Audi has revealed its first compact electric SUVs, the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. Both cars bring into series production the styling of the Audi Q4 concept and Q4 Sportback e-tron concept.
With slim headlamps, bold character lines and a short overhang, the front profile of the EVs look mean. Large wheels and heavy creases on the fenders grab one’s attention along the sides, while at the rear sits a full-width tail light cluster and a deep bumper
It is clear that Audi has pulled no punches while designing the EVs and to look at, it is the Q4 e-tron that has a cohesive look in comparison with the Q4 Sportback e-tron. But, it is time electric cars do away with large blanked off grille sections.
In all, 8 color choices are available for the cars, while, in addition to the basic version, there are the advanced and S line exteriors for customers to choose as well.
If you think the exterior of the EVs is good to look at, then the interior will impress further. Audi has gone for an aggressive design for the car’s dashboard. There are 2 digital screens and a new steering wheel (with touch surfaces) in the car that has its seats upholstered in a fabric that contains recycled polyester (S line interior).
Measuring 4.59 meters long does help the cars with ample interior space. Audi claims occupants in both the front and rear seats will have generous legroom. With storage space of around 25 litres, the Q4 e-tron has a 520-litre boot, which is 535 litres in Q4 Sportback e-tron.
Of course, latest tech such as the MMI infotainment package, voice control, augmented reality head-up display, are on offer while the cars come fitted with Sonos sound system. In addition, there are many optional features lined up as well.
But, by and large, what customers look for in an electric car is ample range on a single battery charge. To achieve that, Audi has ensured both EVs come with low drag coefficient figures.
There are 2 battery variants and 3 drive variants. The Q4 35 e-tron gets a 52 kWh battery pack, while the Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron quattro come with 77 kWh packs.
Both Q4 35 e-tron and 40 e-tron are rear-wheel drive and have an electric motor putting out 125 kW (170 PS) and 150 kW (204 PS) respectively. The Q4 50 e-tron quattro has 2 electric motors that make a combined 220 kW (299 PS).
Range-wise, the Audi Q4 40 e-tron can travel up to 520 km (WLTP) on a single charge. It and the Q4 50 e-tron quattro come with a maximum charging capacity of 125 kW, while the Q4 35 e-tron only can support up to 100 kW charging. Further, the EVs come with the latest driver assist systems, while optional systems are available as packages.
To be put on sale in June in European markets, the Q4 e-tron will cost from EUR 41,900 (Rs. 37.67 lakhs) in Germany, while the Q4 Sportback e-tron which will follow later will cost EUR 2000 (Rs. 1.80 lakhs) more. The market launch will be accompanied by 2 Edition One models that will come with a EUR 6195 (Rs. 5.57 lakhs) higher price tag.
