Launch Report: How does the Audi Q4 e-Tron measure up in the C-SUV segment?
25 June 2021
The new Audi Q4 e-Tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has a dynamic design and sporty character, with muscular edges, attractive LED lights, and the typical large octagonal Audi front grille. The model has good roominess with lots of storage spaces, thanks in particular to the MEB platform. The lack of a central tunnel benefits legroom in the rear, and the boot volume is generous, at 520 litres.
The futuristic interior hosts a 100% digital instrument cluster, an augmented-reality head-up display, and numerous technological features, including three-zone climate control, vehicle-exit warning, and traffic-jam assist. The new steering-wheel design is quite sporty with a flat bottom and top, and boasts sensitive touch-and-swipe control. Build quality is good, with usage of high-quality materials, and the driver can even personalise the front-lighting signature.
The Q4 e-Tron is available at launch with two-wheel drive and two batteries, with three different power outputs and ranges. The car drives very well, delivering a smooth, quiet ride, and the intelligent system maximises range by coasting and using brake regeneration at appropriate times. Four-wheel drive and coupé Sportback versions are being rolled out in markets over the course of this year.
Audi offers charging solutions with a wide range of services, including the myAudi app, installation of home-charging points, the e-Tron charging service for public infrastructure, an international charging card, and access to the extensive Ionity network.
The official range of the 52kWh entry-level 35 version is over 300km/200 miles on the WLTP cycle. This is rather low given the model’s price point, although it is eligible for purchase incentives in France and Spain, for example. The 40 variant has a 77kWh battery that provides a more comfortable range of over 500km/300 miles, which is one of the highest among key competitor models. The top-of-the-range e-Tron 50 uses the same 77kWh battery but with all-wheel drive and higher power output. This version accelerates quicker but has a slightly lower maximum range. However, as with all BEVs, the real-world range will invariably be less than the quoted figures, especially in colder temperatures.
With the Q4 e-Tron, Audi is competing in a more popular arena than the niche segments that play host to the larger e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback. It only has a few premium BEV competitors in the C-SUV segment, but many cheaper, and just as attractive, mainstream electric models are being launched. The Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 are promising choices, and new competitors include the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Click here or on the image above to read Autovista Group’s benchmarking of the Audi Q4 e-Tron in France, Spain, and the UK. The interactive launch report presents new prices, forecast RVs and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.
