Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron vs Land Rover Defender 90

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron starts from $97,935 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron the more affordable entry point by $465.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $107,729 and $108,240 respectively.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Land Rover Defender 90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and Land Rover Defender 90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Land Rover Defender 90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 90.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron gets leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 90 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 2-zone in the Land Rover Defender 90.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron uses a Electric producing 185kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 90 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron measures 4,771mm long on a 2,899mm wheelbase, 448mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 511L in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron a 114L advantage.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.