2023 Audi Q6 for China looks similar to another Chinese SUV

German automaker Audi has pulled the sheets off the 2023 Audi Q6, its latest release for the Chinese market in partnership with SAIC. While the midsize crossover is noteworthy because of its size, a more prominent conversation piece is its striking similarity to another Chinese release: the Haval Jolion.   

The Q6 is German automaker Audi's third partnership with Chinese brand SAIC

This is probably one of those rare times that a Chinese design served as the template (intentionally or not) for a European brand. It’s usually the other way around, as Chinese automakers typically feature designs derived from their overseas peers, with mixed reactions from the market. 

Anyway, the Q6 displaces the Q7 as the biggest model in Audi’s mainland lineup, riding on the same MQB Evo platform that underpins the Volkswagen Atlas. The Q6 measures 5,099 mm long, 2,014 mm wide, and 1,784 mm high. However, its wheelbase stands at 2,980 mm, slightly shorter than the 2,995 mm used by the Q7.

Its similarities with the Haval Jolion are hard to ignore 

As mentioned, the fascia layout on the Q6 resembles the one used on the Jolion, with horizontal headlamps hovering over the top corners of the massive grille, accompanied by vertical elements reaching down to the front bumper. The design was reportedly inspired by the Chinese mythological creature Kirin, which also refers to Audi’s first matte brown lacquer option, one of eight available exterior body colors for the Q6. 

Even the rear end of the Q6 hews closely to the Jolion’s, with a spoiler mounted atop the tailgate glass and horizontal reflectors joined by a diffuser on the rear bumper. But while the Jolion uses T-shaped tail lamps, the Q6 adopts an LED strip that spans the width of the vehicle. A range of alloy wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches are offered on the Audi.   

The interior of the Q6 uses Audi's triple-screen layout

Inside, the Q6 is available with either two or three seating rows featuring leather upholstery, accompanied by LED ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. It also features Audi’s triple-screen layout, comprising the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, 8.6-inch seat function screen, and 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen patched to a Bang & Olufsen speaker array.  

The Q6 is Audi’s first Chinese model with the fourth-generation 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged engine, coming in two states of tune. One makes 228 horsepower, while the other produces 261 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. A third engine option is the 2.5-liter EA390 rated at 296 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The trademark Quattro all-wheel drivetrain is standard, along with adaptive dynamic suspension. 

Audi's fourth-generation 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged engine makes its debut in China

In China, the 2023 Audi Q6 is available for preorder in four trim levels, starting from 500,000 yuan (Php 4.1 million) to 650,000 yuan (Php 5.34 million). It’s not likely to reach our shores anytime soon, which means the Q7 is still secure as the biggest Audi offered here. 

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