End of summer, begining of new experiences. We had the pleasure to drive the new Audi Q4 e-tron 50 Quattro, a compact four-door SUV that reminded us of its bigger e-tron brother, that we tested last year, but feels even more futuristic, especialy inside.
The Audi Q4 e-tron concept is identifiable at first glance by the singleframe with the brand logo, the four rings, completed by prominently modelled fenders of all four wheels, a classic Audi design feature that distinguishes the brand.
Quite handsome and well proportioned from outiside, from the inside you’d be hard pressed to recognise it as an Audi. This is one of the benefits the designers carveed out, for an unique identity, with an angular interior that showcases a solid quality.
It measures 4.59 meters long, 1.90 meters wide, 1.61 meters tall, possitioning the Audi Q4 in the upper third of the compact class. Its roof line descends slightly toward the back, giving the silhouette a particularly dynamic look.
It is powered by two electric motors, that mobilize 225 kW, and typical for Audi, the driving power of the vehicle is brought to the road with quattro all-wheel drive.
It accelerates fr om zero to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, reaching its maximum speed at an electronically limited 180 km/h.
A large battery with a capacity of 82 kilowatt hours, allows you to drive over 450 kilometres – in line with the WLTP standard – sets the benchmark in its class.
Inside, it offers plenty of space and comfort, especially in terms of legroom both at the front and in the rear. The sense of spaciousness is given also by the color scheme, with light, warm colors on the upper section of the cabin, and dark carpet in the floor section, providing a beautiful contrast.
The display of the virtual cockpit with the most important display elements for speed, charge level and navigation is located behind the steering wheel. In the middle console, there is a 12.3 inch touchscreen via which the infotainment and vehicle functions are displayed and operated. It is tilted toward the driver, so it will ease the operating process.
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron is predictably high quality, the design and overall craftsmanship being superior to many larger Audis.
Audi has managed an excellent job of keeping the Q4 e-tron’s insides on brand characteristics, while simultaneously giving them the sort of angular, glossy look we’ve come to hope for from these machines of the future.
The cabin is very quiet on the move, and outside noise has been impressively muted.
One of the most useful features on the move is regen braking, controllable through flappy paddles behind the steering wheel.
Our verdict: The Q4 e-Tron checks with aplomb most of the trendy new targets of EV – long range, charging speed, comfort, look. Now that we’ve driven the new Audi Q4 e-Tron, it’s clear how fast EVs are evolving, and the Audi Q4 e-Tron raises the bar in the industry, standing out with its features.
Technical details
| Audi Q4 e-tron 50 e-tron quattro (220 kW) | |
|---|---|
| Peak electrical output in kW (PS) | 220 (299) |
| Continuous electrical output in kW | 77 |
| Electrical torque output in Nm (lb-ft) | 460 (339.3) |
| Battery type / Battery capacity gross/net in kWh | Lithium-ion / 82/76.6 |
| Top speed in km/h (mph) | 180 (111.8) |
| Electrical acceleration, 0-100 km/h (0-62.1 mph) in s | 6.2 |
| Electric power consumption, combined, in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)* | 20.0 – 17.9 (WLTP) 17.8 – 16.5 (NEDC) |
| CO2 emissions combined in g/km (g/mi) | 0 |
| Electrical range, combined according to WLTP in km (mi)* | 488 – 443 (303.2 – 275.3) |
| Unladen weight without driver / with driver / gross weight limit in kg (lb) | 2135 (4706.9) / 2210 (4872.2) / 2720 (5996.6) |
| * Figures depending on the chosen equipment level |
