Audi is offering a small update to its electric car, the Q4 e-tron, which benefits from faster charging, increased power as well as new driving aids. The SUV also takes advantage of this to change its price.
Audi currently offers a full range of electric cars, while the firm plans to no longer sell thermal models from 2033. That is, two years before the deadline imposed by the European Union for all manufacturers. The brand is therefore not late, as it is already marketing its e-tron GT, Q8 e-tron and other Q4 e-trons, while awaiting the upcoming arrival of the Q6 e-tron.
Some developments
But in addition to working on the launch of new models, the manufacturer continues toimprove its cars already on the market. Last March, the latter notably introduced remote OTA (over the air) updates on its Q4 e-tron. A few days before, the electric SUV also benefited from some improvements, particularly with regard to charging which had become a little faster.
But the brand with the four rings, which is currently looking at its future electric RS 6, does not want to stop there. E announces in a press release just published the arrival of new improvements for its rival the Tesla Model Y. The latter notably sees its charging become a little faster, now moving to 28 minutes to go from 10 to 80%.
Maximum power increases to 175 kW for versions with Quattro all-wheel drive and to 135 kW for rear-wheel drive models. If the capacity does not change, since it remains at 77 kWh net, or 82 kWh gross, the chemistry of the cells has been slightly reworked. In addition, the electric SUV is also equipped with a route planner favoring fast terminals.
The latter then activates the pre-conditioning of the battery, which allows it to be at the right temperature for optimal and faster charging. For the very first time, the SUV is also equipped witha post-conditioning system, which cools the accumulator if it exceeds a certain threshold which would prevent it from functioning ideally. Because we know that temperature has a significant impact on consumption, and therefore autonomy.
Rising power
The Audi Q4 e-tron also inaugurates a whole new permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle, which provides higher power. The 45 e-tron version is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a power of 286 horsepower. The 55 e-tron quattro variant topping the range claims 340 horsepower in total.
The electric SUV has a range which can reach 562 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, while the maximum speed is now limited to 180 km/h whatever the version. The Q4 e-tron is also intended to be a little more dynamic, since it offers a reworked suspension and more direct and firmer steering. Ground clearance has been lowered by 15 millimeters.
For the very first time, the German SUV also has the assisted lane change, associated with adaptive cruise control. So, all you have to do is turn on the indicator and the car will move on its own. A technology that reminds us of what Tesla offers, now surpassed by Mercedes on this point. The Q4 e-tron also has a new sound to warn pedestrians when traveling at low speed.
This new version takes the opportunity to change its price, now displayed from 53,000 euros, which prevents it from being eligible for the ecological bonus. A strategy that goes against that chosen by other brands following the war started by Tesla. Note that the SUV will open its orders from September 26 and will now be delivered as standard with MMI Navigationheated front seats and electric tailgate.