Audi introduces LCT-busting Q6 entry model to take fight to Porsche Macan twin

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Audi is aiming to give its Q6 E-Tron electric SUV a sales boost with a new entry-level variant that dealers are pricing below the luxury car tax threshold.

The new base grade simply called Q6 is priced officially from $99,900 before on-road costs, though the model is being sold for about $90,000 according to a dealer order document seen by Chasing Cars.

The dealer-discount price crucially places it below the LCT threshold of $91,387 for ‘fuel efficient vehicles’, ensuring this Q6 qualifies for a complete waiver of fringe benefits tax for company car operators.

The Q6 E-Tron range launched in February had started from $115,500 before on-road costs for the Performance grade, equating to a circa-$25K saving for buyers of the new, standard Q6 based on the discount.

Other variants are all-wheel drive and include the $122,500 Quattro and $151,400 for the flagship SQ6.

An Audi spokesperson confirmed the German brand had worked hard to introduce the cheaper variant to help dealers, especially in relation to fleet sales.

The new variant is not yet featured in Audi Australia’s Q6 configurator, though dealer stock info says it will be available from the second half of June.

Audi’s most affordable Q6 shares its equipment level and a single-motor, rear-drive set-up with the Q6 Performance, though it features a smaller battery – 75.8kWh versus the 94.9kWh battery found in other models.

The Q6 produces 185kW and 450Nm compared with 225kW/485Nm for the Performance, with its 0-100km/h claim a second slower at 7.6sec.

It has the shortest WLTP range in the line-up, quoted at 462km. The ADR-based range figures for the all-wheel-drive Quattro Q6 has a 542km range, next is the Performance with 558km, with the SQ6 leading with 568km.

The Q6 has endured a slow sales start in Australia, with just 100 registrations to the end of May according to official industry figures.

Porsche has sold more than 1200 units of its Macan so far this year, though the figure would include outgoing stock of the combustion Macan that is now replaced by an all-electric model that shares its (PPE) platform with the Q6.

The Q6 is also behind the Mercedes-Benz EQB (300 units) but ahead of other direct rivals such as the Lexus RZ (32) and Polestar 3 (71).