Audi Unveils Q4 e-tron & Q4 Sportback e-tron with Pricing Starting Under $45K
The new Q4 e-tron family boasts a 250-mile max-range as well as an available performance-oriented dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
Audi this week unveiled the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. With pricing starting under $45,000 US (not including the $7,500 tax credit), expect to see these two compact SUVs in showrooms by the end of 2021. Audi already sells the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and high-performance RS e-tron GT.
Visually speaking, the Q4 e-tron takes on the mantle of a traditional compact SUV while maintaining a 0.28 drag coefficient. The fastback-styled Sportback does even better with a 0.26 drag coefficient. Both models utilize “unique sculpted side mirrors further enhance aerodynamics as well as acoustics.” They also share a similar wheelbase and interior volume as the Q5, but enjoy added passenger legroom because there’s no center drivetrain tunnel running through the cabin. As with all EVs, the Q4 e-tron siblings tuck the battery pack into the floor, which lowers the center of gravity, improving handling.
Q4 e-tron EV Performance & Range
While Audi plans for three drive variants for Europe, here in the US, we appear to be getting two. The Q4 40 e-tron will be available as a rear-wheel-drive 150kW with a 250-mile range.
Step up to the Q4 50 e-tron quattro or Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro for dual-motor all-wheel drive with a maximum output of 220 kW. Range estimates have not been listed, but Audi plans to maximize efficiency by only engaging the front wheels when situations require extra traction. In terms of speed, the Euro-spec Q4 50 e-tron is capable of hitting 100km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.2 seconds with a top speed 180 km/h (111.8 mph). That puts the Q4 50 e-tron in line with the slowest Mustang Mach-E, the rear-wheel-drive big battery configurations.
The Q4 e-tron family will be able to use 125 kW capacity fast charging with the Q4 40 e-tron models capable of charging 80.8 miles in as little as 10 minutes.
Audi Q4 e-tron Features & Safety
Audi promises that all Q4 e-tron iterations will offer a “driver-oriented cockpit,” which includes an optional race-inspired flat-top and bottom steering wheel. The vehicles’ main interface is a 10.1 MM1 infotainment touch display. There’s also 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as well as an optional augmented reality head-up display which Audi calls the “virtual cockpit.”
From the MM1 display, drivers can customize almost everything. The Audi drive select system offers different driving profiles — Efficiency, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual. For music fans, Audi collaborated with SONOS on a new premium sound system.
Outside the Q4, owners can opt for Matrix design LED headlights which allow them to choose one of four daytime running light signatures. Out back, a “light strip links the taillight units to each other and is available with animated coming-home and leaving-home functions.”
For safety-minded customers, Audi offers a plethora of driver aids. Available surround-view cameras, pre-sense, side and lane assist, and high beam assist. There’s even a Traffic Jam assist as well as adaptive cruise assist.
Stay tuned for more e-tron news and review right here at AudiWorld.com!
Photos: Audi
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