- Compact EV crossover slots below 2019 e-tron
- All-wheel drive with 300 horsepower
- 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds
- 280-mile range
- Set for late 2020 production
Audi has introduced a compact crossover SUV concept, the Audi Q4 e-tron, it says will go into production in late 2020. The new model will be positioned beneath the Q5-based 2019 Audi e-tron, which goes on sale later this year.
Powered by an 82-kWh lithium ion battery pack mounted in the floor, the Audi Q4 e-tron concept boasts 300 horsepower from its two electric motors, one positioned on each axle, giving it Quattro all-wheel drive capability. The drivetrain is good for 0-62 mph acceleration of 6.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 112 mph. On the European test standard, Audi says the Q4 e-tron has a single charge range of 280 miles.
Compact dimensions
The Q4 e-tron measures 180.7 inches overall and standards 74.8 inches wide and 63.3 inches tall, putting its size squarely between the existing Audi Q3 and Q5 crossover SUVs. Thanks to the compact packaging of the electric drivertrain and floor-mounted battery pack, Audi says the Q4 offers nearly the same cabin size as class-higher SUVs.
The exterior design is clean, with uncluttered lines and muscular fenders. The overall look is similar to the e-tron, which also shares its appearance with other SUVs in the Audi family. The grille is actually a closed panel with a satin finish texture interspersed with body-colored elements. The single frame grille is flanked by programmable LED lighting that allows the driver to customize the vehicle’s lighting signature.
MEB underpinnings
The Audi Q4 e-tron is based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform that has been specifically developed for electric vehicles. The concept has a rear-wheel drive power bias with an electric motor on the rear axle producing 200 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, while the front axle has a motor making 100 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque.
The 82-kWh battery pack has a fast charge capability that allows 80 percent of its charge to be replenished in just over 30 minutes. The battery pack weighs 1,320 pounds and its positioning between the frame rails gives the Audi Q4 e-tron a low center of gravity, which helps with the vehicle’s dynamics. With the front and rear electric motors, the Q4 e-tron has an ideal weight distribution of 50:50 fore and aft.
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Virtual cockpit
Adding to the production-ready aura of the show car is the interior which features Audi’s virtual cockpit digital display that has a large 12.3-inch center touchscreen. That display is tilted towards the driver to make it easier and more intuitive to use. With no traditional gearshift or brake levers, the center console is freed up for stowage, which includes a cell phone charging cradle. At the front end of the console are push buttons for the transmission.
The German automaker says the Audi Q4 e-tron will go into production in late 2020. It is likely to go on sale in the U.S. in 2021 with an estimated price in the $50,000 range, below the $70,000 starting price of the 2019 Audi e-tron.
