During the World Cup weekend in Kitzbühel, Austria, Audi introduced the Q6 e-tron offroad concept, a prototype electric vehicle designed for serious off-road performance. The concept features dual electric motors with a combined output of 380 kW (510 hp) and a unique portal axle design, enabling it to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees.

Audi Q6 e-tron Off-Road Concept Highlights

• Portal Axles: New portal axles increase wheel torque by 50%, allowing the Q6 e-tron to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees and providing 13,400 Nm (9,883 lb-ft) of combined torque.
• Enhanced Off-Road Capability: Increased ride height (+160 mm) and wider track (+250 mm) improve performance and off-road presence.
• PPE Platform: Built on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), designed for high performance, fast charging, and long range.
• Public Debut: The Q6 e-tron will be featured at the F.A.T. Ice Race on February 1, 2025, and on Audi Sport’s social media channels.

The Q6 e-tron offroad concept previews Audi’s vision for an electric vehicle in the progressive off-road segment. Enhancements such as an increased ride height of 160 mm (6.3 in) and a wider track by 250 mm (9.8 in) contribute to its off-road capability and imposing stance.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner described the vehicle as a reinterpretation of the brand’s quattro legacy. “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,” Döllner said after a test drive.

A Closer Look at the Portal Axles

So, what’a portal axle, you may ask? Portal axles are specialized axle systems that increase ground clearance for off-road vehicles by using a series of gears and housings mounted at the axle ends or control arms. This design raises the axle centerline, differential, and wheels relative to the ground, providing extra clearance at the vehicle’s lowest point—often a critical factor in off-roading. Portal axles offer the benefits of larger tires without the associated complications, making them ideal for challenging terrains.

Commonly associated with Mercedes Unimogs and military vehicles like HMMWVs and Hummer H1s, portal axles are also used in agriculture and hardcore off-road competitions. The design resembles stilts on each wheel end, shifting the low point from the axle center to near the wheels.

Portal axles often include gear reduction at the portal box, allowing for a smaller, stronger differential and reduced upstream gear reduction. They work with both solid and independent suspensions, enhancing ground clearance and axle strength. However, they come with downsides: more moving parts increase the risk of failure, high-speed operation raises lubrication and heat concerns, and they are costly.

Audi’s innovative portal axles set the Q6 e-tron apart. These axles increase torque at the wheels by 50 percent, a significant improvement over the typical 20 to 30 percent offered by conventional portal axles. While this design reduces the vehicle’s top speed to 175 km/h (108 mph), it allows the Q6 to climb gradients up to 45 degrees with ease. Combined torque at all four wheels peaks at 13,400 Nm (9,883 lb-ft), an increase of 4,400 Nm (3,245 lb-ft) over conventional setups.

The portal axles are integrated into the front and rear wheel hub assemblies, requiring modifications to the suspension links. This setup enhances off-road performance without compromising the Q6’s electric drivetrain capabilities.

Built on the PPE Platform

The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is based on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which underpins the Q6 e-tron production model. The platform focuses on delivering high performance, fast charging, and long range, making it a benchmark for Audi’s future electric vehicles.

Public Debut at F.A.T. Ice Race

The Q6 e-tron offroad concept will be showcased on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race. Fans can also catch the vehicle in action on Audi Sport’s social media channels.