All-new Audi Q6 e-tron raises the bar with voice command an self-driving technology

(Front view) The new Q6 e-tron is fitted with the latest Audi Assistant function that responds to voice commands, including indirect instruction. Complementing this is a self-driving system.

“Hey, Audi.” In the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron, these words literally open the window to a new way of interacting with the fully electric SUV — which redefines driving convenience and safety not just with a voice command feature, but also with self-driving technology.

The new Q6 e-tron’s Audi Assistant feature responds to voice commands so operating select functions is convenient, safe, and quick, elevating the in-cabin experience.

Rather than scrolling through menus and reaching for controls, the new Q6 e-tron’s Audi Assistant can adjust climate settings, set navigation routes, select music, place calls, or operate windows through voice command. The technology steps up to the next level not only with natural voice recognition capability (users can speak naturally), but also by being able to understand indirect instructions. 

Users can simply say “Hey Audi, I have cold feet” and the system will warm the new Q6 e-tron’s foot well, for example.

Plus, it is not only the driver who can command the system. Thanks to a microphone module in the new Q6 e-tron’s ceiling, the Audi Assistant is able to recognize if it is a passenger who is entering a command, then determine whether the command is applicable.

Passengers can only control functions that are relevant to them, like seat heating, climate settings, or the passenger-side window.

The Audi Assistant is seamlessly integrated into the new Q6 e-tron’s “Digital Stage” consisting of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch Audi MMI panoramic touch display, and the 10.9-inch MMI passenger touch display.

The MMI panoramic display provides access to infotainment, climate, navigation, and smartphone functions. The MMI passenger display lets the front-seat occupant manage navigation and entertainment options without distracting the driver.

And for users who appreciate visual confirmation, the Audi virtual cockpit, the dynamic interaction light (IAL) running across the dashboard, and augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD) provide graphic feedback.

Complementing the Audi Assistant voice command feature in the new Q6 e-tron is another advanced feature: Self-driving technology. 

When the new Q6 e-tron’s adaptive cruise control is activated, it automatically maintains a pre-selected speed and adjusts for changes should the vehicle in front slows down. It also determines the ideal distance from the vehicle in front and will react instantaneously.

In stop-and-go traffic, the self-driving system can slow the new Q6 e-tron to a standstill and can also set it off again without driver intervention.

When combined with the lane departure assist that keeps the vehicle between lane markings on the road (even steering it around bends), the new Q6 e-tron is able to provide self-driving functions to make traveling more convenient.

Supporting the model’s adaptive cruise control and lane departure assist are equally advanced systems, including swerve assist, front turn assist, cross traffic assist, emergency brake assist, and the Drive and Park function.

The new Q6 e-tron is powered by a single Permanent magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) mounted at the rear that delivers 326 horsepower and 485 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, allowing the SUV to travel up to 640 kilometers on a full charge (as WLTP-rated).

Together, the self-driving technology and voice command function reimagine the interaction between users and the new Q6 e-tron — which begins with saying “Hey, Audi.”