Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. Trendy option
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is a coupe-like version of the electric Audi Q4 e-tron SUV manufactured by Audi (member of the VAG Group) since 2021. It can be equipped with both rear and all-wheel drive. In 2021, the first generation of the electric crossover SUV entered the market. The start of sales of the Audi Q4 e-tron in Europe is scheduled for early summer, and its more economy sibling, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, will appear only by the fall of 2021.
The SUVs are becoming very trendy. And at the forefront of this fashion is the cross coupe. So Audi has decided to add a coupe-like crossover SUV called the Q4 e-tron Sportback to its e-tron family of electric vehicles (to the already existing e-tron Sportback). In fact, the developers adhered to the same principle as in the case of the e-tron/e-tron Sportback duo. The cross coupe has a sportier body shape, and such an elegant look has improved aerodynamic performance: compared to a conventional electric SUV, the drag coefficient has decreased by 0.01 to 0.26.
During the presentation of the Q4 e-tron concept, the manufacturer announced that its production version would be the fifth electric vehicle in the model range, after the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, Q2 L e-tron and e-tron GT. Apparently, the coupe-like crossover will become the sixth. All this is intended to help Audi realize its plan for an ‘electric’ attack on the world, according to which by 2025, electric cars and hybrids should account for 40% of all Audi sales, with more than twenty all-electric models in the catalog.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2021 to the present. Technically, both representatives of the Q4 e-tron line are identical. Both are built on the MEB platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles (it is also used by the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV), both have a wheelbase of 2.77 meters. The Sportback can be distinguished by the original rear end of the body with a sloping roof line. A coupe-like version of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron with a strongly tilted rear window is slightly lower than the usual crossover (1,614 mm). The trunk of the Q4 e-tron holds 520-1,490 liters, whereas the trunk of the Q4 e-tron Sportback has a volume of 535-1,460 liters. The MEB platform has made it possible to create a flat floor and give more space to the front passengers by moving the climate system closer to the nose of the car. However, for this, it was necessary to sacrifice the front trunk, which many electric vehicles have. The total length (4.6 m) of the electric cross coupe is comparable to mid-size SUVs. But even more expensive models will envy its equipment list.
A radiator grille has been replaced by a solid imitation, and a real air intake is located at the bottom of the bumper. LED headlights are included in the basic equipment, whereas the matrix head light is offered for a surcharge. Plus, you can use the on-board system menu to change the ‘pattern’ of the running lights: there are four options to choose from. There are 19-21-inch wheels.
The drag coefficient of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is less than that of the usual Q4 e-tron, amounting to 0.26.
The chassis has McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. There are several suspension options. In addition to the standard suspension, there is a ‘sport’ one with a 15 mm lower ground clearance (included in the S line package) and an adaptive one. A variable pitch steering gear is also available as an option (standard for all-wheel drive versions). At the same time, drum brakes are installed on the rear axle. The static weight distribution of the Q4 e-tron Sportback is close to 50:50, which according to the developers has a positive effect on handling along with a low center of gravity.
Interior and equipment
The interior of the Sportback is similar to that of the simple Q4. It is fully compliant with the ‘digital minimalism’ style, featuring a light finish on the upper part and a dark one on the lower part. The pillars and ceiling are finished with microfiber, and the seats are trimmed in Alcantara. The tinted matt plexiglass decoration creates a depth effect. Since the transmission control (P, R, N, D modes) is placed on the ‘floating’ console, the central tunnel has been turned into a huge container for storing all sorts of items (there is also a compartment for charging a smartphone). The list of options also includes a steering wheel with touch controls and sports front seats. By the way, there will be two main trim levels: Base and S line. The equipment also includes a central airbag in the first row, which prevents passengers from colliding in an accident, two or four USB type-C connectors. The doors have additional bottle holders, and not in the lower pockets, but at the level of the armrests.
The new Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback comes standard with a 10.25-inch digital dashboard. The central touchscreen of the MMI multimedia system has a diagonal of 10.1 inches and a resolution of 1540×720 pixels, acoustic feedback and a text entry interface. As an option (will appear at the end of the year), an 11.6-inch 1764×824 screen is offered, which is so far the largest for all Audi models. Voice control of the multimedia system is activated by the phrase ‘Hey Audi’, understands such questions as ‘tell me where the next charging station is’.
The Sportback can be distinguished by the original rear end of the body with a sloping roof line.
An interesting option is the head-up display with augmented reality function on the windshield. Visually, the graphic clues appear to hover over the road about ten meters in front of the car. The position of the image is instantly adjusted by a system of movable mirrors in the projector. The system marks the car in front with colored stripes. It also shows the operation of active cruise control, draws red virtual marking lines on the road in precisely calculated places if the car moves towards the adjacent lane without activating the turn signals.
Powertrain
The electric crossover SUV can be charged either from a household outlet or from DC terminals up to 125 kW. In the second case, in ten minutes, the battery can be recharged to drive another 130 km. The 2021 Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback is available in two versions:
- 35 e-tron: Rear-wheel drive, equipped with a single electric motor with 170 hp and 310 Nm and a 55 kWh battery pack. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km occurs in 9 seconds, while the maximum speed is limited to 160 km/h (electronic limiter). The declared power range on a single charge is 349 km (this is slightly more than that of a simple Q4 e-tron).
- 50 e-tron quattro: Four-wheel drive, two electric motors: rear 204 hp and front 109 hp. Together they produce 299 hp and 460 Nm. This version accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, while the maximum speed is 180 km/h. An 82 kWh battery supports fast 125 kW charging, whereas the drive range amounts to 497 km (for the Q4 e-tron - 488 km).
