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). 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. Attributes that they all share are zero local CO₂ emissions driving and high ranges.

Audi’s next step: the exterior design

With the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback, Audi has taken its next step towards a more expressive design language for its electric models. These compact SUVs bring into series production the body line that the Audi Q4 concept and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback concept show cars demonstrated at the beginning of 2019. This body line impresses thanks to the striking proportions – short front overhangs, large wheels, and powerfully toned muscles. All lines are drawn with the greatest precision, and the surface treatment is clear and pared back. In the Audi 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.

The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback have three alloy wheel versions available ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches depending on the variant and packs selected. The Advanced models come standard with 19” 5-W-Spoke "Aero” alloys in Graphite grey and the S-Line variants come standard with 20” 5-Y-Spokes, Graphite grey alloys. Both can be updated to 21” platinum grey Audi Sport wheels with the style pack.

New ideas for a new era: the interior and operation

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.

For urban commuters and long-distance drivers: battery, drive and charging options

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.

Fully digital: the Q4 e-tron is an e-mobility device

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.

Intelligent connectivity: the suspension and the driver assist systems

The high-voltage battery of the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron lies between the axles, which ensures a low center 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.

The compact electric SUVs roll off the assembly line with a number of assist systems as standard. These include Audi pre sense front which can recognize 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.

Lighting technology & packages

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.

A choice of eight colours are available for the paint finish, including the new metallic shade aurora violet. To add some extras to the already highly spec’d Q4 e-tron, customers have the option of adding one or 2 packs to customise it further. The Sound pack includes the SONOS sound system and heated steering wheel for extra ambience and comfort. For those wanting the bigger 21” Audi Sport wheels, Panoramic glass roof and Black appearance pack the style pack is available. Privacy glass is available in this pack for the Q4 40 e-tron and comes as standard in the Q4 e-tron 50.

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.

“The Q4 e-tron was released as an all-new name plate in some markets overseas in April 2021. Since then, we have been working hard to secure the model for our market,” commented Dean Sheed, General Manager of Audi New Zealand. We know this model has been highly anticipated, 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.”

All Audi Q4 e-tron variants will start arriving from April 2023 in 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 our online reservation tool from 1st February 2023.

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* As per global WLTP standard. Acceleration, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures depend on the individual vehicle specifications.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide on the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and power consumption of all new passenger car models,” which is available free of charge at all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (www.dat.de).