fbpx
Cars > Electric

The Q4 e-Tron is Audi’s most affordable EV yet

But it has a fancy heads-up display with augmented reality

Audi wants to prove that EVs don't have to be expensive. PHOTO FROM AUDI

Ingolstadt-based Audi continues to push for increased electrification of its product lineup. With the recent launches of the e-Tron crossover and the e-Tron GT coupe, the brand continues to diversify its EV range. First shown as a concept car during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Q4 e-Tron and the Q4 e-Tron Sportback are aimed at a budget-conscious crowd. But the automaker promises that the ownership experience is as premium as its pricier offerings.

The production Q4 e-Tron looks almost like the concept car. PHOTOS FROM AUDI

If there’s one thing that Audi has been good at lately, it’s making its cars look almost exactly like the concept vehicle. One would be hard-pressed to find any major changes between the Geneva show car and the production Q4 e-Tron. The only difference is the coupe-like profile of the Sportback model. But whichever the body style, the Q4 e-Tron is definitely a looker of a crossover.

The Sportback's shape is still an acquired taste. PHOTOS FROM AUDI

The plush interior seats five and is chock-full of tech. The Q4 e-Tron is the first Audi product to offer an augmented reality heads-up display. Information like other cars, traffic signs and navigation will be highlighted and displayed on the windshield with the equivalent viewing area of a 70-inch TV. It also works in tandem with the car’s extensive suite of electronic driver aids.

Aside from that, the Q4 e-Tron gets a 10-inch screen for the infotainment system and a 10.25-inch display for the driver’s instrumentation. If the former isn’t enough, customers can spec an 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a premium Sonos audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—and a wireless charging pad—are all standard equipment.

Passengers are not shortchanged with an interior like this. PHOTOS FROM AUDI

The Q4 e-Tron comes in two battery capacities and three trim levels. Taking up the bottom is the Q4 35 e-Tron with 168hp and 310Nm from its single motor. Its 52kWh battery pack can manage 341km from a single charge, while the equivalent Sportback model does slightly better at 349km.

The midrange Q4 40 e-Tron has 201hp and 310Nm from just one motor. It is offered with a 77kWh battery pack. While the 40 doesn’t have a Sportback version, it has the highest range out of the three variants with 520km before needing a top-up.

The top-of-the-line Q4 50 e-Tron model gets Quattro all-wheel drive and pushes out 295hp and 460Nm from a twin-motor system. The 77kWh battery pack is good for 488km and 497km for the regular and Sportback body styles, respectively. All trim levels come with fast-charging capabilities, with which 10 minutes of being plugged in will net an additional 130km of range.

The augmented-reality HUD is the stuff of science fiction. PHOTO FROM AUDI

The car makes use of the MEB platform, which is the Volkswagen Group’s bespoke base for electric vehicles. This is what allows the Q4 e-Tron to be more affordable than the e-Tron due to reduced development costs. The former starts at €41,900 (P2.43 million) for the regular body and €43,900 (P2.55 million) for the Sportback, while a base e-Tron can be had for €75,550 (P4.1 million).

Audi’s newest EV will be initially available in Germany this June. Sales in the United States and across the rest of Europe are due to begin before the year ends.



Sam Surla

Sam is the youngest member of our editorial team. And he is our managing editor (believe it or not). He specializes in photography and videography, but he also happens to like writing about cars a lot.



Comments