Audi has unveiled a striking new concept car that pushes the boundaries of electric off-roading: the Audi Q6 e-tron offroad concept. Debuted at the world cup weekend in Kitzbühel, Austria, this prototype showcases the potential of Audi’s electric vehicle platform and offers a glimpse into a potential future for the brand in the progressive off-road segment.
This isn’t just a Q6 e-tron with a lift kit. The offroad concept boasts significant upgrades that make it a true off-road beast. Most notably, it features newly designed portal axles, a radical departure from traditional off-road vehicle design. These axles, integrated into the wheel hub assemblies, dramatically increase ground clearance by 160 mm (6.3 in) and widen the track by 250 mm (9.8 in), giving the vehicle its imposing stance.
“The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “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 dual electric motors deliver a combined power output of 380 kW, enabling the Q6 e-tron offroad concept to climb gradients of up to 100 percent (45 degrees). While conventional portal axles offer a 20-30 percent increase in torque at the wheels, Audi’s innovative design boosts that figure to a remarkable 50 percent. This translates to a staggering 13,400 Nm (9,883 lb ft) of combined torque at all wheels (10-second peak), a substantial increase of 4,400 Nm (3,245 lb ft) over the standard Q6 e-tron. This immense torque allows the vehicle to conquer challenging terrains with ease. The trade-off is a lower top speed of 175 km/h (108 mph), which is a reasonable compromise for a dedicated off-roader.
The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is built upon the foundation of the production Audi Q6 e-tron, the first model based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The production Q6 e-tron itself sets new standards for electric vehicles in terms of driving performance, charging capability, range, and efficiency. The offroad concept takes this foundation and adds a layer of extreme off-road capability.
This concept car wasn’t just for show. Audi put it to the test. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept was showcased in action at the F.A.T. Ice Race on February 1, 2025. Enthusiasts could also follow its journey on Audi Sport’s social media channels (@Audi Sport). This public demonstration underscored Audi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and exploring new possibilities in the off-road segment. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept served as a powerful statement, hinting at the exciting future of electric off-roading and the evolution of the legendary quattro system.