Upgraded Audi Q4 e-tron EV Crossovers Have More of Everything, Including 'Emotions'

Of course, it is pretty darn hard to do that. After all, Tesla just updated its former best-selling Model 3 sedan sibling in a bid to make it great again with the so-called 'Project Highland' mid-cycle update. Plus, the Model Y was the top-delivered electric vehicle at home in America, by far, after the first six months of the year. Meanwhile, in Europe, a new report speaks of Tesla scoring a major victory at the end of the year – the overall sales crown bestowed upon the same Model Y!

It is pretty hard to focus on anything else in this climate of Tesla confidence (not to mention the lower MSRPs showcased by the American manufacturer). However, Audi decided it was time for a counter-attack in the form of the updated Q4 e-tron electric compact luxury crossover SUV. In production since March of 2021, it is based on VW AG's modular MEB architecture dedicated to EVs and sits alongside the Q2L e-tron, Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT, and Q5 e-tron (the first three-row SUV of the EV series) in the zero-emissions range of the German automaker.

Now, though, we need to brace for the updated Q4 e-tron, which is said to become available to order later this month (September 26) with more of everything: "more range, more efficiency, faster charging, more emotions." Maybe the emotional part has to do with the safety, as there are comprehensive driver assist packages, or maybe with the added sportiness thanks to a new suspension setup.

The rest of the 'mores,' including the price of 52,950 euros, are easy to identify, though. The engineers have optimized the cell chemistry of the 77 kWh (net, 82 kWh gross) battery pack so that DC charging from 10 to 80 percent is done in as little as 28 minutes under ideal conditions – the RWD models charge at up to 135 kW while the quattro versions at up to 175 kW now. Additionally, the battery is not only pre-conditioned before arriving at a high-performance HPC (High-Power Charging) station but also post-conditioned.

Thanks to the redeveloped PSM (permanently excited synchronous machine) electric motor sitting in the rear, the Q4 and Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron with RWD now has 210 kW (286 ps/282 hp) and can sprint to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. There's also a quattro version, and the flagship 55 variants have standard AWD and 250 kW (340 ps/335 hp) for brisk acceleration in 5.4 seconds. Additionally, the new top speed is 112 mph (180 kph).

More importantly, the Audi Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron, for example, has a WLTP-estimated range of up to 562 kilometers (349 miles) on a charge. There is also improved steering response and a new suspension setup for both the standard and sport options, plus the Audi Q4 e-tron family has a new feature enabling assisted lane changes in combination with adaptive cruise assist for speeds above 90 kph (56 mph).

Inside, the upgraded standard equipment includes Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment, plus a fully digital 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Audi also introduced a new Edition S line, comprised of bronze-finished Audi rings, 21-inch wheels in matching matte bronze, Mythos Black Metallic trim elements, and a choice of Pebble Gray, Glacier White Metallic, or Mythos Black Metallic shades.