Audi Q4 e-tron SUV shown off ahead of Geneva
New renderings of battery-powered SUV suggests Audi Q4 e-tron will maximise interior space by switching to a cab-forward designAudi has revealed the first sketches of its zero-emission Audi Q4 e-tron concept that will make its debut at the Geneva motor show next month.
It's not yet known if the Audi Q4 e-tron concept previews the new Q4 SUV that's set to go on sale later this year, or whether the renderings point towards a standalone pure-electric SUV model.
The confusion has arisen because the model pictured appears to have a cab-forward design that wouldn't be possible if the Q4 e-tron was based on the current Audi Q3.
That's because conventional cars demand a raised bonnet to meet pedestrian impact laws while an electric SUV, like the Q4 e-tron, can position its motors lower than any possible combustion engine out of harm's way.
In any case, it makes sense that a production Q4 e-tron would be based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, making it the first Audi to utilise the advanced architecture built specifically for electric vehicles.
Featuring styling shared with current models like the Q8, the latest Audi gains ultra-slim LED headlights that sit above two giant air intakes and another trapezoidal horizontal air intake below.
The side profile shows off its coupe profile and a dramatic rising belt line, complex door surfacing and wide front- and rear arches.
Expect the production car, that's set to go on sale in 2020, to be significantly toned-down.
Inside, it's clear the smaller Q4 e-tron is closely-related to the e-tron GT Concept with a hexagonal steering wheel, similar centre console and infotainment system that's angles towards the driver.
Audi has not revealed what battery its latest e-tron model gets, nor has it said how powerful its twin motors are, but we expect a range of at least 500km.
Originally it was thought the Q4 model line-up would simply be a more rakish version of the current Audi Q3 to help the car-maker go head-to-head with SUVs like the BMW X4.
Now, it seems that if there's petrol, diesel and hybrid versions Audi will produce two Q4s -- the production version of the Q4 e-tron you see here and another compact SUV built on the MQB platform that supports internal combustion engines.
As revealed by last month's leak the more conventional Audi Q4 will be launched later in 2019 with the Q4 e-tron set to make its debut in late 2020 or early 2021.
The latest Q4 e-tron is another piece of the puzzle in Audi's promise to launch 12 pure-electric e-ton models by 2025.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
