The main changes are primarily underneath the skin
New motor, faster charging, improved efficiency and revised suspension for electric crossover
Audi has unveiled the updated 2024 Q4 E-tron, with claimed improvements in power and efficiency among the most significant changes for the electric SUV.
The Audi Q4 E-tron and its sleeker Audi Q4 Sportback E-tron sibling receive a new rear-mounted synchronous electric motor, in line with revisions made to the Volkswagen ID 4 and Volkswagen ID 5, alongside which they are produced.
The 400V motor, manufactured in-house by the Volkswagen Group, features a newly designed cooling system for the stator and a new gearset for the single-speed transmission. Together with other changes, they provide the updated Audi with a significant increase in power and efficiency.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 281bhp Q4 45 E-tron has 80bhp more than the older Q4 40 E-tron it replaces, while the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive Q4 55 E-tron Quattro gets 40bhp more than the outgoing Q4 50 E-tron Quattro at a combined 335bhp.
Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec for the Q4 45 E-tron and 5.4sec for the Q4 55 E-tron Quattro. The top speed for all models is now limited to 112mph.
With a standard 77kWh (usable) lithium ion battery, the range of the Q4 Sportback 45 E-tron has increased by 17 miles on the WLTP test cycle to 349 miles.
The rear-driven car still charges at a maximum speed of 135kW, but the four-wheel-drive variant can be charged at up to 175kW. A new function also allows pre-conditioning of the battery before charging for more rapid energy replenishment.
No official details have been made about the future of the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Q4 35 E-tron.
Along with the drivetrain changes, Audi has tweaked the suspension of the Q4 E-tron for what it describes as “more harmonious damping, improved steering response and tighter load control”.
The BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB rival also receives an updated optional assist package featuring an assisted lane change function. When the driver initiates a lane change by tapping the steering-wheel-mounted indicator stalk, it actively assists the driver in steering into the next lane.
Audi has confirmed that the upgraded Q4 E-tron will now be produced at its own plant in Brussels, Belgium, as well as Volkswagen’s plant in Zwickau, Germany.
The German car maker says each of its production plants will be responsible for at least one electric model by the end of the decade.
Pricing has yet to be announced ahead of a UK launch early next year, although Audi officials in Germany have told Autocar it will increase incrementally in line with the technical upgrades and added levels of standard equipment.
