Q4 e-tron & Q4 Sportback e-tron; Audi’s first compact electric SUVs

German carmaker Audi, virtually launched its first compact electric SUVs—Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron. Both these spacious cars come fitted with pioneering operation, display and assist systems. Car experts peg the launch as a competition to Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang.

The range comprises three drive versions (Q4 35 e-tron, Q4 40 e-tron, and Q4 50 e-tron) and a Quattro model with a maximum output of 220 kW. These cars have zero local emissions and a charging time of around 10 minutes is sufficient to travel about 130 kms in ideal conditions (conditions determined by EU’s worldwide harmonized light-duty vehicles test procedure(WLTP). The rear-wheel-drive Q4 40 e-tron achieves a range of up to 520 kms in the WLTP cycle.

The exteriors have striking proportions: short front overhangs, large wheels and smart-looking headlights. In the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the low coupé-style roofline ends with a striking design in the rear. On request, Matrix LED headlights can be installed. They illuminate the road as brightly as possible without blinding other road users. The digital light signatures are a world first: The driver can switch between four signatures in the MMI touch operating system. At the rear, a light strip links the tail light units to each other.

The design is typically Audi: as functional as it is aerodynamic. The Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28, and the Sportback gets to an even lower figure, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. These figures indicate less power consumption when the car is driven at high speed.

At 4.59 metres in length, there’s ample legroom in the front as well as the rear seats. The cars score high on storage space (25 litres) and the bottle holders integrated into the upper section of the doors are a highlight too, as it can accommodate 1 litre bottles too.

The SUVs goes on sale in Europe in June 2021 and is priced €41,900 onwards. The India launch dates are yet to be announced. The e-SUVs are available in eight colours.

You may also like:

The best places that home deliver premium, organic mangoes

IPL and chill: Get these refreshing craft beers and ciders home delivered