The Audi Q4 e-tron gets a minor update globally but remains absent from our market.
When PHS Automotive Malaysia – the new Audi brand steward – introduced their first batch of electric vehicles, they omitted the Q4 e-tron. Instead the focus was on the higher end models like the e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and Q8 e-tron models. Now we have learnt that the more affordable Q4 e-tron has been given an update with better efficiency and equipment. This might explain the delay in introduction and maybe Malaysians can expect the Q4 e-tron to NOW enter our market with these improvements.
The new Audi Q4 e-tron comes with a range of improvements across the board. These include new tuning for the suspension, improved efficiency, higher charging power, more driver assistance systems, a new sound design and more standard equipment. The new model is currently on sale in Europe for 52,950 euros, which converts today to about RM263,000 making it a possible Tesla Model Y contender.
All models get a 77 kWh battery (82 kWh gross) with optimised cell chemistry. This allows an improvement in DC charging to 175kW on the all-wheel drive models and 135kW on the rear-wheel drive models. Charging from 10% to 80% takes just 28 minutes. The vehicle automatically limits the charge level to 80% to help preserve the lifespan of the battery.
An ‘e-tron route planner’ helps ensure trips are planned with charging stations along the way and the least amount of time is spent charging the car up. Besides battery pre-conditioning, the Q4 e-tron now features all-new post-conditioning which cools the battery after charging or driving.
New Electric Motor
All variants of the Q4 e-tron now come with a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle, which is more efficient and more powerful than the permanent magnet brushless motor it replaces. The new electric motor uses energy-saving cooling systems. Temperatures in the powertrain system are kept consistent nearly all the time thanks to arrangement of the gear wheels, geometry, distribution of oil and a water-cooling jacket outside the stator.
The new maximum range is 562km on a full charge following the WLTP cycle.
Here’s how Audi has laid things out in this model range:
Rear-wheel drive models
- Q4 45 e-tron (286PS, 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds)
- Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron (286PS, 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds)
All-wheel drive models
- Q4 45 e-tron quattro (286PS, 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds)
- Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron quattro (286PS, 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds)
- Q4 55 e-tron quattro (340PS, 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds)
- Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro (340PS, 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds)
All models are electronically limited to 180km/h.
Steering And Suspension Improvements
The Q4 e-tron can be equipped with standard suspension, sport suspension or suspension with damper control. With each of these, the steering characteristics and damper tuning has been specially adapted. The sport suspension is 15mm lower than before with new spring/shock absorber tuning and new steering tuning.
New functions and Equipment
On this revised model, the Audi Q4 e-tron now has assisted lane change in combination with adaptive cruise assist which works above 90km/h now. You also get Side Assist, and Critical Driver Assistance.
Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment, and the fully digital 10.25 inch instrument panel Audi virtual cockpit are now standard equipment. In the boot, a powered boot lid is standard. Audi has also introduced an Edition S Line with more aesthetic improvements including 21″ bronze matte 5-spoke star wheels and darkened lights and bronze-finished badges.
The Audi Q4 e-tron models now get a “character sound” that distinguish them from other electric Audi models. This sound is optional and is audible below 25km/h and is pumped out through two speakers pointing outside and two speakers in the rear doors.
