Versatile all-rounders for everyday use that transfer the progressive design of the concept cars into series production and that can be driven locally without any emissions: 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 of them impress with a new spacious dimension in the interior and pioneering solutions when it comes to operation, display, and assist systems. The augmented reality head-up display connects the virtual and the real worlds in a totally new way.
The range comprises three drive versions, spearheaded by a quattro model with a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS). Attributes that they all share are zero local emissions driving and high ranges, charging times of around ten minutes for sufficient power to travel about 130 kilometers (80.8 mi) in ideal conditions (WLTP) and convenient charging with the e-tron Charging Service. The rear-wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron achieves a range of up to 520 kilometers (323.1 mi) in the WLTP cycle. It goes on sale in Europe in June 2021, with prices in Germany starting at EUR 41,900 - where the customer can claim a subsidy of EUR 9,000 (net).
Audi's next step: 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 into series production the body line that the Audi Q4 concept and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept show cars demonstrated at the beginning of 2019. This body line impresses thanks to the striking proportions - short front overhangs, large wheels, and powerfully toned muscles. All lines are drawn with the greatest precision, and the surface treatment is clear and pared back. In the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the especially low coupé-style roofline ends in an expressively designed rear where the spoiler sits deep on the two-part window. The brand's progressive design is typically Audi, as functional as it is aerodynamic: The Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28, and the Sportback gets to an even lower figure, with a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Exterior design and lighting technology
The electric offensive at Audi continues to pick up steam. The large SUV models e-tron and e-tron Sportback as well as the sporty e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are now followed by the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. The two new models play a central role in the brand's electrification strategy, as they are being launched in a market segment that is experiencing especially quick growth - the compact SUV class. For Audi customers, they offer an attractively priced entry point into the world of premium electric mobility.
New ideas for a new era: the interior and operation
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron comes across as spacious and airy; the instrument panel is turned toward the driver. It is divided into separate areas and integrates two displays, which are design elements at the same time. The decorative trim panel on the front passenger side is available on request in an innovative technical fabric containing a proportion of recycled materials, which can be provided shortly after the market launch. A separate horizontal operating panel houses the shifter for selecting the gears. Seat upholstery that contains large amounts of recycled polyester is available for the sporty S line interior. Around 26 recycled 1.5-liter PET bottles are used for each seat. Also totally new is the steering wheel with its seamless touch surfaces, which the driver uses to control the digital instrument cluster. Infotainment and navigation are operated primarily using the central MMI touch display, which will also be available in the largest configuration level of 11.6 inches towards the end of the year. Natural voice control provides the third operating interface.
Prices and Edition models
The Audi Q4 e-tron will be launched on the European markets in June 2021, with the Sportback models following in the late summer 2021. In Germany, prices start at EUR 41,900 for the Q4 35 e-tron. The Q4 40 e-tron starts at EUR 47,500 and the Q4 50 e-tron quattro - including advanced exterior - at EUR 52,900. The Sportback will be around EUR 2,000 more. Two Edition models, each available in two body variants and all drive variants, accompany the market launch - the elegant Edition One in geyser blue and the progressive and sporty Edition One in typhoon gray. Its exterior is distinguished by the S line, dark privacy glazing in the rear, and black attachments highlight the vehicle's features.
The Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights are also darkened. The Edition models come with 21-inch wheels in the Aero design on the geyser blue Edition One. On the typhoon gray Edition One, the wheels are finished in bronze, as are the laminated Audi rings on the C-pillars. The interior design is based on the S line interior, in the geyser blue Edition model the sport seats come in a mix of black artificial leather and leather. The Q4 e-tron in typhoon gray has steel-gray upholstery with bronze-colored contrasting stitching. On the German market, the Edition models all come with a EUR 6,195 higher price tag than the regular models.
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