The Q4 e-tron has been spied playing in the snow.
It’s only been a few weeks since the Audi e-tron GT debuted, but Audi is already preparing to reveal the next member of the electric e-tron family: the Q4 e-tron, which will share the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4.
Previewed by the Q4 Sportback e-tron Concept, the new Q4 e-tron will slot below the current e-tron midsize SUV, making it Audi’s answer to the brand new Volvo C40 Recharge. As cold-weather testing continues, a new Q4 e-tron prototype has been spied being put through its paces in the snow to test the electrical components. While it’s wrapped up warm in full camouflage, it’s clear that the production model will look almost identical to the 2019 concept, retaining the same LED matrix headlights and full-width light bar.
This time, Audi was testing the regular Q4 e-tron and its more stylish Sportback sibling at the same time. Whereas the Q4 e-tron will have a more traditional, practical SUV body style, the Sportback version has a coupe-style sloping roof. first electric model based on VW Group’s MEB platform that underpins the ID.3 and ID.4.
In terms of proportions, the Q4 e-tron will be larger than the Q3 and smaller than the Q5, while offering more interior space than the latter. A larger version is also in development, as Audi was recently caught testing a Q4 e-tron prototype that will effectively be the electric equivalent of the Q5.
We also get a clearer look inside the cabin, revealing a partially-covered central touchscreen for the infotainment system. The prototype also features a fully digital instrument cluster and we also get a close-up of the center console, where there’s ample storage space.
Technical specifications haven’t been confirmed, but the Q4 e-tron Sportback concept was powered by two electric motors producing a combined 301 hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds. With AWD, the concept lasted 279 miles on a single charge, while the RWD version had a longer range of 310 miles based on WLTP estimates. Audi hasn’t announced when the production Q4 e-tron will break cover, but it’s expected to debut this year.
