Audi SQ6 e-tron
PPE platform dual-motor in the Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron. Two PSM motors (front and rear axle). 800V charging system. SQ6 variant with 360 kW sports tune.
Solid electric drive — competent, not exciting
490 hp electric drive for daily use — composed and quiet, but without a special driving character.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Q6 e-tron vehicles were delivered with numerous software bugs: missing CarPlay connection, no sound, doors not opening, wrong language setting, Plug & Charge certificate not recognised. Update KD2 (Nov. 2025) resolved many bugs.
Symptoms: CarPlay does not connect, door lock does not open via app, security system warning without reason, warnings in wrong language. Reboot temporarily resolves symptoms.
Several Q6 owners report harmonic resonance noises from the front area from around 50–60 km/h. Audi plans balance weights for the electric motors in H2 2025/2026 as a solution. Dealers initially classify the noise as normal.
Symptoms: Harmonic humming or droning from the front at 50–60 km/h, independent of tyre brand. Gets louder at higher speeds.
Early owners of PPE platform vehicles also report 12V issues. The vehicle requires regular use; extended standing periods without a charge connection can drain the 12V battery.
Symptoms: Vehicle not ready to start after several days of standing. All systems unresponsive. Jump start or workshop visit needed.
All Q6 e-tron models are delivered as standard with only 11 kW AC charging instead of the expected 22 kW in the premium segment. A full charge therefore takes 9.5 hours. Audi announced the 22 kW option as a later addition.
Symptoms: Wallbox charging takes noticeably longer than expected. Charge power display shows max. 11 kW despite a 22 kW-capable wallbox.
Despite the advertised OTA capability, critical software updates can only be installed at the workshop. OTA is mainly limited to map updates. One update session at the workshop takes up to 3 hours and frequently goes wrong.
Symptoms: Software level outdated without notification. Features missing that should have arrived via OTA. Update at workshop required; new faults sometimes appear after update.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Owners report falsely triggering driver assistance systems: autonomous emergency braking without any obstacle, excessively aggressive lane-keep assist. Software campaigns (06XM, 06XL) are intended to resolve the issue.
Identical to the Q6 e-tron: autonomous emergency braking without a visible obstacle, overly aggressive lane-keeping assistant. Software campaigns are ongoing. Particularly frustrating in the SQ6 as a performance variant when the assistance system intervenes.
After software campaigns some Q6 e-tron units lose all audio functionality: radio, streaming and other sources no longer work. Known issue following over-the-air or workshop updates.
Early 2024 Q6 e-tron units require continuous software monitoring of the high-voltage battery until new firmware (Q1 2025) becomes available, according to Audi. Root cause not fully communicated.
On some Q6 e-tron units the driver's door cannot be opened from outside, while other doors operate normally. Known issue on early 2024 production vehicles.
After software campaigns some SQ6 e-tron units lose all audio functions. Radio, streaming and voice control stop working. Known early-production issue.
Reports & Tests
3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2024–2026). Most reported: Electrical (2), Powertrain (1), Fuel System (1).