Driving an electric car means giving up driving range and enjoyment? With the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi is proving the opposite. The electric drive system offers the opportunity to rethink individual mobility. In the new compact SUV, the additional leeway is not only evident from the driver’s seat, but from every seat.

Electric mobility is becoming dynamic and fascinating – that’s a claim that applies to every Audi model. There are three drive variants to choose from for the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron. Their power output ranges from 125 kW (170 PS) with 310 Newton meters of torque in the Q4 35 e-tron up to 220 kW (299 PS, Maximum output) with 460 Newton meters in the Q4 e-tron quattro. These newcomers pair dynamism and sportiness with locally emission-free driving. Just as important for everyday use is the high range of up to 520 kilometers in the WLTP cycle for the Q4 40 e-tron.

Suitability for everyday driving also means setting standards for charging technology. Customers can recharge in about the same time it takes to refuel. Under optimal conditions, the Q4 40 e-tron is able to charge enough power to cover a distance of about 130 kilometers (80.78 miles) (WLTP) in roughly ten minutes. Moreover, the Audi e-tron charging service ensures access to around 210,000 public charging points in 26 countries in Europe, including 4,400 strong HPC (high power charging) terminals.

And what does the electric drive system have to do with the interior design? In the new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, a whole lot. Despite its compact outside measurements, with a length of 4.59 meters (15.06) feet, the new models have a wheelbase of 2.76 meters (9.06 feet), which creates a sense of space like in a large luxury-class SUV. The electric drive system is the basis for that. Even in the quattro model, with its electric all-wheel drive, the electric motors work on each axle separately. The drive shaft for the transmission is no longer necessary, which creates space for more legroom and completely new seating comfort in every seat.

Keyword augmented reality head-up display: the system in the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron reflects important information via the windshield. The information provided by some of the assist systems, the turning arrows of the navigation system, as well as its starting points and destinations are visually superimposed in the corresponding place on the real-life outside world. They appear to be floating at a distance of roughly ten meters from the driver. In some cases, depending on the situation, they can appear considerably further ahead. The driver can understand the displays very quickly without being confused or distracted by them.

The digital instrument cluster is controlled via the steering wheel, where yet another novelty awaits. The new generation of steering wheels emphasizes the futuristic nature of the interior and has backlit touch surfaces for sliding and scrolling. For the first time, the steering wheel rim can be flattened on the top and bottom upon request.

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