New Look and Enhanced Performance
The Audi Q4 e-tron has received a subtle yet impactful facelift, bringing several improvements to the vehicle. The most notable changes include a redesigned cabin, more efficient and powerful drivetrains, and the introduction of bidirectional charging. These updates aim to enhance both the driving experience and the car’s functionality.
Two Body Styles for Different Needs
As before, the Q4 e-tron is available in two body styles: a practical and upright SUV, and the more aerodynamic Sportback ‘coupe’. Each variant caters to different preferences, with the SUV offering more space and versatility, while the Sportback provides a sleeker, sportier look.
External Updates
Externally, the main changes are seen at the front of the vehicle. The bumper has been subtly modified, and the grille is now body-coloured instead of silver. The thick black frame remains, but the glossy black plastic no longer flows into the side intakes. A lightly redesigned rear bumper also adds to the refreshed appearance.
Interior Redesign
Inside, Audi has made the most significant changes. The dashboard and centre console have been completely redesigned, drawing inspiration from the latest A5 and A6 models. A curved black panel houses an 11.9-inch digital instrumentation display, while a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the new dash. An optional 12.0-inch touchscreen is available ahead of the front passenger.
The instrumentation screen is 1.65 inches larger than before, and the touchscreen has gained 1.2 inches. However, some of this extra space is now dedicated to climate controls, as physical buttons and dials have been removed. The floating console that once jutted out from the lower dashboard has been replaced by a more traditional centre console.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 is also a small open storage area under the charging pads.
Updated Drivetrain Options
At launch in Europe, the revised Q4 e-tron range will feature four drivetrains, replacing the previous 35, 40, 45, and 50 nomenclature. The new names are e-tron, e-tron performance, e-tron quattro, and e-tron quattro performance. All models benefit from a new, more powerful APP350 motor on the rear axle, along with a more efficient transmission and electronics. The base battery pack has grown 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 Capabilities
Thanks to updated 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 solar panels. This makes the car a versatile tool for managing energy use.
Additional Features
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 offered.
Availability
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.
