Audi has lifted the covers off the new Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron on Tuesday. Earlier, at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show, Audi had showcased its concept of the Q4 e-tron which the company is going to produce from 2021. The Sportback is supposed to be the aesthetically sportier version of the regular Q4 e-tron.
Audi unveils Q4 Sportback e-tron: Everything you need to know
The Drivetrain
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron sits on the all-electric MEB platform which is used in the regular Q4 e-tron. It features dual-motor setup, one for the front axle and one for the rear. The motor at the rear is more powerful one as the drive of this car is more rear-biased and makes 204hp and 310Nm of torque, while the motor on the front axle makes 102hp and 150Nm of torque. This puts out a combined output of 306hp. Power for both motors comes from an 82kWh battery pack. The claimed range is 450 km as per the WLTP cycle and Audi claims that the battery can be quick-charged to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Audi will also have rear-wheel-drive versions on offer that will have a higher range of up to 500km. Usually, all EVs have low centre of gravity as the heavy batteries (510kg) are mounted on the floor. The Q4 Sportback e-tron also has 50:50 weight distribution for better handling.
The Styling
Like with all the coupe-esque SUVs out there, The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron has a swooping roofline that starts off with the shape of a regular roof but then drops at quite a sharp angle towards the rear of the car where it is juxtaposed with a rather large rear spoiler. Due to this styling cue, the rear window is smaller and along with that spoiler, it may affect the rear visibility. There is a rear LED light bar like all modern Audi models which infuses the taillights and the indicators. Like the regular Q4 e-tron, the Sportback has an aggressive-looking rear bumper and diffuser element at the bottom. Another stand out feature on the exterior is the pronounced wheel arches that house the giant 22-inch wheels.
Audi in recent years has been obsessed about making the front grilles of their cars gigantic and the new Q4 Sportback e-tron is no different. The grille seems like it could gobble up an entire car, this is certainly got “aggressive” box checked even though it has received mixed reactions from motoring journalists. The overall shape remains the same as the previously showcased Q4 concept, the execution within however is slightly different from the original design. The massive air intakes on the left and right of the bumper have also been subject to a different design, with sharp vertical fins at the outer edges. The headlamps are slim and like on the Q4 feature really attractive LED tech. Overall the new Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron looks very futuristic and muscular.
Dimensions
As for the dimensions of the car, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept measures 4,600mm in length and 1,600mm in height, which compared to its competitors like the BMW X4 and the Mercedes GLC is a bit smaller. But when its placed side by side with the regular Q4 e-tron SUV concept, it is evident that the Sportback is longer and lower, the width and the wheelbase, however, remains identical at 1,900mm and 2,770mm respectively between the regular model and the Sportback.
Interior
Despite the coupe-like roofline Audi says there enough space and headroom in the rear for full-sized adults. As it is an EV, It doesn’t have a mechanical drivetrain running underneath the vehicle instead it has a pack of batteries, this allows for a flat floor and the elimination of a central tunnel which has freed up a lot of space for storage inside the car and adequate legroom for the middle passenger in the rear.
With its e-tron models, Audi clearly has made Eco-friendliness and sustainability as their top priority, thus in the Q4 Sportback e-tron Audi has used materials like microfiber cloth for the headliner, window pillars, upper section of the door rail and dash panel. Few of the metallic pieces in the interior have also been replaced by Plexiglas that has been painted in a special way to give it a 3D effect. The seats are wrapped in premium Alcantara instead of the leather. The Q4 Sportback e-tron also gets a very sporty squared steering wheel which houses touchpads on both sides to control the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the fully digital instrument cluster. It is a high-tech system with high-resolution screens and crisp graphics. As it’s an EV there is no conventional gear selector.
Conclusion
Both the Q4 e-tron and the Sportback will be introduced in the markets next year, as the demand for EVs are at present greater than ever Audi hopes to sell the Q4 e-tron in really healthy numbers. Audi stepped into the EV bandwagon with its high end offering The e-tron SUV and is planning on expanding its electric portfolio with an EV variant of most of its models.
