Audi: This is how the Q4 e-tron drives 🎥
IT CONTINUES The wave of electromobility is landing new products at short intervals, which sometimes don't seem so new at all. Example: the Audi Q4 e-tron quattro, an electric vehicle from the Volkswagen Group's MEB modular system. With the augmented reality head-up display in the Q4 e-tron, Audi shows a new display technology. Audi is overbuilding the same platform as that of the [...]
With the augmented reality head-up display in the Q4 e-tron, Audi shows a new display technology.
Audi is overlaying the same platform as that of the VW ID.4 with a hat typical of the brand and sending the freshly put together package into the currently so popular market segment of compact battery-electric SUVs.
But wait! Audi does not make things quite that easy for itself.
Clear declaration of war on the Tesla Model Y
The Ingolstadt company is even building two versions: in addition to the conventional SUV, there is a Sportback version with a dynamically sloping rear. In addition, they dress the interior of the latter as a mobile snug with concentrated communication technology.
The message is clear: the Q4 e-tron is a challenge to the Tesla Model. AutoSprintCH contributor Jürgen Zöllter (pictures on the left and right in the gallery above) made the comparison during a first test drive with a camouflaged, production-ready model.
Directional arrow shows the real outside world
Above the three-dimensional instrument panel with a 10.25-inch cockpit display, we look at a head-up display with two information areas: A bar hovers about three meters in front of the car, displaying speed, traffic signs and assistance symbols.
Above this is the augmented reality area - around ten virtual meters in front of the car. There, navigation data including a floating direction arrow is superimposed on the real outside world and dynamically adjusted. Taking a wrong turn with this Audi Q4 e-tron is impossible by human standards!
Exterior dimensions between Audi Q3 and Q5
The central 10.1-inch MMI monitor is tilted toward the driver. As in the VW ID.4, generous space is a surprise. At 4.59 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and 1.61 meters high, the exterior dimensions lie between an Audi Q3 and Q5.
In the rear, however, the legroom is on a par with an Audi Q7. Mind you, this is despite the 520-liter trunk volume. With the rear seat backrests folded down (40:20:40), it can be expanded to 1490 liters.
System performance makes 180 km/h possible
We push the little domino, as the selector lever for the drive gears is called in Audi, to D, and the Q4 picks up speed with a whirring sound, making only rolling and wind noises on the way.
The top version we drove, the Q4 e-tron quattro, with a synchronous motor at the front and an asynchronous motor at the rear, accelerates to 100 km/h in just under six seconds.
The system output of 225 kW/306 hp can be accessed at speeds of up to 180 km/h. But you're rarely in such a hurry in an electric car! Only with a light right foot can the 82 kWh battery in the underbody be charged for 450 kilometers. The battery can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.
Conclusion: All in all, Tesla should be vigilant, because the new model of the Four Rings clearly shows that here comes a car that has a lot, very much, to offer.
Edition models flank the market launch
Advance sales for the Q4 e-tron will start in Switzerland in April. The first vehicles will be available for test drives at dealers in June.
The price list starts at 47,800 francs for the Q4 35 e-tron, while the Sportback is around 2,000 francs higher in all variants.
Two edition models are available at the market launch. The elegant Edition One in geyser blue brings the design of the Q4 e-tron concept show car into series production, while the progressive Edition One in taupe gray with emphatically sporty, dynamic accents displays a striking character.
