What's the difference?
Sharing the same Volkswagen Group PPE platform as its main rival, the Porsche Macan 4S, the newly launched Audi SQ6 e-tron has promised both efficiency and performance.
Is it a combination that can be achieved in real life? My family of three have been testing it out this week to find out for you.
Remember those extra-long Australian luxury sedans like the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman/Caprice?
The patriotic choice in an era where that mattered and further protected by tariffs on imports that made them barely any more expensive than a base mid-sized Euro like a BMW 318i, they dominated the top end of the market with their sheer size outside, vast space inside and big-six or V8 grunt.
Like they used to say, there is no substitute for cubic inches.
Well, the spirit of these beloved local social-climbing classics lives on in just one modern car in 2025, the Genesis G80. Over three generations since 2008, it has been Hyundai’s tilt at the premium establishment, in much the same way as the Fairlane and Caprice were, and Toyota’s Lexus luxury brand still is.
We take a dive into the latest petrol-powered range-topper version, the 3.5T All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Sport Luxury (SL), which gives off more than its fair share of vintage HSV Grange vibes.
When it comes to a performance electric SUV, the Audi SQ6 e-tron is a fine example and showcases a masterclass in design. It drives and handles beautifully, even if itโs not as fun as I expected.
The technology looks amazing and I'm sure the little bumps we experienced will be ironed out with a software update.
The SQ6 will suit a smaller family best but the decent driving range and fast charging capabilities means regional families might like it too.
Overall, then, the flagship G80 tries to be docile Clark Kent and the amazing Superman in one. As such, it stretches itself trying to be both a luxury GT and high-functioning sports sedan.
But while it doesnโt quite achieve either perfectly the Genesis gets near enough for most โ especially at its exceptional price point.