Charging ahead

Due to arrive in New Zealand in late 2022, the newly revealed Audi Q4 e-tron adds a compact, fully electric SUV to the growing e-tron range.

Jul 14, 2021

The new electric model will be available in three drive variants, with up to 520km of range from a full charge, and 220kW combined peak power.

Audi’s Q4 e-tron models are set to impress with spacious interior dimensions and pioneering solutions to operation, display, and assist systems, while an augmented reality head-up display connects the virtual and the real worlds.

Audi has unveiled a battery-electric addition to the e-tron EV range: the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, adding a compact SUV to its growing e-tron family.

The Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron are designed to be the consummate versatile all-rounders for everyday use, transferring the progressive design of the concept cars into a production car that can be driven in the real world without producing any carbon emissions.

The line-up comprises three different drive versions, spearheaded by a quattro model with a maximum output of 220kW. Both Q4 e-tron models are set to impress with spacious interior dimensions and pioneering solutions to operation, display, and assist systems, while an augmented reality head-up display connects the virtual and the real worlds. 

Audi says the versatile Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron will make for the perfect companions in every situation. At 4.59m in length, they offer a package that gives passengers interior space that goes beyond existing class boundaries, and which is comparable with the full-size SUV class. The positioning of the battery in the floor, and the lack of a centre tunnel through the interior ensured that the car’s designers could maximise the spacious and airy feel of the interior.

The top-of-the-range Q4 50 e-tron quattro has two electric motors for the electric all-wheel drive, generating a maximum output of 220kW and allowing a sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds. For efficiency, the motor on the front axle comes into action only when high power or additional grip is needed.

The Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 35 e-tron each have an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, with an output of 150kW and 125kW respectively.

The compact battery for the Q4 35 e-tron has a net energy content of 52kWh (55kWh gross), while the figures for the large battery in the Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron quattro are 77kWh (82kWh gross).

Another strength for everyday use is the high range – the Q4 40 e-tron travels up to 520km (WLTP) on a single battery charge, while the Q4 50 e-tron can achieve up to 497km (WLTP) in range in Sportback guise. The city-focused Q4 35 e-tron, with its lower battery capacity, can travel up to 349km (WLTP) before recharging.

Both models can tow braked trailers with a weight of up to 1,000kg, with the quattro versions able to pull up to 1,200kg.

New Zealand pricing and specifications for the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron will be announced closer to the local launch next year.