2021 Audi Q4 e-tron electric SUVs debut with up to 520 km range

Audi has revealed the production versions of the Audi Q4 e-tron electric SUV, and its coupe twin the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback. This comes after the concepts were shown about a year ago, which previewed Audi's first-ever ground-up electric SUVs. As the nomenclature suggests, the Audi Q4 e-tron sits between the traditionally powered Audi Q3 and the Q5  in the line-up.

2021 Audi Q4 e-tron battery size, range, acceleration, charging

Both, the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback can be had with two battery options and three variants. The smaller battery has 52 kWh of usable capacity while the larger one increases this to 77 kWh. Uniquely for an Audi, the Q4 35 e-tron and the Q4 40 e-tron variants are propelled by a single electric motor in the rear axle. The base version males 170PS from the smaller battery pack while the Q4 40 e-tron makes 204PS. Both make 310 Nm but the 35 can get from 0 to 100 in 9s while the 40 does this in 8.5s. This mid-spec version with the larger battery pack is also the best with its range, managing 520 km(WLTP) in a full charge. The Q4 35 e-tron has a 349 km range for the Sportback version(341 km for the standard version).

The range-topper is the Q4 50 e-tron quattro which adds another electric motor on the front axle for AWD capabilities. This makes 299PS and 460 Nm, getting from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.2s and reach a 180 kmph top speed. Ranges are 488 km and 497 km for the Sportback.  The front motor is only called up when added power is needed or there isn't enough traction. A heat pump is also available optionally to improve efficiency. The Q4 e-tron twins can charge at up to 125 kW with the larger battery which adds 130 km in ten minutes. The smaller does this fast charging at up to 100 kW and can be used with a 7.2kW wall box. This capacity increases to 11 kW with the bigger battery. 

2021 Audi Q4 e-tron exterior design

The 2021 Audi Q4 e-tron twins follow Audi's new EV design direction, debuting in the Audi e-tron GT flagship. There is a new interpretation of the Audi grille, which is now blanked out and finished in a contrasting shade. Other traits that have been possible with the EV architecture are the long wheelbase, short overhang and large wheels of 19 and 20-inch sizes. The bodywork has been tightened up with significantly more pronounced creases and smoother cuts. Another striking trait is the dropping roofline, more pronounced in the Sportback. The Audi USP of striking light signatures remains here as well, the highlight being the full-width taillamps.

2021 Audi Q4 e-tron interior design, features

The horizontal theme finds its way to the inside too. Here again, the new EV-focused Audi design theme is quite apparent with the sharply defined, stepped dashboard. The centre console is aggressively angled to the driver and the Q4 e-tron has reverted to a single central touchscreen of up to 11.6-inches. The digital instrumentation features new graphics while the new steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls. Another highlight is the AR-equipped HUD. Keeping with the theme of sustainability, each of the seats of the Audi Q4 e-tron is made from 26 recycled 1.5-litre PET bottles while recycled polyester is used to upholster the seats. Notably, the Q4 e-tron will be carbon-neutral by the time they go on sale.

2021 Audi Q4 e-tron price, launch date

The Audi Q4 e-tron will launch in Europe in June 2021, with Sportback following in a few months. Prices will start at EUR 41,900 or around Rs 38 lakh in Germany, before taxes and duties. There is no word yet on an Indian launch, but with Audi India preparing the e-tron and the e-tron Sportback for a launch here, these could eventually find their way here too.