Audi Q6 China Only

New Audi Q6 Details

The Audi Q6, tailored exclusively for the Chinese market, has been seen on German roads for its upcoming facelift. This isn’t to be confused with the Q6 e-tron available stateside, which is purely electric. China’s version remains in the traditional gas-powered domain while boasting larger dimensions.

Sneak Peek

The revamped Q6 isn’t just about aesthetic updates like the slick flush door handles and subtly altered grilles and bumpers; it maintains its generous 117.3-inch wheelbase. This ensures more than adequate legroom for rear passengers, with the addition of an optional screen right above the glovebox for front passengers.

Engine and Platform

While the Q6 e-tron on this side of the globe uses the same electric vehicle platform as the Porsche Macan, China’s Q6 variant leans towards the combustion powertrain. It’s built off a modified MQB Evo architecture, commonly shared with the VW Golf and Audi A3, contrasting with the north-south engine layout of bigger Audi SUVs.

Under the hood, most models feature VW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, there’s an intriguing 2.5-liter VR6 option topping the range. This engine choice creates a unique blend of power and drive, but Audi might pivot to focusing on the more efficient EA888 four-cylinder given new tax implications and cleaner emissions standards in China.

Performance and Drive

Driving the Audi Q6 offers a refined experience, balancing the hefty power from the VR6 with the smooth operation of the modern turbo four-cylinder. Comparatively, it aligns closely with the VW Atlas in terms of handling and comfort, while not quite matching the electrifying pickup and quietness of the Q6 e-tron across European and American roads.

Market Release

The current generation, a product of a collaborative effort between Audi and SAIC, first made its debut in 2022. Looking ahead, the newly updated Q6 is speculated to hit the Chinese market around 2026 or 2027, without plans to grace U.S. or European shores. In these regions, buyers will continue to choose from the electric offerings or the ageing combustion-engine Q7.

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This rewritten version presents the key details about the new Audi Q6 model targeting the Chinese market, emphasizing its design, engine configurations, and positioning relative to market variants like the Q6 e-tron and VW Atlas. It provides a comparative look at the driving experience while noting the launch timeline to give readers a clear understanding of this distinctly Chinese model and its expectations.