Audi Q6 E-Tron Overtakes Q5 as Best-Selling Audi in the U.S., Marking a Shift to EVs

(Photo credit: ev.iphonemod)

For years, the Audi Q5 held the crown as the brand’s top-selling model both in the U.S. and globally. But in a historic market shift, the Audi Q6 E-Tron, the company’s new all-electric SUV, has now taken the lead — signaling a pivotal moment in Audi’s transition toward electrification.

EV Sales Surpass Audi’s Longtime Champion

Between July and September 2025, Audi sold 10,059 units of the Q6 E-Tron in the U.S., narrowly edging out the Q5, which recorded 9,719 deliveries in the same period, including its high-performance SQ5 variant. This marks the first time an Audi EV has outsold the brand’s internal combustion engine (ICE) best-seller in America.

Key Drivers Behind Q6 E-Tron’s Success

1. Attractive EV Leasing Incentives – Although the Q6 E-Tron produced in Germany doesn’t qualify for the U.S. federal tax credit on outright purchases, lessees still benefit from a $7,500 incentive (≈ $7,500 / 277,000 THB) plus dealer discounts, making it a highly competitive deal.
2. Q5 Model Transition – With the next-generation Q5 launching this summer, sales of the outgoing model slowed significantly, dropping 34% year-over-year.
3. Strong Product Appeal – The Q6 E-Tron and SQ6 E-Tron have been praised as Audi’s most advanced EVs to date, offering long-range capability, fast-charging technology, and upgraded software far ahead of previous Audi electric models.

Audi Q6 E-Tron Specs Overview

Built on Volkswagen Group’s new PPE (Premium Platform Electric), the Q6 E-Tron comes with a 100 kWh battery and ultra-fast charging at up to 270 kW (10–80% in 20 minutes).

Variants include:

• Q6 E-Tron RWD – Starting at $63,800 (~$2.35M THB), 322 hp, range up to 516 km.
• Q6 E-Tron AWD – 456 hp, range ~494 km.
• SQ6 E-Tron AWD – 510 hp, range ~442 km.

Challenges Ahead for Audi EVs

Despite its strong debut, Audi faces several hurdles:

• The EV lease tax credit program has expired, potentially slowing demand unless new incentives are introduced.
• Import tariffs could pressure pricing, though Audi has pledged not to increase MSRPs for its 2026 models.
• To maintain momentum, Audi is currently offering $6,000 customer incentives (≈ $221,000 THB) on purchases or leases of the Q6 E-Tron until the end of November.

A Milestone in Audi’s EV Transition

The Q6 E-Tron’s rise to the top spot in U.S. sales is more than just a victory over the Q5 — it’s a clear signal of shifting consumer preference toward premium EVs. The first quarter of 2026 will reveal whether Audi’s electric flagship can sustain its sales momentum in the highly competitive luxury SUV market.

Read More:  5 Reasons Why Buying a Used Car in 2025 Is Smarter Than Going Brand-New

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