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Recently updated on October 4, 2021 at 09:28 am
Photo credit: Audi
With the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, the brand with the four rings is presenting its first all-electric cars in the compact segment. Under the expressively designed body, both SUVs offer a large interior, a high level of everyday practicality and strong loading and driving performance. Depending on the engine, they reach ranges of up to 520 kilometers (WLTP), the top versions drive with 220 kW (299 PS) (maximum output determined according to UN-GTR.21.) Maximum output and electric all-wheel drive off the assembly line. With the augmented reality head-up display, a groundbreaking operating innovation can be brought on board if required.
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They are versatile all-rounders for everyday use, they bring the progressive design of the concept studies into series production and they drive locally emission-free: the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron are the first compact electric SUVs from the brand with the four rings. Both convince with a new spatial dimension in the interior and with pioneering solutions for operation, display and assistance systems. The augmented reality head-up display connects the virtual and real world in a completely new way.
The offer is made up of three drive variants, at the top of which is a quattro model with 220 kW (299 PS) (maximum output determined in accordance with UN-GTR.21.)12 Maximum performance is available. What they all have in common: locally emission-free driving and long ranges, charging times of around ten minutes for around 130 kilometers under ideal conditions (WLTP) and convenient charging with the e-tron Charging service. The rear-wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron3 achieves a range of up to 520 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. Sales will start in Europe in June 2021, in Germany prices start at 41.900 euros - customers can claim 9.000 euros in funding (net).
The next step from Audi: the exterior design
With the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron Audi is taking the next step in the design language of its electric models: the two compact SUVs bring the lines into series production, which the Audi Q4 concept and Audi Q4 Sportback show cars e-tron concept at the beginning of 2019. It impresses with its striking proportions: short front overhangs, large wheels and powerfully formed muscles. All lines are drawn with the utmost precision, the surface treatment is clear and reduced. With the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron the particularly low, coupé-like roofline flows into an expressively designed rear, with the spoiler sitting low on the two-part window. Typically Audi, the brand's progressive design is as functional as it is aerodynamic: the Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0,28, the Sportback even achieves a drag coefficient of 0,26.
On request, the two compact electric SUVs with Matrix LED headlights can drive off the assembly line - they always illuminate the road as brightly as possible without dazzling other road users. The digital light signatures are a world first: the driver can choose from four signatures in the MMI touch operating system.
At the rear, a strip of lights connects the tail light units with one another. There is a choice of eight paint finishes, including the new shade of aurora violet, metallic. In addition to the basic version, there are two exterior lines, Advanced and S line.
One for all and all: E-mobility suitable for everyday use for all situations
Due to their versatility, the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron perfect companion in all situations. With a length of 4,59 meters, they offer a package that gives passengers new space on board and exceeds familiar class boundaries. The space in the interior is comparable to that of the SUV upper class, there is no center tunnel. The feeling of space is not only airy in the front seats - the passengers in the rear also benefit from the advantages of the technical basic version, which is designed as a purely electric platform, thanks to the generous legroom. The Q4 scores well when it comes to filing e-tron Series with a total of around 25 liters of storage space, a highlight are the bottle holders integrated in the upper door area. Bottles with a capacity of up to 1,0 liters can be stored in them safely and ergonomically within easy reach.
The luggage compartment also exceeds the usual dimensions in the compact class - it corresponds to that of the middle class: in the Q4 e-tron its volume is 520 to 1.490 liters, depending on the position of the rear seat backrests, while the Sportback has 535 to 1.460 liters under an electrically powered flap. Both models can tow trailers weighing up to 1.000 kilograms (braked, on a 12 percent gradient), the respective quattro variants even up to 1.200 kilograms.
Another strength in everyday use is the long range - the Q4 40 e-tron3 drives up to 520 kilometers (WLTP) on one battery charge. Thanks to a maximum charging capacity of 125 kW, it can charge electricity for around 130 kilometers (WLTP) in around ten minutes under ideal conditions. With the myAudi app, the customer triggers charging at home and preconditioning via smartphone.
New ideas for a new era: the interior and the controls
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron looks wide and airy, the instrument panel is oriented towards the driver. It is divided into separate areas and integrates two displays that are design elements at the same time. The decorative panel on the passenger's side is available on request with a new type of technical fabric with a proportion of recycled material, it will follow shortly after the market launch. A separate horizontal control island carries the shifter for selecting the gear steps. For the sporty S line interior, there are seat covers that contain a high proportion of recycled polyester. Around 26 recycled 1,5-liter PET bottles are used for each seating system.
The steering wheel with its seamless touch surfaces, which the driver uses to control the digital instrument cluster, is also completely new. Infotainment and navigation are primarily operated via the central MMI touch display, which will also be available in the largest version with 11,6 inches towards the end of the year. Operation using natural language is the third operating level.
The Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron another innovation on board - the augmented reality head-up display. It places the information from some assistance systems and the symbols of the navigation system over the real outside world for the driver to see. They are displayed dynamically in a large viewing window. There they appear to be floating virtually at a distance of around 10 meters or more from the driver - a fascinating effect.
Fully digital: the Q4 e-tron is an e-mobility device
The Q4 e-tron Models offer a fully digital user experience. The infotainment offer in the electric compact SUVs is structured in three stages - from the MMI to the MMI plus to the MMI pro. Depending on the expansion level, there are different functions, including the augmented reality head-up display and the Audi virtual cockpit plus. The Audi connect online services are available in the optional levels, including the intelligent one e-tron Route planner for calculating an optimal route along the public charging infrastructure. With the premium sound, a new partner comes into the vehicle with SONOS - its sound system combines lifestyle, technology and design in a new dimension.
For City commuter and Long distance rider: Battery, drive and charging options
The drive portfolio of the two electric compact models meets the expectations of very different customer groups - from urban commuters to long-distance drivers. It includes two battery and three drive variants. The compact battery for the Q4 35 e-tron4 offers 52 kWh net energy content (55 kWh gross), with the large battery in the Q4 40 models e-tron3 and Q4 50 e-tron four1 it is 77 or 82 kWh.
With the Q4 35 e-tron4 and the Q4 40 e-tron3 An electric motor drives the rear axle, which has an output of 125 kW (170 PS) or 150 kW (204 PS). The top engine Q4 50 e-tron four5 uses two electric motors for electric all-wheel drive. They bring it to 220 kW (299 PS) (according to UN-GTR.21 determined maximum power.)1Maximum power - enough for a sprint from zero to 100 km / h in 6,2 seconds and a top of 180 km / h, which is electronically limited. For reasons of efficiency, the motor on the front axle is only active when high performance or strong grip is required. Another important factor for energy-efficient driving is intelligent recuperation, which includes navigation and topography data, among other things. The optional heat pump uses the waste heat from the high-voltage components and the ambient air to air-condition the interior. It thus makes a further contribution to increasing efficiency, especially on longer routes.
The two new electric SUVs from Audi can charge alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), with different capacities depending on the battery. With the compact battery it is up to 7,2 kW for AC charging and up to 100 kW for HPC charging (HPC = High Power Charging) with direct current. The large battery enables up to 11 kW with AC and up to 125 kW with HPC charging as standard.
The Audi e-tron Charging Service opens up around 210.000 public charging points in 26 European countries with one charging card, including 4.400 HPC fast charging points (as of April 2021). In the transit tariff, customers of the Q4 e-tron no basic fee in the first year. Here you benefit above all from the preferential conditions within the IONITY network: The charged kilowatt hour costs 31 cents, which corresponds to the price level for charging at home in Germany.
Intelligent networking: the chassis and the driver assistance systems
The high-voltage battery of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron lies between the axles, which ensures a low center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution. The control systems for the drive and chassis are closely networked - the compact electric SUVs are safe, sporty and comfortable to drive at the same time.
On request, Audi can supply Q4s for all e-tron Variants a sports suspension that lowers the body by 15 millimeters (standard on the S line). In addition, there is the Audi drive select system with different driving profiles (standard on the Sportback) and progressive steering, which works more and more directly as the steering angle increases (standard on the quattro models). Audi drive select is also available in the Sportback with rear-wheel drive. The chassis with damper control - an option for all engines - makes the driving experience even more versatile. The range of wheels ranges from 19 to 21 inches and includes several aero designs - their largely closed rim design pays for the efficiency account.
Even as standard, the compact electric SUVs come off the production line with numerous assistance systems. They include the predictive efficiency assistant, which supports a predictive and fuel-efficient driving style. The optional systems are - like many other equipment features - divided into packages. The highlight among them is the adaptive driver assistant, which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range. The cameras are particularly helpful in city traffic and when parking.
Market launch in summer: prices and edition models
The Audi Q4 e-tron starts in June 2021 in the European markets, the Q4 Sportback e-tron will follow in late summer. In Germany the price list starts at 41.900 euros for the Q4 35 e-tron4, the Sportback is around 2.000 euros more in all variants. Two edition models flank the market launch: The elegant Edition One in geyser blue brings the design of the Q4 show car e-tron concept in the series, the progressive Edition One in typhoon gray attracts attention with pronounced sporty and dynamic accents. The edition models are consistently 6.195 euros each over the regular models.
Focus on sustainability: the Q4 e-tron comes CO on the balance sheet2-neutral to the customer
Avoid, reduce and offset unavoidable emissions: Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron climate-neutral on the balance sheet. The plant in Zwickau uses green electricity, and the suppliers of the battery cells are also obliged to use only “green” electricity in their production. Emissions that cannot currently be avoided are offset by TÜV-certified climate protection projects. They meet the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.
In all vehicle projects, Audi and its suppliers systematically advocate responsible behavior. Since 2017, the company has been reviewing its partners with a sustainability rating it developed in-house to ensure resource-saving production and compliance with social standards.
