Audi’s electric onslaught is hitting top gear with 12 all-electric models coming on stream by 2025. Two are scheduled for an imminent reveal, one being the ballistic e-tron GT sedan, and the other a family-friendly compact SUV called the Q4 e-tron. Back in March, we showed you the GT, so let’s take a look at the electrified Q4.
If you thought our illustrated preview looks familiar, you’d be correct; the production Q4 is almost identical to the concept car that debuted at the 2019 Geneva motor show. So which aspects have changed and what else can we expect?
Sharp appearances
Whilst the overall design has primarily been revealed in conceptual form, there are subtle differences which mark its production intent. Regular door handles are now evident, as are the conventional side mirrors, headlights and smaller wheels. Two body styles will be offered: a five-door with an upright roof (as illustrated) and a sleeker Sportback.
Frontal styling features Audi’s Singleframe grille (which is mostly closed off), LED headlamps, large faux intakes and a minimalist clamshell hood with scalloped outer flanks. Its profile reveals the same creased fenders as the show car; however, you’ll notice the sheet metal surfacing is more subdued in the name of aerodynamic efficiency. A charging port is located on the rear fender, and the back end has chiselled bodywork, plus an Audi A7-like LED light bar.
Under the skin
Inside, the spacious 5-seat cabin promises to be one of the best EV interiors in the business. It features Audi’s virtual cockpit, head-up display with augmented reality, multi-layer painted trim inlays and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with haptic-feedback. If anything, its semi-floating centre console and drive selector could prove to be controversial, but we’re speculatively nit-picking here.
Read: What The Production 2021 Audi e-Tron GT Electric Sports Sedan Will Look Like
Underpinning the Q4 e-tron is Volkswagen Group’s modular electrification platform (MEB), which will provide the basis for numerous other electric vehicles from compact to medium in size. It measures 4.59 meters long and has a generous 2.77-meter wheelbase with no transmission tunnel to impede on foot space.
Electrifying performance
Whilst final powertrain numbers are yet to be finalized, the concept version uses dual electric motors (one on each axle) pumping out a combined 225 kW (301 horsepower). It mainly operates in rear-drive mode, but once the Quattro all-wheel-drive setup kicks in, it’ll do the zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in a respectable 6.3 seconds. A higher performance RS version is said to be in the works too.
A large 82-kilowatt hour battery pack helps achieve a range of over 450 kilometres (280 miles) under the WLTP cycle. Charging is limited to a maximum rate of 125 kW; however, the time it takes to charge to 80% is a good 30 minutes. Further developments behind the scenes could see range increase further before release, although it’s not until solid-state batteries come on stream mid-decade that we’ll see substantial improvements and an end to range anxiety.
Rivals & reveal
The Q4 e-tron will battle it out against the Tesla Model Y, BMW’s controversial iX, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Genesis JW, Nissan Ariya and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
See Also: Genesis’ First Dedicated Electric SUV Is Coming For Audi’s Q4 e-tron
An official debut was to take place by this year’s end, although it appears the pandemic has postponed the launch until early 2021.
So, does a small electrified Audi SUV tickle your fancy? Share your views in the comments below.
Note: The illustration was made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes and while based on recent prototypes, it is in no way related to or endorsed by Audi
