Electromobility is the sign of these times. Of course, this also applies to Audi. The Ingolstadt-based company has just published that it will no longer develop new combustion engines and will present over 20 new, all-electric models by 2025. An expensive feat of strength that does not hurt that much within the VW group with combined resources. The newly launched Audi e-tron GT shares its electric technology with the Porsche Taycan and the car family also saves the household budget with the new Q4 e-tron - built in Zwickau. The electric SUV throws its no-frills dress over the electric platform, which VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq are already using.

Thanks to the MEB technology kit, the designers start drawing as if free. The new line of plug models combines their short overhangs, large wheels and long wheelbases. Which - of course - also changes the proportions. The new Audi Q4 e-tron, which is at least 4.59 meters long, looks almost compact, short and sweet. At Audi, they are particularly proud of the sophisticated aerodynamics (Cd value 0.28) and the clever digital light signature.

Inside there is one thing above all else: plenty of space. The wheelbase of 2.76 meters is almost the same as that of the Q5, with no transmission tunnel, transmission or exhaust system in the passengers' way. From 520 to 1,490 litres of baggage fit in the trunk; the Q4 e-tron Sportback, which starts a little later, will have 535 to 1,460 litres. There is plenty of additional storage space, plus practical slots for one-litre bottles in all door panels.

Anyone who understands Audi has no reservations in the Q4. Much is familiar, some are new. Like the steering wheel with backlit touch surfaces, which is now rounded at the top and bottom, the seemingly floating centre console, or the diamond-shaped cockpit box, which houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. For the first time, Sonos ensures good sound in a car. Finally, the new augmented reality function takes us into a world of augmented reality. A large virtual image of the outside world is generated via the head-up display. An arrow hovers like a drone about 10 meters in front of the car, showing you the way. A trend-setting technology in the most genuine sense of the word.

When it comes to propulsion, Audi can only allow itself a few extravagances. The MEB construction kit specifies the technical parameters here. In the case of the Q4, this also means that the system voltage is not 800 (as is the case with the new Hyundai Ioniq 5), but "only" 400 volts, which means that it can only be charged with a maximum output of 125 kW. After all, Audi promises that under ideal conditions, electricity for 130 kilometres will slide into the battery in around 10 minutes.

There will be two batteries with 52 kWh and 77 kWh, the system output is 170 hp, 204 hp or 299 hp, depending on the model, Audi specifies ranges of 342 to 504 kilometres, recuperation takes place in three stages using paddles on the steering wheel, one Heat pumps reduce excessive range losses, especially on long journeys and in winter.

The new entry-level SUV in the electrified Q-line drives the rear wheels. The more powerful versions have an asynchronous motor at the front. We already have a Quattro that an estimated 50 % of customers are likely to order. For reasons of efficiency, the front electric motor only takes part in the active movement when more grip or power is required.   

During the first test with the top model Audi Q4 50 e-tron Quattro, the sovereignty of the drive is particularly noticeable; despite a weight of over 2.1 tons. Anyone who has ever been on the move electrically, for example as a pedestrian with a brief connoisseur's glance, registers the naturalness of this (almost) silent movement: smooth, steady acceleration, extremely powerful and in 6.2 seconds to 100 km / h. Top speeds of up to 180 km / h are in. All components work together as if they have been on the same team for ages.

At the beginning of June, the Audi Q4 e-tron arrives in a choice of eight colours and three equipment lines (Basic, Advanced, S-Line) from 35,210 euros (all prices net plus VAT) to dealers. At the start, there will be two edition models in geyser blue and typhoon grey, which require an additional charge of around 5,200 euros. The Sportback will follow in September and will be around 1,700 euros more expensive.

via audi.co.uk.

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