Talking Cars 474: Driving the Audi Q6 E-Tron

Plus, the panel answers questions about the best way to drive a plug-in hybrid, and a roomier alternative to a Mazda CX-5

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

June 11, 2025

Main Theme
In this episode of the Talking Cars podcast, we discuss our initial impressions of the new 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron SUV.

The Q6 E-Tron is the brand’s first vehicle built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) EV architecture, which is the basis for all new and future Audi and Porsche electric vehicles. It shares much of its underlying design with the new Porsche Macan Electric SUV and the upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron sedan. The five-passenger EV is larger than the Q4 E-Tron and the internal-combustion Q5 SUV. With production of the Q8 E-Tron having ended this past February, the Q6 is currently Audi’s largest EV. We cover how the SUV drives and handles, the new infotainment system and connected services, and what we would advise buyers to look for when considering the Q6.

Audience Questions
• What is the most efficient way to drive a 2017 Audi A3 E-Tron in order to maximize its electric range?
• What family-sized SUV would we suggest to an audience member who values all-wheel drive, decent fuel economy, reliability . . . oh, and the ability to fit three Labrador Retrievers?

Talking Cars episode 474 podcast panel — “Talking Cars” panelists (from left) Jon Linkov, Jen Stockburger, and Mike Crossen.

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Recent Episodes

• Driving the Buick Enclave, episode 473
• Driving the Kia K4, episode 472
• Driving the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, episode 471
• 2025 New York Auto Show Highlights, episode 470
• Driving the 2025 Nissan Murano, episode 469

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.