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January 21, 2022
Audi Unveils the Q4 e-tron, Its First Compact BEV SUV
Audi Q4 e-tron
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Audi Unveils the Q4 e-tron, Its First Compact BEV SUV
Audi Japan has announced the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, the third and fourth all-electric (BEV) compact SUVs in its lineup. The launch is scheduled for autumn 2022.
Interior Length Exceeds Q5, Offering Ample Cabin and Storage Space
Following the large SUV "e-tron" and the four-door Gran Turismo "e-tron GT," Audi introduces the "Q4 e-tron," its first BEV in the compact SUV segment.
Built on the dedicated electric vehicle platform "MEB," the Q4 e-tron is a compact SUV that slots between the Q3 and Q5. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it boasts an interior length that surpasses the Q5, providing generous cabin and storage space.
The body styles include the SUV with its commanding presence and the Sportback, a stylish coupe-SUV. The exterior features short front overhangs, the signature octagonal, frameless single-frame grille common to the latest Audi Q family, and a distinct design language that identifies it as an Audi electric vehicle.
Aerodynamics are also a key focus. Through features like the electrically operated cooling air inlets and deflectors positioned vertically to the front spoiler, the Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28 for the SUV model and 0.26 for the Sportback, impressive figures for an SUV.
The interior is equipped with a distinctive center console and a uniquely designed shifter. The cockpit is fully digital, featuring a 10.25-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit for instrumentation and an 11.6-inch MMI touch display at the center.
Additionally, Audi introduces a new generation of steering wheels for the first time in Japan, featuring a seamless, touch-sensitive design with no physical buttons, shaped flat both top and bottom. The compact segment also sees the debut of an augmented reality head-up display that projects information in two sections on the windshield.
The powertrain utilizes a total capacity of 82 kWh (77 kWh usable) drive battery housed beneath the floor between the front and rear axles. A single electric motor on the rear axle drives the rear wheels, producing a maximum output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 310 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, with a European range of 516 km on a single charge.
The Q4 e-tron also features an unconventional motor start-stop system. Beyond the traditional method of pressing the brake pedal after sitting down and pressing the start button, the ignition can be turned on simply by pressing the brake pedal. To stop, pressing the side brake button and releasing the brake turns off the ignition.
The strength of the regenerative braking during driving can be adjusted in three stages using the paddle shifters. Furthermore, the B mode, which allows for speed control using only the accelerator pedal and offers a one-pedal driving experience, is introduced for the first time in an Audi.
Safety features include a total of four 360-degree surround-view cameras. It is equipped with systems such as Adaptive Cruise Assist, which integrates the conventional adaptive cruise control and active lane assist, and Audi Side Assist, which detects vehicles in blind spots.
The Q4 e-tron is available in three grades: "Base," "Advanced," and "S line." The Sportback comes in two grades: "Advanced" and "S line." Prices range from 5.99 million to 6.89 million yen for the Q4 e-tron, and from 6.88 million to 7.16 million yen for the Sportback.
