Audi Q4 40 e-tron & Q4 50 e-tron quattro test: flat feet

After the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq, it's Audi's turn to unveil its interpretation of the electric SUV based on the Groupe MEB platform. The Q4 e-tron follows in the footsteps of its cousins ​​to deliver a typically Audi interpretation of the “democratization” (in big quotes) of the all-electric family SUV. Its release in Europe is also accompanied by two announcements that have continued to be the color of ink since:

• Audi will become a 100% electric brand by 2035 (the manufacturer aims for 2033)
• Audi will unveil its latest 100% thermal model in 2026 (no details on whether or not it is light hybridization)

Not content with all this, the Q4 e-tron is also the first 100% electric vehicle of the brand with the rings to use one of the prefixes (Q in this case) usually reserved for thermal models (the Audi A3 e- tron not counting since it was a PHEV). What to see a little more clearly in the middle of a range largely dominated by the electric current events (e-tron, e-tron GT…).

An already complete range

As soon as it is released, Audi offers two bodies of its electric SUV: Q4 e-tron & Q4 e-tron Sportback. The latter uses a SUV Coupé bodywork, now dear to Audi since it is available in the entire range (e-tron, Q3, Q5). 4 trim levels are available:

• Q4 e-tron
• Executive
• S-Line
• Luxury design

… As well as 3 engines:

• 35 e-tron (170hp, associated with a 52 kWh battery, range 306-341 km WLTP depending on options)
• 40 e-tron (204 hp, combined with a 77 kWh battery, range 466-520 km WLTP depending on options)
• 50 e-tron quattro (299 hp, combined with a 77 kWh battery, range 443-488 km WLTP depending on options)

Prices start at € 42,800 for the Q4 e-tron version and € 44,800 for the Q4 e-tron Sportback version which includes the famous Audi Drive Select as standard, allowing the selection and customization of different driving profiles. Prices can climb very quickly, like one of our two test models (Typhoon Gray pictured), a Q4 50 e-tron quattro wrapped in options and displayed at € 84,685.

Differentiating look? Not at Audi

More than buying an electric car, customers opting for an electric vehicle are going above all to an Audi, and that, the manufacturer with the rings understood it well. It's a safe bet that for a majority of customers, the Q4 e-tron will surely be their first electric car, but surely not their first Audi. Thus, all the style gimmicks are present so as not to disturb regulars, starting with the imposing dummy grille surmounting an element specific to the S-Line finish, the famous blade with the aluminum gray finish. Behind the logo are many radars & sensors intended for level 2 autonomous driving and which are more discreet than those that can be found under the grille of an A6 or A7 for example, good choice of the share of the Ingolstadt brand on this point. At last,

The profile is certainly the most familiar point of view since it takes the roof line of the VW ID.4 and Skoda Eniaq as well as a very marked drop in the rear wing. The architecture of the Q4 benefits livability since with 10 cm less than an Audi Q5, it gives it less than 5 cm in terms of the wheelbase. At the rear, nothing would once again reveal the nature of the energy that powers our Audi Q4 if it weren't for the e-tron written in big letters on the rear bumper (and the lack of exhaust outlets, less noticeable).

Inside, the first highlight is the adoption of a new steering wheel of contained size and double flattened which immediately brings to mind that of a certain brand in the Lion. The logo in the center is made smaller and above all adopts what Audi calls “flat-design”. By that mean the total absence of relief. If I leave it to everyone to appreciate or not this novelty, it is clear that the new buttons on the steering wheel controls are not the most qualitative. Instead of matte plastic, we find shiny plastic with tactile and backlit keys. The strongest part of all this is that there is indeed a haptic feedback to realize whether or not we have just pressed a particular key. I preferred the old buttons for my part (like those found on the center console). If Audi was a forerunner in the digitization of the dashboard display, the manufacturer does not give in to “everything on the screen” in any case on the Q4 since the air conditioning controls and the Drive Select shortcut among others remain manual. However, the optional 11.6-inch center screen is the largest ever installed in an Audi (10.1-inch standard). New innovation specific to the Q4 e-tron, the head-up display in augmented reality which superimposes GPS indications on the road in an active way: an arrow to indicate a change of direction thus changes size and orientation as approaches the branch. Audi also gives pride of place to storage in the passenger compartment by offering no less than 26 liters. There are thus door bins capable of accommodating 1L bottles or even a nice space under the floating central console. On the finishing side, I will only be able to judge the “S-Line” level having only the latter under test. The materials are of good quality to the eye and to the touch and few hard plastics come to swear. However, I still remain a fervent opponent of the “piano black” surrounding the entire floating part of the central console, sensitive to the slightest trace of a finger. I will only be able to judge the “S-Line” level having only the latter to the test. The materials are of good quality to the eye and to the touch and few hard plastics come to swear. However, I still remain a fervent opponent of the “piano black” surrounding the entire floating part of the central console, sensitive to the slightest trace of a finger. I will only be able to judge the “S-Line” level having only the latter to the test. The materials are of good quality to the eye and to the touch and few hard plastics come to swear. However, I still remain a fervent opponent of the “piano black” surrounding the entire floating part of the central console, sensitive to the slightest trace of a finger.

At the wheel, another Audi, even if ... 

Even if what? Well even if the Audi Q4 e-tron is a ……. propulsion! You read me correctly. Like its cousins ​​in the Group, the Q4 is indeed a rear-wheel drive in 35 and 40 e-tron versions. The quattro all-wheel drive (not permanent) is reserved for the Q4 50 e-tron quattro and also causes a loss of some precious km of autonomy (between 20 and 40). Let's start with the Q4 40 e-tron if you don't mind (the Bleu Navarre in our photos). We have 204 hp to push (and not tow) at least 2050 kg empty, which is to say a hell of a baby. The displayed performance is correct with a 0 to 100 km / h shot in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 km / h. However, do not expect stratospheric thrusts, however legion, aboard an electric vehicle. The 0 to 50 will absolutely not stick you to the seat and even lets show an almost sluggish side, in any case for a SUB proudly displaying the 4 rings in the middle of such a grille. Make no mistake, there is still what it takes under the pedal to tackle any overtaking safely but it is clear that the sensations of acceleration are clearly absent subscribers.

Equipped with 20-inch rims, our Q4 40 e-tron is very pleasant on the motorway with a combo soundproofing / cushioning comfort of the most exquisite. Ideal for enjoying the new SONOS on-board audio system worthy of our expectations on board a premium vehicle. In town, the size (nearly 4.60 meters long) remains imposing and the management a bit too hard to approach the exercise as calmly as possible. The augmented reality head-up display is not that revolutionary in use (from my point of view anyway). 3 possibilities to slow down the beast: the use of mode B to operate with a single pedal, very appreciable in town, the use of the paddles on the steering wheel to regulate on 3 levels, permanently and easily the engine brake and finally the middle pedal whose first mm of travel are intended to use the engine brake rather than the mechanical brakes. The use of pallets becomes natural after a few minutes of use and especially more than legitimate on secondary roads to permanently optimize your consumption. Thus, it is not a little proud that I come out with an average consumption of around 17.5 kWh / 100 kms after a short day of driving in the Q4 40 e-tron, a low range according to the figures. builders (17.3 - 19.4). Theoretically enough to ensure you a range blithely exceeding 400 kms, not bad at all! Especially since the Q4 e-tron supports a charging power of up to 125 kW, that is, 80% of autonomy recovered in 20 min and 100% in 30 min on a suitable terminal. An interesting feature at a time when certain charges are billed per minute of use.

ID.4 GTX on the rings

The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the day spent aboard the Q4 50 e-tron quattro, which uses the “mechanics” of the VW ID.4 GTX. 299 hp for 2135 kg empty but still allowing a 0 to 100 km / h in 6.4 seconds and 180 km / h top speed. This is the first of these two figures that must be remembered, the feeling of acceleration having nothing to do with the 40 e-tron version. The standing starts are awesome, the pickups dantesque and the style in line with the performance offered: the Q4 50 e-tron quattro will delight Audi enthusiasts who have a little under the hood. Beyond that, we even end up with a behavior that could almost be described as dynamic, although this vehicle is not sporty, we mean. The controlled damping associated with the 21-inch rims and wider tires at the rear allows in dynamic mode a somewhat incisive behavior and a perfectly mastered body handling for such a size, helped in particular by the batteries in the floor. What exquisite a slight grin after a few turns. A glance at the evolution of consumption and the remaining autonomy will however gladly erase it just like a strong braking using this time the middle pedal, whose bite remains to be reviewed and the spongy side can scare. Looking twice, I also realize that it is drum brakes that take place at the rear ... Surprising. helped in particular by the batteries in the floor. What exquisite a slight grin after a few turns. A glance at the evolution of consumption and the remaining autonomy will however gladly erase it just like a strong braking using this time the middle pedal, whose bite remains to be reviewed and the spongy side can scare. Looking twice, I also realize that it is drum brakes that take place at the rear ... Surprising. helped in particular by the batteries in the floor. What exquisite a slight grin after a few turns. A glance at the evolution of consumption and the remaining autonomy will however gladly erase it just like a strong braking using this time the middle pedal, whose bite remains to be reviewed and the spongy side can scare. Looking twice, I also realize that it is drum brakes that take place at the rear ... Surprising.

In the end, it is in “Efficiency” mode and using the paddles to adjust the regenerative braking that I spent most of my time aboard the Q4 40 e-tron and the Q4 50 e-tron. This mode usually strikes significantly the performance when there is a need to overtake and a more than long kick-down, feeling erased here thanks to the instantaneous side of the electric. The excess consumption on board the Q4 50 e-tron quattro remains measured with an average of 18.4 kWh / 100 kms during our test.

The feet in the plate

It was this familiar expression that finally came to me when I thought back two weeks after trying the Q4 e-tron. With a call price under € 45,000, it is eligible for the ecological bonus. Configurable at will and upon its release, it is positioned as the electric alternative in the Audi range rather than the Audi alternative in the electric market. The nuance is undoubtedly weak and my way of writing by necessarily the best suited to express what I feel but what is certain is that as soon as you open the door, you find an atmosphere characteristic of an Audi. and this is a good thing because I repeat it, the Q4 e-tron is intended for customers who have for the most part already taken the step of the choice of the mark with the rings. No need to dwell on the exorbitant price beyond comprehension for our Q4 50 e-tron quattro. If you find it too expensive, you won't buy Audi, whereas if you buy Audi (or even rent for a lot), it won't be a problem. If performance is not your first criterion of choice, the Q4 40 e-tron seems to be a good version, provided you check the right options. Here is our proposal (insert this code in the Audi configurator): AK1GKB3N.