With the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche’s Macan already officially launched, you’re going to be hearing a lot more about the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that will underpin future luxury EVs from Audi, Porsche and even Bentley.
The Q6 is said to arrive in Europe this spring and we’re hearing possible arrival in the U.S. later in 2024. Porsche has suggested the Macan will first begin global deliveries about the time the Q6 arrives here, possibly later this year or early in 2025.
Within the Volkswagen Group portfolio, PPE slots-in above the MEB platform that underpins smaller EV offerings such as the Audi Q4 and Volkswagen ID.4. It also isn’t to be confused with the J1 platform that serves to underpin the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan.
Like most modern Volkswagen Group vehicle architecture matrices, the PPE is a flexible setup that allows wheelbases from 113.8 inches to 121.3 inches, and tracks from 64.6 inches to 67.5 inches. Ground clearance is similarly flexible, between 6.0 inches and 8.5 inches. Effectively, that means it’s good for cars and SUVs (source: Motor Trend).
PPE doubles the voltage of the car’s architecture to 800 volts, and can charge with up to 270 kW, uses a 100-kWh battery and should offer a range of more than 435 miles between charges. Charging from 5% to 80% with 270 kW is said to take just 25 minutes on a rapid charger.
This system can handle more powerful all-wheel drive versions, air suspensions and rear-wheel steering. Further advancement in its drive systems mean electric axles that are lighter, more compact, powerful and efficient.
At Audi, the first product will be the aforementioned Q6 and SQ6 crossovers that we previously detailed HERE. Expect the Q6/SQ6 range to expand including a base 268 bhp rear-wheel drive version on the low end, while a 617 bhp RS Q6will round out the top tier.
An A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant will follow shortly thereafter and it’s reasonable to believe power output will be virtually identical to the equivalent Q6 models, centering around developed motor component sets for PPE. This means likely S6 and RS 6 variants. The entry level A6 e-tron will accelerate to 62 mph in under 7 seconds, and the RS 6 version is expected to do the same run in just 3.6 seconds (source: CAR Magazine). CAR also hints at even higher RS competition variants of the RS 6 and RS Q6, possibly around 800 bhp.
Inside, occupants will face three screens: a high-resolution curved panoramic center instrument and touch panel, the large augmented-reality heads-up display and an optional passenger-side monitor.
Cariad, Volkswagen Group’s software division, is said to have teamed with Android Auto to speed the pace of user experience development, though it is said that the new maps supplier is Here, rather than Google from which Audi has been sourcing maps for several generations now.
Later, expect that to expand with an all-electric Q7 replacement (Q8 e-tron replacement?), Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga.
