Geneva Motor Show 2019: Audi Q4 e-Tron Concept Debuts

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Audi has been aggressively pushing its e-Tron brand of vehicles as part of parent company VW Group’s Roadmap E electrification strategy. The first EV with four rings on the grille was the Audi e-Tron SUV, followed by the four-door e-Tron GT saloon. Now a third car is about to swell the German automaker’s electrified lineup: the Audi Q4 e-Tron.

Audi already has a comprehensive range of SUVs under the ‘Q’ bade. From the subcompact Q2 to the mild-hybrid Q8, there are very few spots left for another SUV in the carmaker’s range. With the unveiling of the Audi Q4 e-Tron at Geneva International Motor Show 2019, there is only one spot left between the conventional Q5 and Q7: Q6.

Design

Lets us take a closer look at what the Q4 e-Tron offers. This being an Audi, you get an understated yet classy design that ages a lot better than modern swoopy, busy designs. The front fascia is dominated by an imposing grille which doesn’t play as vital a part in the drivetrain as before. This let the designers insert interesting design details on to the front fascia. The grille is flanked by Matrix LED lights. Audi has long been a lighting pioneer, and it shows in the Q4 e-Tron’s lighting materials, arrangement, and operation.

Drivetrain

Two motors sit over the electric crossover’s axles, The front motor generates 100hp (75kW) while the rear one makes 201hp (150kW). The more powerful rear motor is in charge of a majority of acceleration demands with the front motor playing a supporting role. Audi claims this is how the Q4 maximizes efficiency but is quick to point out that the EV still features AWD. 100kph comes up in a brisk 6.3 seconds, while the car’s top speed is electronically limited to 180kph.

The Audi Q4 e-Tron’s 82kWh battery charges up to 80 percent in 30 minutes, positioned just beneath the cabin floor for a lower centre of gravity. Because electric drivetrains don’t have driveshafts, Audi claims the Q4 offers an “unprecedented level of room comfort, especially in terms of legroom both in the front and in the rear.”

The company also included in its announcement that the Q4’s colour coat is environmentally sensitive. It is designed to reflect sunlight close to the infrared spectrum, helping keep the car cooler. Again, Volkswagen’s MEB platform underpins the Audi Q4 e-Tron. Audi plans to launch 12 all-electric vehicles by 2025, of which the e-Tron SUV is already available for order. The e-Tron GT is currently under development, following which it will be the Q4’s turn to head for production.