Audi reveals Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron have been unveiled globally but may not reach New Zealand until later next year.

The SUV with three drive variants providing up to 520km range and 220kW of power adds to the growing family of e-tron battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

“We are working hard to land it in New Zealand, however it is likely to be that international demand for such a vehicle will not see it land here until the end of 2022 at the earliest,” Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed says.

He says it will deliver outstanding practicality, technology, driving prowess and zero local emissions in a striking package that will surely appeal to Kiwis.

Pricing and specifications for the New Zealand market will be announced closer to the local launch.

The portfolio includes two compact electric models to account for the urban commuter and the long-distance driver, featuring two battery variants and three drive variants.

The top-of-the-range Q4 50 e-tron quattro has two electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating up to 220kW of power which allows a sprint to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

The front axle motor comes into play when high power or additional grip is needed, while intelligent recuperation ensures energy-saving driving and incorporates navigation and topographical data.

The Q4 50 has a 77kWh (net energy content) battery providing 497km range (WLTP) in Sportback guise.

The Q4 40 and Q4 35 e-trons each have an electric motor driving the rear wheels, with 150kW and 125kW of power respectively.

The compact battery for the city-focussed Q4 35 has 52kWh net energy content providing 349km range, while the Q4 40’s 77kWh battery is the same as the Q4 50 and delivers 520km range.

Both models can tow trailers up to 1000kg (braked, at 12% incline) while quattro versions can pull up to 1200kg.

Progressive design improves aerodynamics and spaciousness and the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron come with an optional augmented reality head-up display.

The Q4 e-trons can be charged using AC and DC depending on the battery.

The compact battery can get up to 7.2kW with AC charging and up to 100kW using high-power DC charging (HPC).

As standard, the larger battery allows for up to 11kW on AC and up to 125kW with HPC.

The Q4 e-tron will join Audi’s e-tron, e-tron S and e-tron GT.

Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron with a carbon neutral footprint from its Zwickau plant in Germany.