Audi Q6 e-tron GF vs BMW iX1 U11

Audi Q6 e-tron
GF · 2024 – 2026
The first-generation Q6 e-tron (GF), on the PPE 800V platform.

BMW iX1
U11 · 2022 – 2026
The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.
Audi Q6 e-tron
Pick the Q6 e-tron for 800-volt fast charging, long range and a modern digital cabin in a premium electric SUV.
BMW iX1
Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.
Performance
quattro · Electric vs xDrive30 · Electric
| Audi Q6 e-tron | BMW iX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
388 hp
Winner
|
313 hp
|
| Torque |
855 Nm
Winner
|
494 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,9 s
|
5,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
210 km/h
Winner
|
180 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
165,1 hp/t
Winner
|
150,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
|
0 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
—
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi Q6 e-tron | BMW iX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
526 L
Winner
|
490 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.529 L
Winner
|
1.495 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,90 m
Winner
|
2,69 m
|
| Length |
4,77 m
|
4,50 m
|
| Ground clearance |
17,6 cm
|
17,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
12,1 m
|
11,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.200 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi Q6 e-tron | BMW iX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PPE (800-volt) | FAAR (electric) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Electric motors · RWD / quattro (PPE 800V) | Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30) |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | Single-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | N/A (electric) |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Software/electronics (early cars)
- Long-term battery & drivetrain data still limited
- High-voltage system check recommended
- OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
- IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
- 12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use
Pros
- 800-volt fast charging
- Competitive range (larger battery)
- Modern digital cockpit
- Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
- Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
- xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive
Cons
- Limited long-term reliability data
- Early software quirks
- DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
- Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode
Driving experience
Audi Q6 e-tron
Quiet, quick and far more efficient than the old e-tron. The Q6 rides comfortably, steers accurately with decent weighting, and feels more agile and lighter on its feet than the GE, helped by the newer PPE platform. Rear-drive is the base; dual-motor quattro adds pace and all-wheel traction. The 800-volt architecture charges far faster on suitable chargers, and the larger battery delivers competitive real-world range. It is a more modern, more rounded electric SUV than the e-tron, with the same hushed refinement and without the efficiency penalty of the early car.
BMW iX1
Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ