Audi Q4 e-tron Facelift Presentation: Base Drive Becomes More Efficient
Audi is renovating the Q4 e-tron. The interior is being modernized, and the entry-level model's drive is being brought up to a current standard.
(Image: Audi)
Last year, Audi sold just under 12,000 Q4 e-trons in Germany. This places the brand, which is intended to appeal to prestige-conscious buyers within the Volkswagen Group, far behind other group models. As part of a model update, the interior is being redesigned and some powertrains are being brought up to a current standard. The key data differ from other group models on this platform.
Externally, not much has changed. Parts of the front are now painted in body color, while the rear features modified taillights and a reshaped rear spoiler intended to reduce air resistance. A newly designed, raised diffuser forms a "sporty finish," writes Audi. Also new are three paint colors and five wheel designs.
Interior in the brand's current style
The changes in the interior are much more far-reaching. I always found the design a bit restless, and I was never a fan of the glossy buttons on the steering wheel. In the new model, the glossy surfaces on the steering wheel remain, but are supplemented by rollers. Behind the steering wheel, there is an 11.9-inch display, which can be configured more variably than in previous test cars A5 and Q5. To the right, there is a 12.8-inch display for entertainment, which comes with a current operating system. It is based on Android Automotive OS, but without Google services like the Play Store. Third-party apps can be downloaded directly in the MMI via the app store. There are two inductive, cooled charging trays, which, however, deliver a meager charging power of only 15 watts. It's faster via cable.
(Image: Audi)
If desired, an additional 12-inch screen for the front passenger can be ordered, although its visual integration looks a bit like the idea was conceived just a few minutes before completion. It's also a shame that Audi couldn't bring themselves to avoid the large blank button in the right door panel. Sports seats are standard, which is a good decision. Audi is one of those manufacturers where this extra cost has practically always paid off in the past.
(Image: Audi)
APP350 with 150 kW
Several things are also changing with the powertrains. As with the corresponding ID. models from VW, Audi is switching the base model's motor to the current platform with the internal designation APP350. In models presented so far on this platform, it usually delivers 140 kW, but up to 170 kW in the VW ID.3 Neo. More important than this consideration: The APP350 offers significantly higher efficiency. The efficiency increases by ten percent compared to the previous model, writes Audi. A pulse inverter with silicon carbide semiconductors is intended to contribute to this. The brand is also fine-tuning details. A new, lower-viscosity oil is used in the differential, from which Audi expects lower friction losses, especially at very low temperatures. The talk is of up to 12 km more range solely from this oil change.
Audi does not provide any information on the cell chemistry of the base model's traction battery. Its energy content is 63 kWh gross and 59 kWh net. This would suggest that Audi is also switching to the new LFP battery. However, the charging power is significantly higher than in other group models. Volkswagen specifies a peak of 105 kW, while the Q4 e-tron is said to have 160 kW. I have compiled all known technical details to date into a data sheet for you.
(Image: Audi)
Delivery from Summer
The revised Q4 e-tron can be ordered from May, with deliveries starting in the summer. The base model with the 59 kWh battery starts at 47,500 euros. With the large battery, at least 53,500 euros are due. Those who prefer a sloping rear window instead of the angular finish will pay an additional 1950 euros for the Q4 Sportback.
