- the 2022 audi q4 e-tron is a new electric suv model that slots in between the gasoline-powered q3 and q5.
- it will be available in both standard and swoopier sportback body styles.
- audi says the rear-wheel-drive base model will start at around $45,000 and will go on sale in the u.s. by the end of 2021.
audi's newest electric model is its most mainstream yet. the q4 e-tron and its sportback stablemate are smaller and more affordable than the e-tron suv and e-tron gt sedan, being based on the same meb platform as the vw id.4 electric crossover. audi says the q4 e-tron will start at around $45,000 when it goes on sale in the u.s. by the end of 2021.
the q4 designation suggests that this new ev will slot in between the q3 and q5 crossovers, and indeed, it's 180.7 inches long, neatly fitting in between the two in terms of its exterior footprint. audi says that the q4's long wheelbase and floor-mounted battery pack allows for a similar amount of rear-seat space inside as the q5. the q4 e-tron sportback will compromise some cargo space for its more rakish silhouette, although it's also more aerodynamic than the squareback version.
like the id.4, the standard configuration comes with a single 201-hp electric motor on the rear axle, which will be called the 40. a 77.0-kwh battery pack is standard, and audi expects an epa-estimated driving range of 250 miles for this lower-powered version, which it claims will get to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. the more powerful q4 e-tron 50 quattro incorporates an all-wheel-drive setup with front and rear electric motors that provide a total output of 295 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. it will likely have a lower range number than the 40, and audi claims a zero to 62 mph time of 6.2 seconds.
the q4 e-tron will allow for fast-charging capability of up to 125 kilowatts, and audi says it expects to offer some amount of free charging at the vw group's electrify america charging stations. paddles on the steering wheel will allow the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking that kicks in when you let off the gas pedal.
a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard, as is a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster screen. there's also an augmented-reality head-up display available that projects moving icons for navigation onto the windshield. a conventional round steering wheel is standard, and a more squared-off wheel with a flat top and bottom is optional.
the q4 e-tron is shaping up to be an appealing alternative to the id.4, especially considering that the more downmarket vw's starting price is only a few thousand dollars less. expect the sportback version to command a slight price premium, as is the case with the larger e-tron and e-tron sportback.