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Audi has big aspirations in the luxury electric-vehicle space, and the 2022 Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback SUVs will double the size of the company's EV-centric e-tron lineup. Smaller than the mid-size e-tron SUV, the Q4 siblings sit on a footprint similar to the compact Q5 crossover. While the base powertrain is a single 201-hp electric motor and a 77.0-kWh battery pack, a more powerful 295-hp dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive is optional. The battery pack is said to deliver up to 241 miles of driving range per charge. The Q4 e-tron models will go up against other compact electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y and the Volvo XC40 Recharge when they go on sale. Expect to see the Q4 e-tron at Audi dealerships by the end of 2021.
The Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback are all-new models for 2022. They join the larger e-tron SUVs and the racy e-tron GT sedan in Audi's fast-growing electric-vehicle lineup.
With a base price of $44,995, the Q4 e-tron is actually cheaper to start than the gasoline-powered Q5 SUV. We recommend the more powerful 295-hp 50 model, but those who prefer a coupe-like look to their SUV can opt for the swoopier Sportback model, which is offered with the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain setup.
The base powertrain setup is called 40, and consists of a single 201-hp electric motor and rear-wheel drive. That's the same setup that's found in the mechanically similar Volkswagen ID.4, which trotted to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds at our test track. With an electric motor powering each axle, the more powerful all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron 50 and Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 make 295 horsepower. The result is a claimed zero-to-60-time of 6.2 seconds. That's not as quick as the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 SUV, but it's still brisk compared with other gas-powered compact luxury crossovers. An adaptive suspension should keep the ride smooth. We'll know for sure when we've had a chance to test drive the Q4 e-tron models.
The Q4 e-tron’s 77.0-kWh battery pack is said to provide up to 241 miles per charge. The Q4 e-tron supports charging up to 125-kW and, according to Audi, the state-of-charge can hit 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Both body styles of the 2022 Q4 e-tron are rated at 95 MPGe. Once we can test one on our 75-mph highway route, we can evaluate its real-world efficiency. For more information about the Q4 e-tron's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
The interior is a technological showcase for Audi's latest and greatest gadgets. The Q4 e-tron's cabin is similar to what's available in other Audis and also incorporates a few unique features, such as a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and a toggle-switch gear selector. Although the Q4 e-tron concept was shown strictly as a four-seater, the production version will offer seating for five. The interior's passenger space should be about the same as the gas-powered Q5's. Cargo space isn't as generous, however.
The Q4 e-tron will have the latest version of Audi’s MMI system. A 10.3-inch digital gauge display is standard, and a large 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is angled toward the driver for easier access to its various menus and features. Audi will also offer a head-up display with an augmented reality feature that can project information such as navigation instructions or driver-assistance warnings in the driver's eyeline. We expect a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging for compatible smartphones will also be on offer.
The Q4 e-tron models will be stocked with plenty of driver-assistance technology features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Q4 e-tron's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV.
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