New Look and Enhanced Performance
The Audi Q4 e-tron has received a subtle yet significant facelift, bringing improvements to its cabin design, drivetrain efficiency, and charging capabilities. The most notable changes include a redesigned interior, more powerful and efficient motors, and the introduction of bidirectional charging.
As before, the Q4 e-tron is available in two body styles: a practical and upright SUV, and the more aerodynamic Sportback ‘coupe’. While the exterior updates are relatively minor, the front bumper has been subtly modified, with a grille now finished in body colour rather than silver. The thick black frame remains, but the glossy black plastic no longer extends into the side intakes.
The rear bumper has also seen a light redesign, but it’s inside the cabin where the most visible changes have occurred. Audi has completely overhauled the dashboard and centre console, moving away from the previous sharp, vent-heavy design. Instead, the new layout draws inspiration from the latest A5 and A6 models, featuring a curved black panel that houses an 11.9-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
A 12.0-inch touchscreen for the front passenger is an optional extra. The instrumentation screen is 1.65 inches larger than before, while the infotainment screen has grown by 1.2 inches. However, some of this additional space is now dedicated to climate controls, as physical buttons and dials for the air-conditioning system have been removed.
The floating console that previously jutted out from the lower dashboard has been replaced by a more traditional centre console. This includes wireless smartphone charging pads, cupholders, a gear selector, hazard lights, drive modes, and a shortcut pad for the sound system. There’s also a small open storage area beneath the charging pads.
Improved Drivetrains and Range
At launch in Europe, the revised Q4 e-tron range will be offered with four drivetrains, replacing the previous 35, 40, 45, and 50 nomenclature with e-tron, e-tron performance, e-tron quattro, and e-tron quattro performance.
All models feature a new, more powerful APP350 motor on the rear axle, along with a more efficient transmission and electronics. The base battery pack has increased by 7kWh, resulting in improved WLTP range by 16 to 32km depending on the model.
| Model | Total Power | Torque | 0-100km/h | Battery Size (net) | Range – SUV | Range – Sportback | Max DC Charge Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 e-tron | 150kW | 350Nm | 8.1s | 59kWh | 440km | 451km | 160kW |
| Q4 e-tron performance | 210kW | 545Nm | 6.6s | 77kWh | 578km | 592km | 165kW |
| Q4 e-tron quattro | 220kW | Rear: 350Nm Front: 134Nm | 6.2s | 77kWh | 558km | 573km | 165kW |
| Q4 e-tron quattro performance | 250kW | Rear: 545Nm Front: 134Nm | 5.4s | 77kWh | 541km | 554km | 185kW |
For reference, the outgoing 35 drivetrain had 125kW, the 40 made 150kW, the 45 quattro had 195kW, and the 50 quattro topped the range with 220kW.
Bidirectional Charging and Additional Features
Thanks to updates to the MEB architecture, the Q4 e-tron is the first Audi to support bidirectional charging. With vehicle-to-load charging capability, the Q4 e-tron can power external appliances, while vehicle-to-home functionality allows the car to act as a battery to store excess energy captured by a solar panel system. This means the car’s battery can help power the house after sunset or during periods of high energy use.
Other available features include matrix LED headlights and OLED tail-lights with driver-selectable lighting signatures. An augmented reality head-up display, rear USB-C charging ports, a Sonos sound system, and an Adaptive Driving Assistant that can make lane changes on highways and stay within unmarked lanes on rural roads are also included.
The facelifted Q4 e-tron will go on sale in Europe from May, although deliveries won’t begin until the middle of the year. Australian availability and timing have yet to be confirmed.
