Audi today unveiled the Q4 e-tron SUV concept at the Geneva auto show, previewing a production vehicle that will reach the market in the second half of next year.
Size-wise, the Q4 slots in between Audi's current Q3 and Q5 crossovers. Audi says it will be positioned in the "upper third" of the compact crossover segment as an "agile all-rounder."
It also helps Audi fulfill its objective of expanding its reach into the EV marketplace. Audi says that the production Q4 will be the fifth all-electric model it will introduce between now and the end of next year. The first of those is set to be the longer, lower Audi e-tron crossover, deliveries of which will begin this month, followed later this year by the e-tron Sportback.
The Q4 concept packs an 82 kWh battery pack Audi says occupies nearly the entire space between the front and rear axles. Power from the battery will go to two motors, one for each axle, that will deliver a promised driving range of 450 km, about 300 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque and a 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint of 6.3 seconds. Audi says the Q4 e-tron concept's drive system favours the rear wheels, with the front motor taking up the slack if the driver asks for more acceleration than the rear motor can deliver.
Audi says a 125-kw charger will replenish the battery to 80 percent a little more than 30 minutes. The battery -- a bespoke design for the Q4 -- weighs a hefty 510 kg but contributes to nearly 50:50 weight distribution. Holding that weight aloft are front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setups with adaptive dampers.
Inside the Q4 e-tron concept, the driver gets a virtual cockpit digital gauge cluster, while a 12.3-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment duties. The floor covering is made of recycled materials, and what looks like chrome-plated trim is actually a multi-layer paint finish.
