AUDI Q4 e-tron concept shrinks SUV size but not electric range

dynamic yet sustainable, the AUDI ‘Q4 e-tron’ concept hints at the design of the fifth series production electric vehicle that the brand will introduce by the end of 2020. it follows the debuts of the ‘e-tron’ back in september 2018 and the ‘e-tron GT’ in november 2018, and precedes the soon-to-be-shown ‘e-tron sportback’ and ‘Q2L e-tron’. the agile, all-round, compact four-door SUV ensures all-electric mobility will cover all of the manufacturer’s main market segments.

all images courtesy of AUDI AG

measuring 4.59m long, 1.90m wide and 1.61m tall, the AUDI ‘Q4 e-tron’ concept might be smaller in size than the original SUV, but its performance has not been reduced. two electric motors offers 225 kw for the quattro all-wheel drive. it races from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds, up to a limited maximum speed of 112 mph, and with a range of over 279 miles. with a capacity of 82 kw, the battery can be recharged to 80% in just over 30 minutes.

as well as its performance, the exterior design is distinctive of AUDI’s electric mobility. on-lookers are greeted by the upright octagonal frame in place of the grille. the fenders above all four wheels are widened prominently in order to create a highly organic and flowing impression. at the rear, the slightly slanted roof line creates a dynamic silhouette that it completed with a striking broad light band.

as is almost custom in AUDI concepts now, the ‘Q4 e-tron’ debuts an exclusive, dramatic exterior paint color. called ‘solar sky’, the mystic shade of blue changes depending on the angle of light. it has been produced under environmental friendly conditions and goes another step further in regards to sustainability. the paint reflects short-wave fraction of sunlight, which reduces the build-up of heat on the surface and thus the interior. this benefits the occupants whilst reducing the energy input required for air conditioning.

the interior design also reflects the brand’s dedication to sustainability as the floor covering is made of recycled materials. its dark color also helps emphasize the spacious of the cabin, which has increased thanks to its electric mechanics and lack of need for a transmission tunnel for example. the color contrasts with the light, warm shades that dominate the upper section of the cabin – the headlining, window pillars and upper section of the door rail and dash panel – to create an airy environment. above the middle of the center console, a 12.3-inch touchscreen is titled towards the driver for easy use. additionally, control panels designed as touch elements are integrated on the dynamically sculpted steering wheel.