2023 Audi Q4 e-tron NZ pricing and specification released
Following on from fuller size e-tron models, the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback are the first compact electric SUVs from the brand with four rings. It’s a model variant kiwi audiences have been eagerly awaiting and Audi New Zealand have specified the range generously.
Arriving in New Zealand early 2023, the range comprises two body styles - SUV and Sportback and two drive variants – Advanced (Q4 40 e-tron) and S-Line (Q4 50 e-tron quattro).
Driving range is impressive and will accommodate the active lifestyle Audi New Zealand’s clientele typically require the vehicle for. Spearheaded by the S-Line quattro model with a maximum output of 220 kW, the Sportback variant powers a range of up to 522km (WLTP), and 511km (WLTP) in the SUV. As an entry to the Q4 e-tron line up, the Advanced model has a maximum output of 150 kW, reaching up to 542km (WLTP) of range in the Sportback and 528km (WLTP) in the SUV.
Audi says it’s taken its next step towards a more expressive design language for its electric models, but the lines are, thankfully, akin to other great looking Audi SUVs and aside from some obvious giveaways like the lack of exhaust tail pipes or traditionally ‘grille’, you’re hard pressed to denote these as electric cars. That’s not always a bad thing, especially when the family design language is a aesthetically pleasing as Audi.
Short front overhangs, large wheels, and powerfully toned muscles are all part of design and with the Q4 Sportback e-tron, the especially low coupé-style roofline ends in an expressively designed rear where the spoiler sits deep on the two-part window. It’s a good looking car from all angles.
The interior of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback come across as spacious and airy.
The instrument panel is turned toward the driver. It is divided into separate areas and integrates two displays, which are design elements at the same time. A separate horizontal
operating panel houses the shifter for selecting the gears.
The S-Line models come standard with Sports seats in Black Nappa leather and the Advanced models come standard with leather/leatherette upholstery. Also totally new is the steering wheel with its seamless touch surfaces, which the driver uses to control the digital instrument cluster.
It wouldn’t be an Audi if it didn’t exhibit class-leading technology and the Q4 e-tron is packed with innovation. The Q4 e-tron models offer a fully digital user experience. The Advanced model comes standard with Audi virtual cockpit and the S-Line variant comes standard with augmented reality head-up display and the Audi virtual cockpit plus. For premium sound, the Sonos sound system which combines lifestyle, technology, and design in a new dimension is available if the sound package is selected.
The high-voltage battery of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron lies between the axles, which ensures a low centre of gravity and a balanced distribution of weight. The control systems for the drive and suspension work closely together – driving the compact electric SUVs is safe, sporty, and comfortable all at the same time
Meanwhile a number of assist systems are present as standard features. These include Audi pre sense front which can recognise not only vehicles but pedestrians and bicycles as well, and rear, adaptive cruise control, which assists the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range and lane change assist to name a few. The S-Line model comes equipped with a few additional features such as park assist plus and 360-degree camera.
The drive portfolio of the two compact electric models lives up to the expectations for the urban commuter and the long-distance driver. The top-of-the-range S-Line models have two electric motors for the electric all-wheel drive, generating a maximum output of 220kW – allowing a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
For efficiency, the motor on the front axle comes into action only when high power or additional grip is needed. Another important factor in energy saving driving is intelligent recuperation, which incorporates navigation and topographical data.
The Q4 40 e-tron has an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, with an output of 150kW – allowing a spring from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5s.
Audi’s two new electric SUVs can be charged with different outputs using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) depending on the battery. The Q4 e-tron battery allows for
charging up to 11 kW with AC and up to 135 kW with DC.
Both the Q4 50 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron Sportback come standard with Matrix LED headlights. This technology illuminates the road as brightly as possible without interfering with other road users. A feature only available with Matrix LED headlights is digital light signatures which are a world first. The driver can switch between four signatures in the MMI touch operating system. At the rear, a light strip links the taillight units to each other.
Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback with a neutral carbon footprint. The plant in Zwickau, Germany uses eco-electricity, while battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. Emissions that cannot be avoided at the moment are offset by climate protection projects certified by the TÜV. They meet the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.
“We know this model has been highly-anticipated in New Zealand, and we are really excited to welcome this compact fully electric SUV to market next year. Outside of Europe, UK, and USA we are only the fourth marketing to launch the Q4 e-tron globally.” commented Dean Sheed, General Manager of Audi New Zealand.
The MRP of the Q4 40 e-tron Advanced models starts from $99,990 + ORC, and the Q4 50 e-tron S-Line models start from $126,990 + ORC. Customers will have the opportunity to reserve a Q4 e-tron with a $5,000 reservation deposit via an online reservation tool from 1st February 2023.
Watch our drive video on the Audi Q4 e-tron here: https://youtu.be/IQIhOCgc51w