On Wednesday, Audi unveiled the new Q4 E-Tron electric compact crossover, available in regular versions and a more daring Q4 Sportback E-Tron variant.
The Q4 E-Tron is a smaller sibling of the E-Tron launched in 2019, Audi’s first volume electric vehicle that set the tone for the brand’s future electric vehicles. Since then, we’ve seen the arrival of the E-Tron Sportback and the E-Tron GT, and now the new Q4 E-Tron duo.
The Q4 E-Tron is a corporate cousin to the recently launched 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, with both vehicles designed around the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform for conventional electric vehicles.
However, there’s nothing conventional about the Q4 E-Tron. The sporty-looking car has an interior and exterior as sleek as those found in high-end Audis. For instance, there’s a digital instrument cluster (10.25 inches) and a touchscreen (up to 11.6 inches) on the dashboard, along with a sporty steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls.
A standout feature is the augmented reality head-up display (HUD) in the Q4 E-Tron. The HUD system displays information on the windshield in two sections and should be particularly useful when using navigation. For example, a dynamic floating arrow appears to guide you for turns and exits. Due to the way the image is projected, it appears as if it’s in front of the vehicle, vividly highlighting real-world road features.
The HUD can also display important traffic information, which should be especially helpful in low visibility conditions. For instance, when approaching a vehicle ahead, a light bar will appear to highlight the other vehicle. Other light bars will emphasize critical road features, such as lane markings, preventing you from drifting into another lane.
Beyond technology, buyers can also opt for typical Audi premium features, such as sport seats upholstered in Nappa leather. Given the spaciousness of the related ID.4, we expect the Q4 E-Tron to be comfortable for adults, whether sitting in the front or rear. The vehicle measures 180.6 inches in length, 73.4 inches in width, and 63.5 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 108.7 inches. That’s roughly the same length as the ID.4 but almost 6.0 inches shorter than the rival Tesla Model Y. Maximum storage is 51.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Note that the Q4 Sportback E-Tron will naturally have less space than the Q4 E-Tron due to its lower roof.
The Q4 E-Tron has been announced with two battery options and three drivetrain options (35, 40, and 50), and in each case, a single-speed transmission is used to transfer power to the wheels. A base 35 model comes with a 52-kilowatt-hour battery and a single electric motor on the rear axle with 167 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates it will cover just over 200 miles with this model.
Above this, there’s a 40 model that comes with a 77-kWh battery and a single electric motor on the rear axle with 201 hp and 228 lb-ft. Audi estimates this model will provide just over 300 miles on a single charge.
At the top of the range, for now, there’s a 50 model. This also has the 77-kWh battery but this time a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering a combined 295 hp and 339 lb-ft. This model is estimated to offer just under 300 miles of range. Naturally, this grade is the fastest, with Audi quoting a 0-62 mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.
The larger battery allows for charging up to 125 kilowatts (100 kW for the smaller battery), meaning it will be possible to charge the battery from 5% to 80% capacity in just under 40 minutes. Audi guarantees that the batteries will have at least 70% capacity after eight years of operation or 100,000 miles.
The Q4 E-Tron goes on sale in Europe this summer. Audi hasn’t mentioned the timing for the United States, but the arrival of the Q4 E-Tron later this year as a 2022 model is a strong possibility. Prices and specifications for the U.S. market will be announced closer to the local launch.
