Audi has introduced the latest models to its e-tron EV range, the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron; possible Singapore launch in 2022

Photos: Audi

SINGAPORE

Audi has expanded its e-tron electric vehicle (EV) range, with the introduction of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. The new models mark the e-tron brand’s entry into the compact segment, and joins the e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs, as well as the e-tron GT performance grand tourer in Audi’s EV range.

The Q4 e-tron models will go on sale across Europe in June, but there has not been a confirmed launch date for the car here in Singapore as yet, although it should be expected to land on our shores some time in 2022.

As the name suggests, the Q4 e-tron is a small SUV that sits between the Q3 and Q5, at least size-wise, in Audi’s SUV line-up. As an electrified SUV model however, its semi-competitors are the larger BMW iX3, as well as Mercedes’ EQC SUV that has been on sale in Europe since 2019. On the Mercedes front there’s also the EQA small SUV which will be more closely matched to this car, price wise.

Design

Both Q4 e-tron models bear unmistakable Audi design elements, such as the imposing Audi grille upfront, supplemented by slim headlights and large air intakes on either side. The daytime running lights (DRLs) can be customised with four different patterns, and the brand’s Matrix LED lights can be had as an option.

The profiles of both cars get some dramatic swage lines down the sides and above the wheel arches, and the Sportback model also features a swooping roofline like most of Audi’s Sportback cars. The Sportback’s rear end design is also differentiated with the standard Q4 e-tron SUV through its boot spoiler that creates a split rear window design.

Drivetrains

Audi will offer the Q4 e-tron with two battery options and three different power outputs each for the regular SUV and the Sportback, as illustrated below. The top-spec ’50’ models will be equipped with a dual-motor setup and four-wheel-drive, while the others will be strictly two-wheel-drive.

Like all of Audi’s e-tron models, the Q4 e-tron cars support fast charging capabilities, with the Q4 35 e-tron versions having up to 100kW of charging capacity, and the other cars featuring up to 125kW of charging capacity. The latter allows for the car to gain 130km of range with just 10 minutes of charging.

Interior

The interior of the Q4 e-tron features a familiar setup with a 10.1-inch touchscreen incorporating Audi’s MMI infotainment system dominating the dashboard. Unique design elements include a new squared-off steering wheel with touch sensitive controls instead of physical buttons, while the Q4 e-tron is also the first Audi model to have an augmented reality (AR) head-up display.

To accommodate the batteries, the rear seats are mounted 70mm higher than the front seats, giving rear passengers a stadium-like seating position. The car’s flat floor design means that Audi is able to maximise rear legroom, and the Q4 e-tron is said to offer as much room as a Q7. Boot space stands at 525 litres for the regular Q4 e-tron SUV, and 520 litres for the Q4 Sportback e-tron.

If you want the Q style without the electric drive, Audi’s Q3 and Q3 Sportback are already its most popular cars here

Pricing and availability

As mentioned above, Audi has not confirmed a date for the Q4 e-tron’s arrival in Singapore as yet. The brand has only recently introduced the e-tron Sportback earlier this year, while the e-tron GT will be here by the end of this year, so a reasonable guess would put the Q4 e-tron’s launch date as some time in 2022.

Given the Q4 e-tron’s positioning between Audi’s Q3 and Q5 SUVs, it should be expected to see the car priced somewhere in the middle of those two models. That would translate to somewhere around S$200,000 or so with today’s COE prices.

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