom in the cabin.

Powering the new Q6 is a massive 100kWh battery that drives two motors: one front, one rear.

Thanks to 800-volt tech, it is capable of charging at up to 270kWh, which will see the Q6 achieve 80pc in 21 minutes or 255km of range in just 10 minutes.

We had a brief spin around a track close to the airport to test the regenerative braking/ one-pedal driving and were left more than impressed by the high level of refinement on offer.

There are many similarities to the Q8 in terms of acceleration and smoothness and that, coupled with a decent range, it is guaranteed to be a winner.

Prices for the new Q6 e-tron will be announced shortly for 242 orders.

First look: New Skoda promises to be Epiq

This (above) is Skoda’s entry-level electric SUV, which will be launched here in 2026 and promises to be Epiq by name and by nature.

Measuring 4.1 metres in length, the new crossover has a claimed range of 400km and will feature a spacious interior with up to 490 litres of luggage capacity.

Billed as the brand’s most affordable electric vehicle, it has big boots to fill as the official replacement for the much-loved Yeti.

Design-wise, it is breaking new ground and will be the first model to sport the “Tech-Deck Face”, with ultra-slim T-shaped LED lights and branding embossed across the bonnet.

A glossy black grille (with the option to customise in different colours) not only gives the Epiq serious road presence, it is also home to the distance radar and the front camera.

A sloping roof line that merges into a deep spoiler adds to the sporty look, as does the chunky bumper and dark chrome Skoda lettering on the tailgate. Inside, the Czechs have gone for a minimalist look, underlined by the matt metallic paintwork in bright moon white.

The floating centre console will be dominated by a large touchscreen, while a bank of switches will nestle underneath. Like the Enyaq, the instrument panel will be small and simple, with speed, range and cruise control info.

For customers who can’t wait until 2026, there’s an all-electric Karoq which will go on sale in 2025. Prices for the Epiq are expected to be in the region of €25,000.

Volvo’s flagship EX90 EV to start at €117,910

It was a mixed bag for Volvo fans last week as the carmaker announced the arrival of its flagship all-electric seven-seater SUV.

With its brand new, in-house designed platform, the hulking EX90 has a claimed range of up to 600km and is capable of super-fast charging – juicing up from 10pc to 80pc in around 30 minutes.

Initially available in a twin-motor all-wheel drive version, it is powered by a 111kWh battery and two permanent magnet motors together deliver 517bhp and a gargantuan 910Nm of torque.

Being a Volvo, the standard safety in the EX90 is high and it sports state-of-the art sensors such cameras, radars and lidar that recognise when you’re distracted, drowsy or otherwise inattentive and take appropriate measures.

The bad news is that the allocation for Ireland has already sold out, but if you are one of the lucky punters, it should be here for autumn and will cost from €117,910.