If you need an electrical automobile within the close to future, odds are it’s going to be a crossover of some sort. The majority of recent EV releases have been crossovers or full-on SUVs. We have the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron, KIA Niro EV, Hyundai Kona EV and now add this to the listing — the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron.
The motive automakers are so sizzling for crossovers and SUVs, within the realm of electrification, twofold. For starters, SUVs and crossovers are simpler to package deal batteries in, as a result of their increased trip peak and added inside house. Then there’s the truth that crossovers and SUVs are extra worthwhile, which helps mitigate the added price of EV know-how. So anticipate to see extra EV crossovers earlier than sedans and coupes.
This new Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is simply one other in an extended line of such autos. What makes the Q4 e-tron attention-grabbing is that it’s constructed on an structure designed from the bottom up for EVs — the VW Group’s MEB platform. Whereas virtually each different aforementioned EV crossover, apart from the Model Y, is constructed on an present inner combustion-engine structure.
Its devoted EV structure means it’s far lighter than the opposite e-tron in Audi’s lineup, because the model doesn’t need to retrofit a Q7 chassis to suit batteries. So regardless of having a smaller battery pack than the earlier e-tron, 82 kWh versus the previous 95 kWh, it has the identical 279 miles of WLTP-rated vary. That’s for the dual-motor Q4 e-tron however there can be a single-motor automobile as effectively, with round 310 miles of WLTP vary.
Making the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron much more attention-grabbing is that its single-motor setup is definitely rear-wheel drive. That’s proper, a single motor on the rear will energy an electrical Audi, which is simply an odd thought. In truth, in response to Audi, even the dual-motor automobile will predominantly be rear-driven, which is finished for each effectivity and dynamic functions.
The dual-motor Q4 will pack 301 horsepower and can be capable of get the automobile from 0-62 mph in a claimed 6.three seconds, which is aggressive with the BMW iX3, although the Bimmer makes use of a single electrical motor.
Inside, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron will characteristic a few of the regular premium brand-tech, reminiscent of touchscreen infotainment and a digital driver’s show. However, one distinctive characteristic would be the augmented actuality head-up show. So it is going to be in a position to show all kinds of data, seemingly on the highway forward of the motive force, reminiscent of navigation data. For instance, it could show arrows on the highway forward of the motive force, telling them the place to show. It’s much like the Mercedes-Benz setup, besides Benz’s put the augmented actuality graphics on the central display, which exhibits a digicam feed from the entrance finish.
This automobile is only a idea for now however it needs to be about 90-percent production-ready. We have been advised the identical concerning the upcoming Audi e-tron GT and that’s appeared to have confirmed true. So we anticipate the ultimate automobile to look so much like this idea. Just with, ya know, functioning door handles.
When the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron debuts, it’s going to content material with the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y straight. Will be be sufficient to take action correctly? Well simply have to attend and discover out.
