Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q6 E-Tron
What's the difference?

Volvo XC90

$97,990 - $130,990

2026 price

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Audi Q6 E-Tron

$94,880 - $139,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E300

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Volvo XC90

2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

1.8L/100km (combined)

Electric range

598 km

Energy consumption

18.5 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

94.90 kWh

Seating

Likes

New multimedia system
Interior design and materials
Brisk and engaging performance

Gorgeous design inside and out
Powerful and dynamic on-road handling
Quick charging and long drive range

Dislikes

Old school EV driving range
Clunky third row set-up
Unsettled low-speed ride

Not super fun for an S badge
A couple of tech gremlins
Significant price jump from other grades

2026 Volvo XC90 Summary

The first-generation Volvo XC90 remained on sale for 12 years in Australia before being replaced by the handsome second-gen version that recently clocked up a decade of sales.

There’s a reason for the longevity. People love the Volvo XC90. It is a reliable seven-seat family-friendly SUV with a premium bent. You’ll spot loads of these at fancy private school drop off.

Volvo has extended the life of the second-gen XC90 with a significant late-life update. It adopts some features from its stablemate, the similarly sized and positioned EX90 electric SUV.

It doesn’t get a fully-electric powertrain but you have the choice of a mild-hybrid grade that acts as the range opener and the well-equipped T8 Plug-In Hybrid I’m testing.

Interestingly, a number of this car’s rivals have had their lives extended, too. As many carmakers pour billions into EVs, they’ve taken to delivering major updates to older internal combustion platforms rather than developing all-new underpinnings. The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are other examples of this.

For the update, Volvo has ushered in a front-end design refresh, a fresh take on the interior, new multimedia and safety tech, a light tweak to suspension and new colours and wheels.

But is this enough to keep premium SUV buyers interested? Let’s find out…

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2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron Summary

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.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volvo XC90 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron

Verdict

It’s a credit to Volvo that the XC90 feels like a new car, even with its older underpinnings. This latest update has successfully addressed areas that needed the most attention, namely the multimedia system, interior and exterior design. The electric driving range now feels somewhat old school compared to the numbers some manufacturers can achieve these days. A lot of PHEVs now exceed 100km EV range and buyers are starting to expect that. And setting up the third row takes way too much effort to want to do it regularly. The new Volvo XC90 is a comfortable, engaging and properly premium family SUV and the updates have only improved what was already a solid offering.

Verdict

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 it’s 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.

Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q6 E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q6 E-Tron
What's the difference?