The Q6 e-tron is not Audi’s first EV; they’ve been in the game since the original e-tron arrived for 2019. But it is the first one to arrive on an all-new premium platform electric architecture. So, time for us to get to work and find out if it’s a foundation that Audi can truly build on.

It’s an interesting time in the auto biz, that’s for sure, as no one is really certain what the future holds for internal combustion engines or even EVs at this point. Audi is of course part of the Volkswagen Group who made a massive investment in BEVs as they emerged from Dieselgate. We continue to enjoy driving the results, the latest of which is this 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.

Even though it shares Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric basics with the Porsche Macan EV, the overall driving experience is similar to the rest of the Audi utility lineup, more so than any previous e-tron EV. Next-gen electric motor design means the standard rear-drive setup gets 302 horsepower from a permanently excited synchronous AC motor. All-wheel drive add an asynchronous AC motor up front for a total 422-horsepower output. Both motors are about 30% smaller and weigh around 20% less than previous e-tron motors.

Range estimates are as high as 321 miles. Our dual-motor setup with 20-inch wheels and 100-kWh battery is rated for 295 miles. A test loop found 260 miles to be more realistic. 800-volt architecture and 270-kW fast charging can fill the battery to 80% in just over 20 minutes. And using 35-kWh of electricity per 100 miles earns a good efficiency rating.

While 422 horsepower is the official rating, there’s a peak of 456 horsepower on hand when using Audi’s launch control. And launch is the appropriate term, as we blasted to 60 in just 4.6 seconds at our Mason Dixon test track. After a big jolt off the line, power continued to build going down the track, with no signs of it tapering off before we finished the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 108 mph.

We also got a chance to hit the track with the Q6’s swole sibling, the SQ6. It cranks out 509 horsepower with launch control, and ripped to 60 in just 3.9 seconds and through the quarter in 12.4 at 112 mph.

Bargain hunters have long known that many Audis unlock Porsche-style high performance for less, and that surely feels like it here. Both the Q6 quattro and the SQ6 felt incredibly nimble in our handling course, with minimal understeer and tremendous grip. Steering was quick and responsive. The SQ6 comes with an adaptive air suspension that can also be added to the Q6 quattro. The biggest benefit seemed to be more away from the track, feeling smoother over irregular pavement. During panic braking runs in the Q6 quattro, there was a nice firm pedal, and quick stops in just 100 feet from 60. There was a good bit of nosedive and be prepared for the seat belt to squeeze you like an anaconda.

As more and more EVs arrive, we also see lots of new active and ambient lighting setups, something that Audi was pioneering before the EV revolution. And if nothing else, the Q6’s can keep you and others entertained while you’re sitting at the charging station. And of course, you can monitor charging status and everything else through Audi’s latest virtual cockpit.

Interior dimensions have the Q6 falling firmly in the midsize luxury segment, though it doesn’t feel that much smaller than the Q8. Audi owners will definitely notice the all-new Digital Stage infotainment setup. This Android-based system is part of a new E3 1.2 electronic architecture that will be used in all future Audis. It’s fully integrated with all vehicle functions, boasting more computer power than ever, along with the ability to seamlessly update just about every electronic function of the vehicle over the air. Here in the Q6, there’s a central 14.5-inch touchscreen for driver interaction, along with an available 10.9-inch display for the front passenger.

Pricing starts with the rear-drive Q6 at $65,095, quattros just two-grand more at $67,095; with the SQ6 quattro starting at $74,195.

The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is more than just another great EV from Audi. It’s truly a next level BEV that not only sets a new benchmark for the Audi brand, but sets them up nicely going forward, as this new platform provides a highly flexible high-tech launching pad for more great Audis to come.

In 2004, Nissan deployed the Armada as a Titan-based full-size extension of the Pathfinder family. Well, it quickly dropped Pathfinder from its name, and by the time the second generation rolled around, switched allegiances to the global Patrol SUV platform. Now the third generation Armada has arrived, so let’s see how it’s armed for battle in the crowded sea of big, big family SUVs.

While the arrival of the last-gen Armada saw major changes, this 2025 Nissan Armada continues on the course that was charted back in 2017. So, it’s still “Patrolling” the ocean of large utilities, looking for families who need an SUV with a real frame and a strong off-road pedigree.

Yes, it still looks massive with a healthy step up into the cabin. Most dimensions are similar to last gen except for width, now over 3 inches wider. The Patrol has a great reputation for off-roading. If that’s your primary mission, Nissan offers an Armada PRO-4X. But, our Platinum Reserve tester is geared more towards on-pavement pampering, and ride is plenty smooth even with 22-inch wheels.

Inside, Platinum Reserve comes with huge comfy quilted leather seats ready to coddle with heating, cooling, and massaging, while you’re listening to tunes through 12-speaker premium audio. Dual large display screens in a single housing is the way everyone is going these days, and the Armada’s approach is nicely integrated. Both the 14-inch gauge display and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen are clear and very customizable. And a nice complement of manual controls in the center stack makes for a very user-friendly experience.

Whether your second-row passengers are enjoying these plush captain’s chairs or the standard three-place bench, they’ll have plenty of space to stretch out. Access to the third row is one-touch simple and the space is adequate for two adults, for seven or eight passenger total capacity. Cargo volume ranges from 20.4 to a generous 97.1 cu-ft.

Like the Infiniti QX80 we tested a few weeks ago, the Armada exchanges its long-running V8 for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with more power; 425 horsepower is slightly less than in the QX, but the 516 lb-ft torque output is the same. All Armada’s work with a nine-speed automatic with standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.

At our Mason Dixon test track, a big hit of torque pulled our 4X4 off the line much quicker than we were expecting. We saw 60 in 6.0 seconds flat. The nine-speed trans comes with paddle shifters, but we found it best to just leave it in auto, as shifts in Sport mode were plenty timely and quick. The biggest thing we noticed going down the track was the engine noise, there was plenty of it, both inside and out. But the smooth power delivery got us to the end of the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds at 99 mph.

It feels like an enormous vehicle on the street. And, it mostly behaved that way in our handling course too. Platinum Reserve’s Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension does firm up nicely to keep body roll at bay, but that just seemed to exaggerate the understeer. Complicating things is the aggressive stability control system. It seemed to be pulling power while also using selective braking, though not always in conjunction. But we guess if you’re going to make a vehicle this big this fast, you’re going to need a lot of systems in place to reign it in for the sake of safety, and the Armada is there. A very soft brake pedal kept things feeling smooth in the cabin during panic braking runs, but the business end was working really hard, a scant 100 feet needed to quickly stop from 60. Very impressive.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings with four-wheel drive are 16 city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. We averaged 17.6 mpg of Premium. Pricing begins reasonably enough at $59,350. But, it escalates quickly through five available grades to arrive at Platinum Reserve’s $79,000.

So, our take is that the 2025 Nissan Armada has gotten a little more rugged throughout the lineup, while also becoming a lot more luxurious in the top Platinum Reserve. It’s a solid, body-on-frame ute, and a great choice whether you’re looking for a family-sized off-roader or just an Infiniti-ish bargain.