Having teased the compact SUV a month ago, Audi has now revealed full details of it’s new all-electric Q4 e-tron.
Size-wise, the Q4 e-tron slots into the Audi range between the regular Q3 and Q5.
Unlike those two models, however, the Q4 is fully-electric, boasting two different battery sizes and three different power outputs.
And because Audi says it’s cascading ‘the benefits of full electrification into the Audi compact SUV family for the first time’, they’ve recognised that it needs a hefty range to attract lease customers.
The trio of power outputs are the base 35 e-tron, with 170 PS, mid-range 40 e-tron, which has 204 PS, and the range-topping 50 e-tron, which channels that aforementioned 299 PS through quattro drive and two motors.
Prices begin at £40,750 and run through to £65,070 for the fully-loaded Q4 50 e-tron quattro Vorsprung model.
But it’s the Q4 ‘40 e-tron Sport’ trim level that’s the true sweet spot for range - capable of travelling 316 miles between charges.
Fast charging can restore 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes at 125kW capacity, in ideal conditions.
When it comes to the different power outputs, all of the different Q4 e-trons come with all-wheel-drive, and even the base 35 is quick off the mark, covering 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds flat.
The 40 e-tron brings that 0-62mph sprint time down to 8.5 seconds while the 50 e-tron reaches 62mph in just 6.2 seconds, while still having a range of around 295 miles between charges.
Styling wise, it’s all very Audi - which is no bad thing. And like lots of other models in the Audi range, there’s a ‘Sportback’ version of the e-tron, which has a low coupé-style roofline that ‘ends in an expressively designed rear where the spoiler sits deep on the two-part window’, says the German firm.
LED headlights are standard throughout while S line models get exclusive front and rear styling, as well as larger 20 inch alloys.
And Audi is also at pains to point out this is a practical car for busy families.
There’s lots of space in the front, generous legroom in the back, thanks in part to the way that battery is slung under the floor, doing away with the typical centre ‘bulge’ you’ll see on traditionally-powered cars.
A powered tailgate is standard for all variants and there’s between 520 and 1,490 litres of luggage space in the regular Q4 e-tron, depending on whether or not you’ve got the rear seats down, which changes to between 535 and 1,460 litres in the Sportback.
With their ground clearance of approximately 18 centimetres, both models are said to ‘perform well on rougher terrain’, which could be a godsend for your summer camping trip.
Inside the cabin, ‘Vorsprung’ models get Audi’s new augmented reality head-up display. For other models it’s an optional extra as part of the ‘Technology Pack’.
And, as you’d expect, there are driver assistance and safety systems galore fitted as standard, including predictive efficiency assist, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and swerve and turn assist.
Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle says:
“The compact SUV has long been the go-to model type for many drivers, so I’m delighted that we are now shoring up our already strong position in this vital segment with two new additions that are not only paragons of good design and space-efficient packaging, but also standard bearers for the wider integration of fully electrified drivetrains across our range.
“Combining attractive price points, impressive charging performance and the potential to travel in tranquil comfort for well over 300 emission-free miles between stops, the Q4 e-tron models make the case for switching to sustainable premium mobility more clear-cut than ever.”
The Q4 e-tron is available to order now with UK customer cars coming in June. The Q4 e-tron Sportback will be available to order in June with UK customer cars arriving in September.
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