Audi Q4 e-tron revealed

Unveiled as both the more upright SUV and Sportback five-door coupe, the 2021 Audi Q4 e-tron compact SUV is a direct rival for the Mercedes-Benz EQA due in Australia in June 2021.

The Q4 e-tron is yet to be confirmed for Australia but is being pursued by the local distributor.

Pricing in Germany starts at 41,900 Euros, which equates to about $65,000. Add transport, tariff and other costs and it’s fair to speculate Q4 pricing would start close to the EQA between $70,000 and $80,000 (plus on-road costs) in Australia.

Depending on the motor version, the all-new Audi Q4 e-tron variants achieve a driving range of up to 520km (WLTP) and the top versions come with a maximum output of 220kW and electric all-wheel drive.

First revealed as concepts in 2019, both Q4 e-tron models are offered in three drivetrain variants: the 125kW/310Nm single e-motor rear-wheel drive Q35; the 150kW/310Nm RWD Q40; and the 220kW/460Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive Q50 quattro.

The entry Q35 has a 52kWh (net) lithium-ion battery, while both the Q40 and Q50 use a 77kWh battery pack.

The Q35 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.0sec, has a top speed of 160km/h and a claimed range up to 341km as an SUV and 349km as a Sportback.

The Q40’s key numbers are 8.5sec, 160km/h and 520km. The Q50 claims 6.2sec, 180km/h and 488km (SUV) and 497km (Sportback).

The 52kWh battery can get up to 7.2kW with alternating current (AC) charging and up to 100kW when using high-power charging with direct current (DC). The 77kWh battery allows for up to 11kW with AC and up to 125kW with DC.

The first Audi EVs to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, the Audi Q4 e-tron measures up at 4590mm long (Sportback: 4588mm), 1865mm wide (ditto) and 1632mm tall (Sportback: 1614mm).

Kerb weights start at 1890kg for the Q35 and top out at 2140kg for the Q50 Sportback. The Q35 and Q40 have a 1000kg braked towing capacity, while th Q50 ups that to 1200kg.

Inside, the Q4 e-tron seats five and in the case of the SUV can accommodate up to 520 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place or 1490L with the rear seats folded. The Sportback offers 535/1460L.

Highlights of the interior include a new augmented reality head-up display, a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and a new-look dashboard and digital display.

Underpinning the Q4 is a MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear-end, a choice of 19-to-21-inch alloy wheels and optional sports suspension.

To be built in Zwickau, Germany, Audi says the Q4 would be delivered to customers with a “neutral carbon balance sheet”, meaning it plans to compensate for any CO2 emissions resulting from its manufacture.

The Q4 follows the larger Audi e-tron and e-tron GT into production, while the Q2L e-tron is sold exclusively in China.

“In 2021 the electric offensive is gaining further momentum at Audi,” said Audi CEO Markus Duesmann. 

“For the first time, more than half of all models newly launched in one year are electric. In this way we are more than doubling the number of our all-electric models, from three to seven.”

By 2025 the company plans to introduce more than 20 all-electric models and to further extend its plug-in hybrid portfolio.