Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron – electric, efficient and full of emotion
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are the latest four-ring cars. Versatile and versatile models, complete, as is usually the case at Audi, with solutions essential for everyday use, transfer the progressive design of concept cars to the world of series production. Locally, both models are emission-free: The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are the first all-electric compact SUVs to be mass-produced from Ingolstadt. Both impress with spacious interiors and innovative solutions for controls, displays and driver assistance systems. Displaying data on a projection display using augmented reality connects the real and virtual world.
Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron
There are three drive options available for both model versions, culminating in the quattro model with a maximum power output of 220 kW (299 hp). The main features of this modern car are: zero emissions in local driving and a long range. Ten minutes of charging in ideal conditions provides enough power to drive approximately 130 km (WLTP). The e-tron charging service helps a lot when charging. The rear wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron achieves a range of up to 520 km on the WLTP cycle.
Audi's next step: exterior design
With the introduction of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron models, Audi is making another milestone in the electric design language. The body lines of these two compact SUVs continue ideas already presented in 2019, along with the then-concept Audi Q4 and Audi Q4 Sportback. The line impresses with its striking proportions: short front overhangs, big wheels and strong muscles. All lines have been drawn with the utmost precision, and surfaces have been crafted in a clear and minimalist manner. The exceptionally low coupe-style roofline of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron ends in a heavily sculpted rear end, while a spoiler sits deep on the two-piece rear window. The Audi brand is characterized by progressive design – functional and aerodynamic: the Q4 e-tron has a drag coefficient of 0.28 and the Sportback 0.26.
Upon request, both compact electric SUVs can be equipped with Matrix LED headlights, which illuminate the road very precisely and accurately without dazzling other road users. Digital light signatures are an absolute novelty on the market: the driver can choose between four signatures using the MMI touch operating system. At the rear, the taillights are united by a uniform light strip. There are eight paint colors to choose from, including the new Aurora Purple Metallic. In addition to the basic equipment, two exterior lines are available: advanced and exterior S line.
One universal vehicle for all: daily electromobility
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are ideal everyday companions thanks to their versatility. Their length of 4.59 m means a new space for passengers, well beyond the limitations of cars in this class. The cabin size is comparable to the capacity of higher class SUVs. There is no middle tunnel either. The feeling of spaciousness is not limited to the front seats. Rear passengers with ample legroom also benefit from a technology platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles. In terms of storage options, the Q4 e-tron product line scores highly for storage compartments with a total capacity of around 25 liters, with bottle holders built into the top of the door as an added bonus. You can safely fit even liter bottles in them and arrange them in a perfectly ergonomic range.
The luggage compartment offers more space than other compact cars, in this respect it is in line with the middle class cars. Depending on the position of the rear seat, boot volume varies from 520 to 1490 liters for the Q4 e-tron and from 535 to 1460 liters for the Q4 Sportback e-tron. The tailgate opens and closes electrically in both versions. Both models can tow a trailer up to 1000 kg (braked, slope 12%) and the quattro versions up to 1200 kg.
Another strong point of this car, which is extremely important in terms of everyday use, is a large range. Q4 40 e-tron (combined power consumption kWh/100 km: 17.3 - 16.3 (NEDC); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0) travels up to 520 km after a single charge to full capacity (WLTP cycle) . Using the myAudi app, the owner can activate the car's charging and preconditioning from their home using their smartphone.
New ideas for a new era: interior and operation
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron is very spacious. The instrument panel points slightly towards the driver. It is divided into separate zones and equipped with two displays, which are also separate design elements. The decorative panel on the passenger side can optionally be made from an innovative technical fabric with a recycled mix. This option will be available shortly after the car hits the market. The gearshift lever is located on a separate horizontal control panel. Seat upholstery made from recycled polyester is available with the S line interior design sport package. About twenty-six recycled 1.5-liter plastic bottles are used for each seat.
The steering wheel is also new, with tactile surfaces to control the digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system and navigation are mainly controlled via the central MMI touch display, which in the highest configuration will be available in 11.6-inch size. The third way of processing is the voice system, which also processes expressions from the spoken language.
On request, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron can be equipped with an additional innovation - a head-up display with augmented reality elements. It overlays images of information provided by some driver assistance systems and navigation symbols on the actual image of the vehicle's surroundings, making them easier for the driver to see. This information is dynamically displayed in a large field of view, where a virtual image appears approximately ten meters from the driver, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Photo: Audi
