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This is the Audi Q4 e-tron SUV, the latest electric model from the company that is now available to pre-order in Ireland with a deposit of €950 and prices starting from €41,465 on-the-road. It shows how quickly electric vehicle technology is moving on, able to travel around 50 per cent further on a charge than the original Audi e-tron SUV. The Q4 will be available as both a regular SUV and one with coupe styling in the form of the Q4 e-tron Sportback. All models have a typical Audi premium look and feel to them as well as some of the latest technology, although there is quite a bit on the options list.
What will its rivals be?
The Q4 e-tron has a long list of electric rivals these days, including the Volkswagen ID.4 that is essentially the same underneath. There’s also the new Skoda Enyaq and the Mercedes-Benz EQB, the recently launched Lexus UX 300e and the new Volvo XC40 Recharge. Then there’s the twins of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro. Of course there are also petrol and diesel rivals, including the Audi Q3.
Any tech info?
The Q4 e-tron 35 has a 42kWh (net) battery that can charge at up to 100kW, but the larger batteries of the Q4 e-tron 40 and 50 models can charge at up to 125kW meaning a charge from five per cent to 80 per cent can take just 38 minutes. Interior technology options include a Sonos ten-speaker premium audio system, an augmented reality display and the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation.
What will the range be like?
The line-up will include two rear-wheel-drive models, the Q4 e-tron 35 with 168hp and an official driving range of 335km, and the Q4 e-tron 40 with 201hp and the ability to travel up to 511km. Then there’s the Q4 e-tron 50 quattro with all-wheel drive, a 77kWh battery, 295hp and a range of 490km.
Expectations?
The Audi Q4 e-tron should be well worth the wait, especially as it shares a platform with the Volkswagen ID.4, which we’re big fans of. Audi has also moved on significantly from its early electric models, which means the Q4 e-tron should be much better in terms of not just driving range and comfort, but also quality. Following the impressive Audi e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron could well be the electric Audi SUV that’s worth getting really excited about.