Overview
Audi has aspirations in the luxury electric-vehicle marketplace, and the 2022 Q4 and Q4 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 gasoline-powered Q5 crossover. Two electric motors deliver standard all-wheel drive, and a large, 82.0-kWh battery pack is said to deliver up to 280 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, with the swoopier Sportback variant following closely thereafter.
What’s New for 2022?
The Q4 e-tron is an all-new model for 2022 and it joins the larger the e-tron SUV and the racy e-tron GT sedan in Audi’s growing electric-vehicle lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While pricing has not been announced, based on other vehicles in the current Audi lineup we’re anticipating that the Prestige trim—which should come standard with heated massaging seats, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist—will be the one to buy. A Cold Weather package for those that have to deal with winter weather will be a worthwhile option. Those who prefer a coupe-like look to their SUV can opt for the swoopier Sportback model.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With an electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback make a stout 300 horsepower. The result is a claimed zero-to-60-time of 6.3 seconds. That’s not as quick as the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 SUV, but it’s still brisk compared with other compact luxury crossovers. An adaptive suspension should keep the ride smooth. We haven’t had a chance to test drive either of the Q4 e-tron models, so we can’t comment on their ride-and-handling characteristics.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Q4 e-tron’s 82.0-kWh battery pack has a target range of 280 miles. This is pre-EPA testing so expect that number to change once the crossover goes on sale. The vehicle supports charging up to 125-kW and, according to Audi, the state-of-charge can hit 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released any estimates for either of the Q4 e-tron models’ fuel economy, but we expect them to be competitive with other electric SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model X. Once we get a Q4 e-tron to our office for testing, we’ll complete our 200-mile highway fuel economy route and update this story with results. For more information about the Q4 e-tron’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
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.
Infotainment and Connectivity
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; a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen is optional. 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.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect the Q4 e-tron models to be stocked with plenty of driver-assistance technology features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a self-parking mode. 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 are likely to include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV. Audi’s complimentary maintenance is less generous than what BMW, Jaguar, and Volvo offer, but the e-tron’s electrical components are covered for an extended period of time.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
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