We know that the Audi Q6 e-tron is coming (and we've even driven it), but the German firm isn't ready to show us its new electric SUV in full just yet. No, instead it's teasing us with a full view of the car's high-tech interior.
All the world's a digital stage
Audi's latest release focuses on the Q6's dashboard, and how it offers some of the most advanced technology yet seen from the company. That's quite the brag when Audi is already know for offering some of the most advanced systems in any cars currently for sale.
The main attraction is a dashboard that Audi claims has been designed to be 'human-centric'. There's a new 'digital stage' ahead of the front-seat occupants, which comprises a high-resolution organic LED (OLED) display that measures 14.5 inches across, an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit for the driver, plus a 10.9-inch screen for the passenger.
The main display and driver's dials are joined together in a curved housing that's been designed to look similar to Audi's 'singleframe' grille design, while the passenger display has 'shutter' technology that means it's not visible to the driver so can be used to watch video. It also doubles as a secondary touchscreen for passengers to input navigation data or change audio settings if needed.
Augmented reality navigation
As well as this new touchscreen tech, Audi is also introducing its latest head-up display (HUD) in the Q6 e-tron. This will show driving info as before, but Audi has also integrated augmented reality navigation instructions into the display. The angle of the projector has been moved so that images that are cast onto the inside of the windscreen appear to 'float' around 200 metres ahead of the car, allowing them to be overlaid on the car's surroundings. Audi claims that this will help with navigation, including in poor weather, and is designed to help drivers rather than distract them.
Moving back to the cabin, Audi has added a 'Softwrap' that flows from across the middle of the dashboard and into the doors to form the armrests. On the driver's side, the door features a gloss-black touch-sensitive control panel for the mirror and window controls, replacing the traditional window switches we've seen up to now.
LED ambient lighting is designed to create a floating look for the dashboard, while a new Interaction Light pulses in different hues depending on what the car is doing. If the car is charging, then there's a steady pulse from it, while using the indicators will also activate the light.
Cabin storage will be a highlight of the new Q6 e-tron, courtesy of the car's new PPE platform, a new dedicated electric architecture that will be used by a range of Volkswagen Group models, of which the Q6 is the first. There's a completely flat floor, so there will be plenty of foot space for all five occupants, and Audi has included a large centre console between the front seats with deep storage, wireless phone charging and USB connectivity.
Boot space measures in at 526 litres for the Q6, while folding the 40/20/40 split back seats flat creates 1,529 litres of space. And unlike the smaller Audi Q4, the Q6 has an under-bonnet frunk. There's 64 litres of capacity, so enough for a charging cable or two, or a small bag.
Sustainable materials
Recycled materials feature as part of the Q6's interior trim. Dinamica microfibre cloth is a material that has featured in plenty of recent Audis, and here it uses recycled materials in its construction. There's more recycled fabric in the Econyl floor mats, which make use of old fishing nets and other industrial waste, while a new fabric called Elastic Melange is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. This will be used for seat trim, the Q8's headlining and the Softwrap across the dashboard, although some of its use will be optional.
Expect more info for Audi's Tesla Model Y rival as we edge closer to its on-sale date in 2024. A reveal will take place in the not-too distant future, seeing as this latest release also included teaser images of the car's exterior with only the subtlest of pale grey graphics covering the whole exterior of the car.