Audi reveals Q4 e-tron premium compact electric SUV

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Audi reveals Q4 e-tron premium compact electric SUV

Audi reveals Q4 e-tron premium compact electric SUV

Audi has revealed the Q4 e-tron premium electric SUV, which comes in two body styles and has a range of over 300 miles.

The new Audi Q4 e-tron electric SUV is the Four Rings' fourth fully-electric vehicle, following in the footsteps of the e-tron SUV, the e-tron Sportback and the flagship e-tron GT - which broke cover back in February - and it's the German company's first compact e-SUV.

The car will come in two bodystyles; the traditional SUV form with a focus on practicality and a Sportback model with a sleeker, sportier look, and will start at €41,900 (£40,750) for the Q4 35 e-tron, with the Sportback commanding a premium of around €2,000.

The Q4 e-tron goes on sale in June in Germany, followed by a roll-out across Europe, and in the second half of 2021 in the UK.

 

There are a number of models across the range, with 55 and 82kWh batteries and a choice of power outputs between 168, 201 and 294bhp, while the top-spec Q4 50 e-tron quattro coming with all-wheel drive as standard. That varian't also the fastest available - sprinting from 0-60mph (0-100km/h) in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 111mph.

READ MORE: Designing the Audi e-tron SUV

Range varies from 208 miles (334km) up to 328 miles (527km) between the different specifications and it's the slippier, more streamlined Sportback that goes furthest in rear-wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron trim. Regen has three levels of adjustment depending on how much stopping power and energy recouperation the driver's looking for and can be tweaked using the paddles on the back of the steering wheel.

Charging, meanwhile, ranges from 7.4kW on AC and 100kW using DC for the entry-level Q4 35 e-tron and 11kW AC/125kW DC for the rest.

Sustainability in the spotlight

Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron with a neutral carbon footprint. Its factory in Zwickau uses eco-electricity, while the battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. 

READ MORE: Inside Audi's cutting edge Formula E simulator

Unavoidable emissions are offset by climate protection projects certified by the TUV, meeting the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.

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Together with its suppliers, Audi is firmly committed to acting responsibly in all vehicle projects. Starting in 2017, the company now reviews its partners using a sustainability rating it has developed itself to ensure resource-saving production processes and adherence to social standards.

There are lots of recycled materials used in the Q4 e-tron, too - including in its seats which are trimmed with fibres spun from 26 plastic bottles.

Flat out to the finish in Season 7

The German carmaker may be calling time on its current spell in Formula E at the end of the 2020/21 campaign having been part of the fold since the inaugural season, but Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler is pulling out all the stops to add to its title tally following Lucas di Grassi's 2016/17 triumph, and its own as a fully-fledged manufacturer outfit via the Teams' Championship in 2017/18 at the first time of asking.

Its all-new, and first in-house designed and built Audi MGU05 powertrain provides the beating heart of its new e-tron FE07, and the undertaking has been described as one of Audi Sport's "most challenging and intensive projects ever" by Formula E project leader Tristan Summerscale, with the giving its all for a shot at top honours in Formula E's first season as an FIA World Championship with Rene Rast and Lucas di Grassi behind the wheel.

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