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Audi Q6 e-tron vs Smart #5
Selected trimquattroChange trim381 mi · 100 kWh · £68,975
At a glance
In this comparison, Audi Q6 e-tron leads on motorway range, charging speed and running costs, while the Smart #5 leads on value for money, family practicality and city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q6 e-tron if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.2p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Smart #5 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Audi Q6 e-tron leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueSmart
Audi
5.8
Smart
6.4
Motorway RangeAudi
Audi
7.9
Smart
2.7
FamilySmart
Audi
8
Smart
9
ChargingAudi
Audi
8.2
Smart
5
Cost Per MileAudi
Audi
3.7
Smart
1.6
City DrivingSmart
Audi
1.9
Smart
3.2
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Audi Q6 e-tron
quattro
- 93 miles more WLTP range
- 120 kW faster rapid charging
- 8 min quicker 10-80% rapid charge
- 35 kW more power
- 1.0s quicker 0-62 mph
- 400 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £68,975 | £39,800 (better) |
| Official range | 381 miles (better) | 288 miles |
| Boot space | 526 L | 630 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 22 min (better) | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
Size Comparison
View:
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Audi Q6 e-tron
Smart #5
Length
Audi Q6 e-tron4,771mm
Smart #54,695mm-76mm
Width
Audi Q6 e-tron1,939mm
Smart #51,920mm-19mm
Height
Audi Q6 e-tron1,685mm-20mm
Smart #51,705mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,771 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,939 mm | 1,920 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,193 mm | 2,169 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,685 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.1 m | Not available |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 461 mm spare | 480 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 526 L | 630 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1529 L | 1530 L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 47 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 2,000 kg (better) | 1,600 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Audi Q6 e-tron
- 381 mile WLTP range, longer than 90% of SUVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 270 kW, faster than 85% of SUVs in our catalogue.
- Braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg, a stronger tow rating than 80% of SUVs we track.
Smart #5
- Boot space of 630 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Audi Q6 e-tron quattro |  Smart #5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.77m | 4.70m-76mm |
| Width | 1.94m | 1.92m-19mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.19m | 2.17m-24mm |
| Height | 1.69m | 1.71m+20mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.89m | 2.90m+11mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 190mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 526L | 630L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1529L | 1530L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 47L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.1m | Not available |
| Kerb Weight | 2,150kg (better) | 2,200kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000kg (better) | 1,600kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 100kWh (better) | 76kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 381 mi (better) | 288 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 270kW (better) | 150kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £68,975 | £39,800 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2024+ | 2025+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 381 miles (better) | 288 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 318 miles (better) | 202 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 22 min (better) | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 270 kW (better) | 150 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 185 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 94.9 kWh (better) | 76 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 800V | 800V |
| Heat pump | Not available | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
| Power | 285 kW (better) | 250 kW |
| Torque | 485 Nm (better) | 373 Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Audi Q6 e-tron
quattro
Smart #5
Pro
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Audi Q6 e-tron
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Audi Q6 e-tron quattro
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant91%
Child Occupant92%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist80%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart #5 Pro
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users84%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Audi Q6 e-tronquattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | Not available |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Audi Q6 e-tron
quattro
Owners love
- Owners describe the handling as sharp and agile, feeling smaller to drive than its size suggests.
- Standard equipment is generous even on the Sport, with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, keyless entry and heated seats and steering wheel.
- The deep boot and large front storage area are praised as practical.
Watch out for
- The ride on sports suspension and larger wheels, notably the Edition 1 on 21-inch wheels, is widely described as too firm for the price.
- Several owners find road and wind noise more noticeable than in the older e-tron and Q8 e-tron.
- Early cars had software faults: a digital key that needed a dealer update, missing Wi-Fi connection and infotainment errors.
Owner tips
- Test drive the exact wheel and suspension combination you are considering, as the ride varies a lot across versions.
- A Sport or S line on smaller wheels is the comfort pick according to owners.
Smart #5
Pro
Owners love
- Exceptional interior space with comfortable rear legroom, reclining seats, and 630 litres of boot space
- Outstanding acceleration (3.8 seconds 0-62mph) and impressive 800V fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes at optimal conditions)
- Advanced infotainment with three screens, superb conversational voice control, and premium materials (Alcantara, vegan leather)
Watch out for
- High energy consumption significantly impacts real-world range compared to competitors despite 335-mile WLTP rating
- Design is polarizing and divisive; frequently compared unfavorably to the Nissan Cube with questionable styling details
- 335-mile WLTP range underwhelming for a 100kWh battery and not class-leading compared to rivals
Owner tips
- Test drive the rear-wheel drive base models which offer better steering feel, more dynamic handling, and additional frunk space compared to all-wheel drive variants
- Visit dealerships in person to confirm driver's seat comfort if over 6 feet tall and test voice assistant behavior to ensure it suits your driving style
Buying options
Get a quote
Audi Q6 e-tron
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart #5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Audi Q6 e-tron
- £44,1662026Car360View
- £60,2992026Car360View
- £49,9992025Car360View
Smart #5
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q6 e-tron worth the extra £29,175 over the Smart #5?
The Audi Q6 e-tron costs £29,175 more than the Smart #5. For that premium it adds 93 miles more WLTP range, 120 kW faster peak rapid charging and 35 kW more power. The Smart #5 is not just cheaper - it also offers 104 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Audi Q6 e-tron comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Audi Q6 e-tron or the Smart #5?
The Smart #5 is £29,175 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £176 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Smart #5 comes out roughly £29,055 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 318 miles for the Audi Q6 e-tron and 202 miles for the Smart #5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Audi Q6 e-tron goes roughly 116 miles further between charging stops. A rapid charge to 80% takes around 22 minutes in the Audi Q6 e-tron and 30 in the Smart #5, so the Audi Q6 e-tron loses less time at each stop. That makes the Audi Q6 e-tron the stronger long-distance car.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Audi Q6 e-tron or the Smart #5?
The two are within 19 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 480 mm of total clearance for the Smart #5 and about 461 mm of total clearance for the Audi Q6 e-tron.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Audi Q6 e-tron or the Smart #5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Audi Q6 e-tron and 90% for the Smart #5. That gives the Smart #5 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Smart #5's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Audi Q6 e-tron's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Audi Q6 e-tron comparisons
More Smart #5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Audi Q6 e-tron and Smart #5 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
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Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .