Audi Q5 vs Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi Q5

Audi’s mid-size premium SUV.

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi’s electric premium SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 if you want a refined, roomy, comfortable mid-size SUV with quattro — a premium, comfort-focused choice.

Best engine: The mid-range 2.0 TDI diesel for the best balance of economy and torque — or the 2.0 TFSI petrol.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron if you want a modern premium electric SUV with 800-volt fast charging and long range — accepting the higher price.

Best engine: The quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs quattro · Electric

	Audi Q5	Audi Q6 e-tron
Power	245 hp	388 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	855 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,3 s	5,9 s Winner
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	165,1 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	0 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Audi Q6 e-tron
Boot	550 L Winner	526 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.529 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,90 m Winner
Length	4,66 m	4,77 m
Width	1,89 m	1,94 m
Height	1,66 m	1,65 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Audi Q6 e-tron
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, shared with the A4/A5)	PPE (Premium Platform Electric, 800-volt)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid	Electric motors (RWD / quattro)
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Electric
Transmission	7-speed S tronic (DSG)	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics are the best-known weak point
EA288 diesels: AdBlue/SCR needs attention with mainly short trips
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips

Audi Q6 e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
As a new model, long-term battery and drivetrain reliability is not yet proven
High-voltage system check recommended before buying used

Pros

Audi Q5

Spacious cabin and large 550-litre boot
Quiet, comfortable long-distance cruiser
Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)

Audi Q6 e-tron

Premium electric SUV on the dedicated PPE platform
Long range with very fast charging for long trips
Audi’s signature quality and refinement in an EV

Cons

Audi Q5

No manual gearbox — S tronic (DSG) only
Options quickly push the price up

Audi Q6 e-tron

Very new, so long-term reliability is not yet proven
High purchase price, especially with options

Driving experience

Audi Q5

As a model line, the Q5 is a refined, comfortable mid-size SUV that feels secure and composed. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is calm, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. Quattro all-wheel drive gives reassuring, planted traction in all conditions. The 2.0 TDI is strong and frugal, the 2.0 TFSI smooth, and the plug-in hybrid glides silently. It prioritises comfort and refinement over sharp handling, so it feels effortless and confidence-inspiring on long journeys and around town.

Audi Q6 e-tron

As a model line, the Q6 e-tron is a smooth, quiet premium electric SUV. The electric motors deliver instant, effortless acceleration, and the ride is calm and composed, filtering out poor surfaces well. It feels planted and secure rather than overtly sporty, and the cabin stays impressively quiet at speed. Regeneration is adjustable for relaxed one-pedal driving in town. With its long range and 800-volt fast charging, it is built to cover long distances with minimal fuss, prioritising comfort and refinement over driver involvement.