Autonomy, speed and power. These are the terms that Audi choose to describe the upgrade of its range Q4 e-tron. A new cycle for the famous full electric compact SUVs of the German company, which promises to offer even higher performance. We went to the presentation of these new models and were able to test their qualities first hand. Let’s see how it went…
First, some numbers on the Audi Q4 e-tron upgrade
Let’s get an idea of what this offers us new launch from the German car manufacturer, first of all. First of all, we start with a new rear engine, available on both new models Audi Q4 e-tron “classics” and Sportbacks. This gives significantly more power, with a sprint from 0 to 100 which, depending on the configurations, can range from 6.7 to 5.4 seconds. Definitely not bad.
On the speed side, these new models have an increase of approximately 20 km/h compared to the past, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h. Furthermore, in our tests we were able to appreciate how the acceleration was, even in these speed ranges really intensewith a truly impressive recovery.
All this combines with one optimized thermal management, which allows you to improve not only engine performance, but also energy performance. Also thanks to this you can obtain a really important charging power, reaching 175 kW in the quattro versions. This means that in just 10 minutes approximately 175 km can be restored of travel, which is definitely useful when planning a longer trip. Furthermore, the e-tron trip planner system also helps in this sense, which prepares the battery for charging, allowing better results.
One of the key numbers for electric cars, like these Audi Q4 e-tron SUVs is autonomy, we know it well. Here too there was a significant increase, with approximately 19 additional km, for a total promised distance of up to 559 km WLTP. A good result, especially for a full electric model.
On an adventure between Bologna and Pesaro
For this test drive we started from Bolognawhere we picked up our Audi Q4 e-tron with the aim of reaching Pesaroin a route that combined city, highway, mountain bends and even some rougher terrain (which probably wasn’t in the original plans, but was still useful).
After a night in the hotel and a visit to the beautiful city in the Marche regionwhich is preparing to take on its role as the 2024 Italian Capital of Culture the next morning we returned to Bologna, this time behind the wheel of an Audi Q4 e-tron with quattro configuration. This way we could have a nice overview of what this vehicle offers.
And the impressions were instinctively positive. We found ourselves dealing with a vehicle that was decidedly spacious and comfortable, both in the front and rear seats, and with the trunk, which was well organized and designed. All of this without ever having the impression of bulk, on the contrary. Even coming, like myself, from smaller cars in size, you feel really at ease in any situation.
The interior of the passenger compartment is finished with care. Everything we find around us is solid and elegant, with more broken and harsh lines than in the past, in line with modern trends but without exaggerating. This is particularly seen in the steering wheel, which It’s not exactly round, but does not completely abandon that approach, focusing on a more octagonal shape. A peculiar choice that seemed to us to be an acquired taste: we only appreciated it later in the test.
An extremely pleasant driving experience (with some reservations)
Perhaps this very idea of “acquired taste” is also the key to reading the rest of our journey on the Audi Q4 e-tron. There are in fact a series of factors that immediately convinced us, such as the ease of handling, the spaces and the comfort in general. After a few minutes we were already there totally comfortable in the seatwith a soft ride, but capable of pushing enough when necessary.
On other aspects we had to instead get more used to it. We could say that it requires some more in-depth study from the point of view of studying the controls and settings, than a simple “plug-and-play”. If you want to really enjoy it, In short, you have to put some effort into it and learn to know it well.
Once this is done then it is really very interesting to drive. For example, the adaptive cruise control is particularly appreciated, which maintains decidedly high standards and is equipped with excellent customization.
Vice versa, We weren’t too impressed with the interior infotainment system. It offers a wide choice in terms of possibilities, but more could have been done from a design point of view, sometimes really too heavy. If this is relevant to you, take a moment to explore all the options thoroughly and adapt it to your needs.
For the rest it performed really well, both on motorway passages and on the less easy hilly ones although in the latter it was more in difficulty. And she amazed us how – when we took a wrong turn – she was still at ease even in a truly complex sectionbetween steep climbs and an unexceptional road surface.
Audi Q4 e-tron is a good electric SUV, suitable for many different situations
Overall so this test drive of the Audi Q4 e-tron is definitely positive. We have found a machine that can be truly energetic when it wants, but which above all offers a comfortable experience, in all possible aspects. A good vehicle for moving around in everyday life, but also for going on holidays, taking advantage of significant autonomy, large space and all the opportunities offered by the Audi system.
There are some aspects that they improve with time, whether it is what we invest to better understand this car, to get more in tune with it or simply to set all the options according to our needs. On others perhaps more can still be done, but it is undoubtedly an excellent result which convinced us overall.