Audi Q4 e-tron: The Ultimate Electric SUV? | Top Gear Review

Audi Q4 e-tron: The Ultimate Electric SUV? | Top Gear Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Q4 e-Tron: Audi's Smallest EV 2.1. Platform Sharing: The Age of Bad Snobbery 2.2. The Q4 e-Tron vs Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak
3. Design and Features 3.1. Quintessentially Audi: Bold Design Elements 3.2. Sportback Version: A Sportier Sloping Roof 3.3. Battery Sizes and Range 3.4. Charging Port and Speed 3.5. Practicality: Coupe SUV vs Spacious Crossover
4. Technology and Interior 4.1. Shared Technology Across the Audi Range 4.2. User-Friendly Touchscreen and Climate Control 4.3. Steering Wheel Design and Touch-Sensitive Buttons
5. Performance and Driving Experience 5.1. Weight and Speed 5.2. Motorway Cruising: A Premium and Quiet Experience 5.3. Comfort: Improvement in Ride Quality 5.4. Cornering: Handling and Steerability 5.5. Range and Efficiency 5.6. Regenerative Braking: Consistency Issues
6. Verdict and Comparison 6.1. The Audi Q4 e-Tron vs Competitors 6.2. The Future of Premium Electric Cars

Article: Audi Q4 e-Tron: The Premium Electric SUV for Audi Enthusiasts

The automotive industry is currently experiencing the age of electric car platform sharing, revolutionizing the market with a variety of electric vehicles (EVs). Audi, a renowned luxury car manufacturer, has introduced its smallest EV to date, the Q4 e-Tron. In this article, we will explore the features, performance, and overall driving experience of the Q4 e-Tron while comparing it to its platform-sharing counterparts, the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak.

Introduction

The introduction of electric cars has challenged the notions of snobbery associated with premium brands. With the Q4 e-Tron, Audi aims to provide a high-quality, electric SUV that appeals to a wider audience, while maintaining its distinctive Audi DNA. Let's dive into the details and see what the Q4 e-Tron has to offer.

The Q4 e-Tron: Audi's Smallest EV

Audi's Q4 e-Tron is positioned as their smallest electric vehicle, sitting below the e-Tron GT saloon and e-Tron SUV in the brand's EV lineup. Despite its smaller size, the Q4 e-Tron is expected to become one of Audi's best-selling models worldwide within a year. Interestingly, the Q4 e-Tron shares its underlying foundations, including battery and motors, with the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak. This platform sharing opens up new possibilities for cost-effective electric vehicles.

Design and Features

When it comes to design, the Q4 e-Tron stays true to Audi's iconic styling cues. With its bold, blanked-off grill, trick LED lights, and sharp creases, the Q4 e-Tron is quintessentially Audi. The Sportback version of the Q4 e-Tron adds a sportier touch with a sloping roofline, offering a coupe-like effect for an additional cost. In terms of practicality, the Q4 e-Tron surprises with its well-packaged interior, providing ample room for adults in the back seats and boasting a generous boot space of 535 liters.

Technology and Interior

Audi has incorporated its trademark technology and interior features into the Q4 e-Tron, ensuring a user-friendly experience for Audi enthusiasts. The crisp and swift touchscreen, along with physical climate control buttons, make controlling the car's functions a breeze. However, there are a couple of flaws with the steering wheel design, which features touch-sensitive buttons that feel cheap and deviate from the premium feel expected from Audi interiors.

Performance and Driving Experience

The Q4 e-Tron offers two battery options: a 55-kilowatt hour (kWh) and a 77-kWh variant. The base model with the 55-kWh battery provides around 210 miles of range, while the 77-kWh option promises a range of up to 310 miles. Charging time varies, but a 10-minute pit stop can add approximately 80 miles of range, while a full charge on a home wall box takes about 8 hours. The Q4 e-Tron's acceleration and top speed might not be mind-blowing, but it delivers adequate performance, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.92 seconds and maxing out at 99.9 mph, similar to its Volkswagen ID4 counterpart.

Verdict and Comparison

Overall, the Audi Q4 e-Tron emerges as a recommendable electric SUV. It combines Audi's renowned build quality and technology with an efficient electric drivetrain. However, when compared to its platform-sharing counterparts, the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak, the Q4 e-Tron falls short in terms of price justification. While the Q4 e-Tron offers a refined driving experience, stylish design, and advanced technology, the ID4 and Enyak provide similar capabilities at a more affordable price point.

In conclusion, the Audi Q4 e-Tron caters to Audi enthusiasts seeking a premium electric SUV. It excels in terms of craftsmanship, performance, and features. However, with the rise of other quality electric vehicles at lower price points, Audi needs to Continue pushing the boundaries to craft unique selling points for their premium brand in the competitive electric vehicle market.

Highlights:

• The Q4 e-Tron is Audi's smallest EV, targeting a wide audience of electric vehicle enthusiasts.
• Platform sharing with Volkswagen and Skoda enables cost-effective electric cars and broader market reach.
• Bold design elements, including a distinctive grill and LED lights, contribute to the quintessential Audi look.
• The Q4 e-Tron Sportback offers a sportier version with a sloping roofline for a coupe-like effect.
• Ample interior space and a generous boot capacity make the Q4 e-Tron a practical choice.
• User-friendly touchscreen and physical climate control buttons enhance the tech-savvy driving experience.
• The Q4 e-Tron provides adequate performance, with multiple battery options for different ranges.
• When compared to its platform-sharing counterparts, the Q4 e-Tron seems relatively expensive.
• Audi needs to justify the higher price point by offering unique selling points and enhanced refinement.

FAQ

Q: How does the Audi Q4 e-Tron compare to the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak? A: While the Q4 e-Tron shares its platform with the ID4 and Enyak, it comes with a higher price tag and few differentiating features. The Q4 e-Tron offers a more refined driving experience and luxurious design but lacks the cost advantage of its counterparts.

Q: What is the range of the Audi Q4 e-Tron? A: The Q4 e-Tron offers two battery options, with the larger 77-kWh variant providing a range of up to 310 miles. However, real-world range may be closer to 250-260 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Q: Is the Q4 e-Tron a practical SUV? A: Despite its coupe-like appearance, the Q4 e-Tron Sportback offers ample interior space and a spacious boot, making it a practical option for daily use.

Q: How does the Q4 e-Tron perform on the road? A: The Q4 e-Tron delivers adequate performance and a refined driving experience. It offers reliable handling, comfortable motorway cruising, and a sophisticated ride quality.

Q: Is the Audi Q4 e-Tron worth the higher price compared to its platform-sharing counterparts? A: While the Q4 e-Tron offers a premium experience and Audi's brand appeal, the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyak provide similar performance and features at a more affordable price. Buyers should consider their brand preference when making a purchasing decision.