By 2025, Audi wants to have 12 models with all-electric drive in most of the important markets worldwide. One of which is gonna be an all-electric version of the Q4, the Q4 e-tron.
Unlike the recently launched e-tron SUV, the Q4 e-tron is built on VW Group’s modular electrification platform (MEB). It is slightly smaller too, measuring 4.59 meters long, 1.90 meters wide and 1.61 meters tall. Wheelbase measures 2.77 meters. On the exterior, the typical e-tron design features are all present, including an octagonal frame with closed surface that replaces a traditional radiator grille. Air is channeled via large inlets below the two matrix LED headlights.
The large 22-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimized. At the rear, a light band connects the two lamp units and they light up in a sweeping animation. Finally, the body is finished in Solar Sky, a shade of blue that changes depending on the angle of the light. The paint reflects a short-wave fraction of sunlight, near the infrared spectrum, reducing the build-up of heat on the surface of the body and the interior significantly. This reduces the energy input required for the air conditioning and in turn, improves the range and the global carbon footprint of the vehicle.
The interior layout is different than that of the e-tron SUV, yet sharp enough to be recognizable as an Audi. While light, warm colors dominate the upper section of the cabin, dark carpets on the floor provide a contrast. The steering wheel has touch panels and can be used to select frequently used functions. While there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen and virtual cockpit, a large-format head-up display with an augmented reality function is a new feature.
A strip of buttons for controlling the air conditioning is located below the touchscreen. As the center console does not need to hold functional elements such as a gear lever or hand brake actuation elements, it is designed as a spacious stowage compartment that includes a cell phone charging cradle.
The floor covering is made of recycled materials. Instead of chrome-plated metal decor frames, the surfaces are covered with a high-quality multi-layer paint finish. A painted, frosted Plexiglas is also used for an intensive depth effect. Four seats with integrated head restraints are upholstered with Alcantara material, and double seams stitched with thick yarn adorn the upholstery. Since there’s no transmission tunnel, the Q4 e-tron offers more space, especially for the rear occupants.
Powering the Q4 e-tron will be two electric motors, one at each axle, producing a system output of 225 kW (306 hp). The front motor puts out 75 kW (102 hp) and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft), while the rear one packs 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque.
The battery in the vehicle floor stores 82 kWh, which is good for a range of more than 450 km (279 mi) according to the WLTP standard. It can be charged with a maximum of 125 kW. As a result, it takes hardly more than 30 minutes to return to 80% of the total capacity, Audi says.
The battery system weighs 510 kg (1,124 lbs). The center of gravity of the Q4 e-tron concept is therefore at a similar level to that of a sedan with a conventional drive system. Axle load distribution is perfectly balanced at almost 50:50, the company added. The front wheels of the Q4 e-tron concept are guided on a MacPherson axle with adaptive dampers. At the rear, there’s a multi-link axle with separate springs and adaptive dampers.
The production version will be launched at the end of 2020, most likely at the same time as the e-tron GT.
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