Iconic Prototype Showcases the Future of Off-Roading with Audi’s Electric Power
At the prestigious World Cup weekend in Kitzbühel, Austria, Audi has revealed an electrifying vision for the future of off-roading: the Audi Q6 e-tron offroad concept. This groundbreaking prototype pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in off-road electric vehicles, featuring a combination of design innovation and remarkable performance.
The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is powered by two electric motors, delivering a total output of 380 kW, and is capable of conquering gradients of up to 100 percent, thanks to the brand’s newly developed portal axles. These axles provide a dramatic increase in torque, enabling the vehicle to excel on even the most challenging terrain.
Audi’s latest creation boasts a wider track and an increased ride height—an impressive 160 mm (6.3 inches) and 250 mm (9.8 inches), respectively—giving it a striking presence both on and off the road. “The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, after the car’s first test drive. “It shows the immense potential of our PPE platform and is an embodiment of Audi’s commitment to electric off-road capabilities.”
The concept’s innovative portal axles are the centerpiece of this performance boost. Unlike traditional portal axles, which increase torque by 20 to 30 percent, Audi’s new design delivers a remarkable 50 percent increase, enabling the Q6 e-tron to climb steeper gradients. The off-road monster still maintains a top speed of 175 km/h (108 mph), which is more than sufficient for this vehicle’s rugged capabilities.
The development of the Q6 e-tron offroad concept began with one simple question: How can Audi create a truly emotive electric vehicle for off-road enthusiasts? The answer was to integrate four custom-designed portal axles into the vehicle’s front and rear wheel hub assemblies. These new axles increase the combined torque to an astonishing 13,400 Nm (9,883 lb-ft), delivering unmatched off-road performance.
The Audi Q6 e-tron, which serves as the production model foundation for this concept, is the first car built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It combines cutting-edge electric technology with Audi’s signature performance, including outstanding driving dynamics, range, and efficiency. This new concept sets the standard for the future of electric off-road vehicles, proving that electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing capability.
For those eager to see the Q6 e-tron offroad concept in action, the vehicle will make its next appearance at the F.A.T. Ice Race on February 1, 2025—a fitting stage for such a revolutionary machine to continue its trailblazing journey.
