Portal axles, off-road suspension, and beefy tires? It’s almost as if Audi is trying to make us fall in love with an EV. Audi has recently taken the wraps off its Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, revealing a glimpse of what the future might hold for the company’s electric SUV lineup.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said,
“The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro. 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.”
Under the body, Audi has created a platform engineered for electric efficiency and off-road capabilities. With a combined power output of 380 kilowatts from two electric motors, the company has focused on delivering robust power output and longevity in challenging conditions. Advanced electronic controls are expected to fine-tune traction and torque distribution, allowing the vehicle to confidently navigate slippery surfaces such as mud, sand, or snow.
Audi’s approach to off-road capability also highlights the importance of ground clearance and suspension travel, leading to design choices that improve the concept’s approach and departure angles and an increase over the standard of 160 millimeters (6.3 inches) in ride height and 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) wider track. Wheels and tires, specifically chosen for rougher conditions, are matched with a suspension system designed to handle impacts and uneven terrain. These modifications are intended to provide stability and comfort for occupants who venture beyond traditional road networks.
While standard portal axles typically increase wheel torque by about 20-30 percent, Audi’s new design boosts torque at the wheel by 50 percent. This reduces the vehicle’s top speed to 175 km/h (108 mph)—sufficient for off-roading—but enables it to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees. The four portal axles are developed entirely from scratch and integrated into the wheel hub assemblies at both the front and rear. This required partial modifications to the suspension links. The portal axles raise the total torque at all wheels (10-second peak) to 13,400 newton-metres (9,883 pound-feet), an increase of 4,400 newton-metres (3,245 pound-feet).
The Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept incorporates styling cues designed to suit a wide variety of environments, from city streets to rugged trails. Its front fascia maintains the distinctive look that characterizes Audi’s e-tron range, yet it features protective cladding and reinforced lower panels to shield key components from rocks and debris. The cabin, which follows the brand’s push for high-end finishes and technology, accommodates both driver and passengers in an interior intended to function as a calm space during daily commutes and an ergonomic environment during extended journeys off the beaten path, perhaps from ski lodge to cabin and back.
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