Audi Q4 E-Tron Concept Leads a Future of EVs
The electric compact SUV is expected to get from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds and provide a range of about 280 miles.
An Electric Audi Crossover
Audi has just launched what could be its fifth electric vehicle. The Audi Q4 E-Tron first debuted as a concept car at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Audi says that it looks a lot like the production E-Tron that is expected to debut in 2020. According to the Head of Design at Audi, Marc Lichte, the automaker is moving away from showcasing far-out and overstyled concept cars that do not resemble upcoming production models.
Slightly Different from the Concept
The final design model will have a few differences compared to the concept car. Its door handles will feature a real set. Dual rows of thin LED strips will come in place of the block checkered pattern seen on the concept. Finally, The LED light cluster will house the Q4's high- and low-beam headlights.
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VW Electric Platform
The Q4 rides on the VW "Modelare E-Antriebs-Baukasten (MEB)" platform, which translates to "Modular Electric Drive Matrix". Audi is staking big on the platform. It will be the basis of over 10 million electric cars that the company hopes to produce in the future.
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Power
Audi claims that the Q4 will be powered by an 82-kWh battery that will occupy much of its floor. An electric motor will be connected to each axle. Combined, the Q4 E-Tron will produce up to 302 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Owners will get about 280 miles of range as rated according to the WLTP standard. This is 40 miles more than the original E-Tron. The maximum charging speed is estimated to be 125 kW, which gets the battery from 0-80% in a little over 30 minutes. The rear electric motor will do much of the work. When combined with the front motor, the Q4 offers all-wheel drive.
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Speed
The EV can get from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds. Its top speed is estimated to be 111 mph.
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Special Paint
Among the coolest parts of the concept Q4 is its paint. Audi developed it exclusively for the EV. It's designed to effectively reduce the build-up of heat by reflecting sunlight. The angle of light hitting the vehicle also gives a different color shade once in a while. On a sunny day, you get a cool interior that eliminates the need to use conventional air conditioning. It also helps keep the batteries cool.
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Interior
There are touch controls installed onto the steering wheel to go along with the head-up display located on the vehicle's center console. Interestingly, the Q4 E-Tron utilizes real buttons for climate control unlike the other Audis in production today. There's also an augmented function that accompanies the center display which has appeared in several concepts before.
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Exterior
The Concept Q4 is 180 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 63 inches tall. The rounded angles that we're used to seeing on the other Audis have been replaced by sharper edges. There are actual mirrors in place of the camera mirrors used in the European version. There are also 22-inch wheels that complement the overall style.
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Not Until 2020
The Audi Q4 E-Tron isn't hitting our showrooms just yet. The current version is only a concept car. It's expected to launch by the end of 2020. Dealerships in the U.S. have to wait until 2021. Audi hasn't revealed the final price, but rumors have it that it will be cheaper than the original $74,800 E-Tron.
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An E-Tron for All Models
By 2025, Audi plans to have electrified every vehicle under its wing. The new electric-powered E-Tron concept will have a sister model under production as well, the E-Tron Sportback.
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