Available as a conventional SUV or sleek coupé-esque Sportback, the Audi Q4 e-tron joins a host of newly launched premium all-electric compact SUVs. Despite being based on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, the Q4 e-tron is sure to set its sights on the Mercedes EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Both model styles offer a choice of three different powertrain options from launch, including a 299PS all-wheel-drive quattro version.
First deliveries of the Q4 e-tron are expected from June, while the Q4 e-tron Sportback will be available to order in June with UK customer cars arriving in September.
Q4 35 e-tron: Electric motors and electric all-wheel-drive
At the entry-level, the Q4 35 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron use the compact battery with its net energy content of 52 kWh, and combine this with an electric motor offering an output of 125 kW (170 PS) and torque of 310 Nm. In both body variants, this is sufficient for 9 second 0-62mph acceleration, a governed 99mph top speed and a WLTP-certified range of up to 208 miles on a full charge in the SUV (Sportback range data still to be confirmed).
Q4 40 e-tron: Range of up to 316 miles
The Audi Q4 40 e-tron is equipped with the larger battery, which stores a net 77 kWh of energy. The electric motor generates 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm of torque, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time to 8.5 seconds in the run-up to a top speed that is governed at 99mph. One charge is enough for up to 316 miles of range in the SUV (Sportback range data still to be confirmed).
Q4 50 e-tron Quattro: Top model with two electric motors
At the top of the range from a drivetrain perspective, the Q4 50 e-tron Quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron Quattro also use the 77 kWh battery, and here it supplies an electric motor on each axle that contributes to a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque, while also delivering the advantages of all-wheel-drive. Both model variants tackle the 0-62mph increment in 6.2 seconds and continue to a top speed of 111mph. Driving ranges of circa 295 miles are expected for UK versions of both models subject to confirmation following WLTP testing.
the exterior design
The Audi aerodynamics experts have worked closely with the designers to provide further gains in range. At the front, the narrow vertical bars below the headlights channel the airstream smoothly along the vehicle’s side, resulting in a three-mile range uplift, and a minute step on the exterior mirror housings known as the turbulator edge allows the airflow to swirl in a targeted way, which is good for another mile. The 19-inch Aero wheels with their flat designs also facilitate low-loss air flow, notching up an additional three miles, and even the tailgate seal plays its part. Designed to handle the pressure conditions generated by the roof edge spoiler, it adds just over two more miles to the range.
On the Q4 Sportback e-tron, the spoiler sits much lower on the split and steeply raked rear window, and as the area in which the air swirls as it comes off the vehicle is restricted to the zone beneath the spoiler that area is significantly smaller than in the Q4 e-tron. This not only highlights the unique design of the SUV coupé, but also enhances its range by around 7 miles while also reducing the lift on the rear.
LED technology with new variable light signatures
LED headlights are of course standard throughout the new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron ranges. In Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions these include Matrix LED technology, which is also available for Sport and S line models as an optional extra. The Matrix LED units with their 16 individually actuated LEDs not only offer enhanced and even more precisely targeted illumination but also feature variable digital light signatures that represent a world-first for the brand: The driver can switch between four signatures via the MMI touch operating system.
A sound investment – Sonos as a new audio partner
Also new to the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, the world’s leading sound experience company and a new and exclusive Audi partner. Fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions and available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack, the system is incorporated into the Audi soundCube, a fully integrated and easily adaptable software environment.
Sustainability in the spotlight: SUVs with a CO2-neutral footprint
Avoid, minimise, or offset unavoidable emissions: Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron with a neutral carbon footprint at the Zwickau plant using eco-electricity, while the battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. Emissions that cannot currently be avoided are offset by climate protection projects certified by the German technical inspection association or TÜV.