Audi is expanding its electric range with a slightly more affordable model. The German brand started its EV offensive with the e-tron and e-tron Sportback and then with the e-tron GT based on the recently launched Porsche Taycan. All these electric cars are really high-end, ranging from 70,000 euros to more than 140,000 euros. The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback change the game because they are built on the MEB platform of the Volkswagen ID.4 and are therefore much more affordable.
SUV or Sportback
The brand with the rings offers two body variants for the Q4 E-Tron: the traditional SUV and the Sportback, closer to the coupe. Both models still look very similar to their 2019 and 2020 concept versions with a tall, but rather narrow silhouette. The front is dominated by a large grille and “air vents,” even though the electric powertrain doesn’t need such cooling.
As you’d expect from Audi, the light signature is very elaborate, both front and rear. But this time the light signature shapes the character of the Audi Q4 even more. With the option of matrix diodes, it is possible to choose 4 different signatures via the MMI system. In terms of dimensions, the Audi Q4 e-tron sits perfectly between the Q3 and Q5 with a length of 4.59 m, giving it almost exactly the same measurements as the Volkswagen ID.4, with which it shares its MEB platform.
Unique space
Although slightly smaller than the Q5, the Audi Q4 e-tron is expected to offer more space thanks to its more compact electric powertrain, which requires a shorter hood and also eliminates the center console in the cabin. Audi promises a generous amount of interior space, both front and rear. The trunk is also quite large, with a volume of 520 to 1490 liters (535 to 1460 l for the Sportback).
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback is as attractive as ever in line with the brand’s other models, both electric and non-electric. The steering wheel is new and features touch-sensitive surfaces to control the various functions. As an option, it can also be flattened at the top and bottom.
Behind the steering wheel is a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch MMI screen, which can be upgraded to 11.6 inches as an option later this year with a screen resolution of 1764. x 824 pixels. This will be the largest screen Audi has ever installed in a passenger car.
Also available as an option is an “augmented reality” head-up display, projecting “on the road” 3D directions from navigation and driving assistants. A final option is the premium audio system from Sonos, which has partnered with Audi for the first time. The option brings together ten harmoniously coordinated high-performance speakers, including a center speaker and a subwoofer. The sound quality is truly exceptional, allowing you to feel the highs and lows in all their intensity, making for a very interesting experience that fans of acoustics will appreciate.
Choice of 35, 40 & 50 e-tron
Three power versions are now available to order: the 35 e-tron, 40 e-tron and 50 e-tron Quattro. The 35 e-tron delivers 170 hp to the rear wheels and is also the only one to make do with the small 52 kWh (55 kWh gross) battery pack, for a WLTP range of 349 km.
The 40 e-tron has a 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle and gets the 77 kWh (82 kWh gross) battery pack, which immediately makes it the version with the greatest range: 520 km.
The 50 e-tron Quattro has the same battery and rear motor, but adds an additional electric motor on the front axle for a total of 299 hp. Because of the higher weight and extra friction, some range is lost.However, in the 50 Quattro it is still 497 km. This is compensated by a sprint to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The smaller battery in the Audi Q4 35 e-tron also means that it cannot charge as quickly: up to 7.4 kW in alternating current (AC) and up to 100 kW in direct current (DC). Models with the large battery reach 11 kW and 125 kW respectively. Under ideal circumstances, you should be able to fill up with energy up to 130 km in 10 minutes.
VERDICT
For 2,000 euros more than its sister, the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback benefits from a number of advantages including the famous electric hatchback and Audi Drive Select as standard equipment. Its powerful, imposing design and long, flowing lines at the front and rear ensure outstanding aerodynamics.
This combination of elements will undoubtedly appeal to forward-thinkers and S.U.V. version compact coupe fans.
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