Audi has already made its electrification strategy quite clear. The brand sees electric cars as its future and roll out of new models have been taking place to show its intent. Earlier this year we saw the E-Tron GT and today we see two new electric SUVs. The Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-tron Sportback were unveiled as the newest members of the E-tron family

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Two shapes

The Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-tron Sportback are two variations of the same theme. Both cars share the same base and powertrains but their outward appearance differs slightly. The Audi Q4 E-Tron has a more traditional SUV profile while the Q4 E-tron Sportback has the sloped-back rear as with other Audi SUV products. 

Several design cues are carried over from other E-tron models, helping to distinguish Audi’s battery powered range. The new E-tron models are two small-ish SUVs as they measure a tad over 4,6 metres each. However, they are said to have large interiors thanks to clever packaging with major drivetrain components mounted below the cabin floor. Speaking of the powertrains…

Various outputs

There will be three power output versions of the Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-tron Sportback at the time of launch. These are badged Q4 35 e-tron, Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron. The entry-level, the Q4 35 e-tron, in both body styles, offer an output of 125 kW and peak torque of 310 N.m. The single electric motor is mounted on the rear axle making it rear-wheel drive. Audi says the ‘35’ versions can sprint from rest to standstill in 9,0-second and have a governed 160 km/h top speed. Range on a full charge is quoted as just over 340 km.

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The mid-level Q4 40 e-tron also has a single motor on the rear axle, but slightly more powerful at 150 kW with an identical 310 N.m here. The benchmark 0-100 km/h time drops to 8,5 seconds but it has an identical top speed. With a slightly larger battery it has a range of 520 km.

Leading the Audi Q4 E-Tron range is the Q4 50 e-tron quattro. As the name denotes it has all-wheel-drive thanks to a motor on each axle. Peak power is rated as 220 kW with 460 N.m of torque. The motor on the front axle is engaged only when high power or maximum traction is required. Sprint times for the two body styles fall to 6,2 seconds in the benchmark acceleration test. Top speed rises to 180 km/h. Full range is quoted as roughly 490 km.