The Q4 is Audi’s fourth dedicated electric vehicle
Audi has revealed the Q4 E-tron in production form ahead of UK deliveries of the electric SUV begin in the second half of 2021.
The Q4 is Audi’s fourth pure electric model, following the E-tron, E-tron Sportback and recently unveiled E-tron GT, and it's the first to be based on the MEB electric vehicle platform from parent company VW, also used for the Volkswagen ID 4 and Skoda Enyaq.
The unmistakable design aesthetic of Audi: both come together in Audi’s first compact, fully electric SUV’s. Available in two body styles, the Q4 e-tron is now available to order, with the Q4 Sportback e-tron due later this year. Their road space requirements make them versatile and agile all-rounders, yet their interior space is far from compact - offering unrestricted space and comfort comparable to a full-size SUV.
Initially, the Q4 e-tron comes with a choice of two batteries and two powertrain variants; the 35 e-tron, with a compact 52kWh1battery producing 170PS and a range of up to 208 miles2 – or the 40 e-tron, with a large 77kWh1 battery delivering 204PS and a range of up to 316 miles2. Both are rear-wheel drive – while later this year the even more powerful Q4 e-tron quattro, featuring the renowned Audi all-wheel drive system, will also be available. Q4 Sportback e-tron battery and powertrain information will be available at a later date.
When it’s time to recharge, the 35 e-tron has a 100kW DC charging capability and the 40 e-tron has 125kW. This enables both to recharge from 5 to 80% in 38 minutes3when using a rapid charge public station - easily topping you up during a coffee break. Back home, a domestic charging wall box with a capacity of 7kW AC, will comfortably allow you to replenish the battery overnight3.
The Q4 e-tron makes a statement - its strong and precise lines give it an assured and sophisticated presence. A powerful body with a high front, wide stance and large wheels suggest the strength of an SUV. While the large, enclosed single frame grille signifies it as an electric Audi. The Q4 Sportback e-tron model adds a dash of coupé to the SUV; its sloping roofline creates a silhouette that arcs rearwards and ends with a horizontal spoiler at the lower level of the rear window’s edge. As a final flourish, a dramatic light strip - part of the optional Matrix beam package - illuminates the entire rear width of the cars.
The Audi Q4 e-tron models are packed with the latest Audi innovations: a first for Audi a new optional head-up display uses augmented reality to project driver information seemingly on to the road. Another first is the optional SONOS premium sound system, while standard equipment includes Audi Virtual cockpit; MMI Navigation plus with a 10.1” touch screen and a double-spoke design steering wheel with touch-sensitive operation.
Free from the conventions of combustion power, Audi designers have created a new kind of cabin for the Q4 e-tron models. The absence of a powertrain ‘tunnel’ along the middle yields considerably more knee and legroom. Even with its compact design, there’s up to 520 litres (Q4 e-tron) / 535 litres (Q4 Sportback e-tron) of luggage space, plus an array of clever stowage compartments that make it the ideal family all-rounder. And, with most controls contained within the touch screen and next-generation, multi-function steering wheel, the futuristic dash has a modern, clutter-free look.
Four trim levels are available from launch: Sport, S Line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung. UK pricing for the SUV starts at £40,750 for the 35, rising to £44,990 for the 40 and £51,370 for the 50. Prices for the Sportback model are not yet finalised, but it will likely command a premium of around £1500.