New Audi Q4 e-tron concept 05 | 03 | 2019
AUDI HAS LIFTED the wraps from its new Q4 e-tron quattro concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is set to become the carmaker’s fifth electric vehicle in a 12-strong EV line-up by 2025. Set to go into full production late next year, the Q4 e-tron has an all-electric range of 280-miles. (Related: Audi e-tron available to order)
The first Audi to use the VW Group’s MEB platform, the Q4 e-tron concept accommodates a 510kg, 82kWh battery pack located under the passenger compartment of the vehicle and between the axles. power is sent to two electric motors, with one driving the front axle, the other the rear. (Related: Audi unleashes updated 395bhp TT RS)
According to Audi, the combined output is 302bhp and 460Nm torque, which makes the car good for a 0-62mph sprint in 6.3secs, and an electronically limited top speed of 112mph. Power is sent primarily to the rear wheels in order to maximise range; the front axle kicks in only under hard acceleration or low traction.
The 82kWh battery — the largest battery compatible with the MEB system at present — can be charged to 80% capacity in 30-minutes using a 125kW charger.
Though it sits on the same segment as the Audi Q3, the stylish Q4 e-tron concept is a little larger, measuring 4590mm long, 1900mm wide and 1610mm tall. That actually makes it just slightly shorter and wider than today’s Audi Q5. And while the concept is a four-seater, five seats will appear by the time it goes into production.
It’s understood that in terms of design, the concept is close to how the full production model will look. That means, hopefully the slim headlights perched high in each corner of the car’s front end, distinctive shoulders over the front and rear axles, full-width LED taillight and massive 22in alloys will all make it to UK showrooms. It’s also likely the Q4 e-tron will retain the imposing structure of the front grille as found on the larger e-tron SUV.
Inside the cabin, the styling mirrors much of that first seen in the e-tron GT concept. That includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system angled slightly towards the driver, hexagonal steering wheel and a virtual cockpit display behind the steering wheel.
Related: Audi ditches diesel from TT range
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Jim McGill