Audi has aspirations in the luxury electric-vehicle marketplace, and the 2022 Q4 and Q4 Sportback SUVs will double the size of the company’s EV-centric e-tron lineup. Smaller than the mid-size e-tron SUV, the Q4 siblings sit on a footprint similar to the gasoline-powered Q5 crossover. Two electric motors deliver standard all-wheel drive, and a large, 82.0-kWh battery pack is said to deliver up to 280 miles of driving range per charge. The Q4 e-tron models will go up against other compact electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y and the Volvo XC40 Recharge when they go on sale. Expect to see the Q4 e-tron at Audi dealerships by the end of 2021, with the swoopier Sportback variant following closely thereafter.
The Q4 e-tron is an all-new model for 2022 and it joins the larger the e-tron SUV and the racy e-tron GT sedan in Audi’s growing electric-vehicle lineup.While pricing has not been announced, based on other vehicles in the current Audi lineup we’re anticipating that the Prestige trim—which should come standard with heated massaging seats, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist—will be the one to buy. A Cold Weather package for those that have to deal with winter weather will be a worthwhile option. Those who prefer a coupe-like look to their SUV can opt for the swoopier Sportback model.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With an electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback make a stout 300 horsepower. The result is a claimed zero-to-60-time of 6.3 seconds. That’s not as quick as the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 SUV, but it’s still brisk compared with other compact luxury crossovers. An adaptive suspension should keep the ride smooth. We haven’t had a chance to test drive either of the Q4 e-tron models, so we can’t comment on their ride-and-handling characteristics.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Q4 e-tron’s 82.0-kWh battery pack has a target range of 280 miles. This is pre-EPA testing so expect that number to change once the crossover goes on sale. The vehicle supports charging up to 125-kW and, according to Audi, the state-of-charge can hit 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released any estimates for either of the Q4 e-tron models’ fuel economy, but we expect them to be competitive with other electric SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model X. Once we get a Q4 e-tron to our office for testing, we’ll complete our 200-mile highway fuel economy route and update this story with results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior is a technological showcase for Audi’s latest and greatest gadgets. The Q4 e-tron’s cabin is similar to what’s available in other Audis and also incorporates a few unique features, such as a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and a toggle-switch gear selector. Although the Q4 e-tron concept was shown strictly as a four-seater, the production version will offer seating for five. The interior’s passenger space should be about the same as the gas-powered Q5’s. Cargo space isn’t as generous, however.
For more information visit www.audi.com
EuropeanLife Magazine 2021