With spy photographers getting closer and closer to the Q4 E-Tron, Audi decided to partially uncover the electric SUV ahead of its full debut next month, sharing a wealth of pictures and details on its interior features and tech. Sitting under the mid-size E-Tron, the Q4 E-Tron is part of the four-ring brand’s electrification strategy, alongside the E-Tron GT. It is built on the MEB architecture, shared with the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, and thanks to clever packaging, it offers interior space on par with the upper class.
The Q4 E-Tron is 4,590 mm long,
1,865 mm wide and 1,613 mm tall. It has a 2,760 mm long wheelbase, and the interior measures 1.83 meters in length, which
Audi claims to be similar to the large SUV segment. The luggage compartment has
a 520-liter capacity with all seats in place, and up to 1,490
liters with the rear seats folded down. An assortment of interior
compartments, including the glove box and center console, add a total of 24.8
liters of additional storage space inside.
The two-layer dashboard hosts the MMI
touchscreen infotainment system. It is offered with a standard 10.1-inch
display, with a 1,540×720 resolution, voice control, MMI radio plus and
standard DAB reception. The system can be used to control a number of comfort
functions too and supports handwriting. At the end of the year, Audi will
launch an 11.6-inch display option, with a resolution of 1,764×824, which will
be the largest in their portfolio yet.
With a 10.25-inch diagonal, the instrument
cluster is fully digital and can be operated via the multi-function steering
wheel. Customers will get to upgrade it with the virtual cockpit as the first option
level, which brings navigation map and infotainment control. The virtual
cockpit plus offers ‘classic’, ‘sport’ and ‘e-tron’ layouts. The highlight of
the entire tech gear is the AR-backed head-up display. The feature reflects the
important information via the windscreen, but unlike the regular HUD, the
navigation symbols and certain assist systems appear to be floating ahead at a
physical distance of around 10 meters to the driver. In some cases,
they can appear further ahead, and the overall field of view from the driver’s
perspective corresponds to a diagonal of around 70 inches – or about as big as
a very nice TV set.
Located right below, the status section
further enriches the experience by displaying the speed driven, navigation
symbols and assist systems as static displays. These appear to be floating
around 3 meters ahead of the driver’s field of view. The Q4 E-Tron
features a new steering wheel design that further sets it apart from the rest
of the range. It has touch-sensitive controls that support swipe gestures and
have haptic feedback. Audi will launch several versions of the steering wheel,
with the most expensive offering having paddles for coasting recuperation.
Flattened at the top and bottom, the rim is heated and can be wrapped in
perforated leather with contrast stitching.
Further highlighting the eco-friendly
nature of the Q4 E-Tron is a selection of upholstery. Available specifically
for the S line trim level, customers can order the electric SUV with a combination
of leather and artificial leather, or with fine Nappa leather. The suede
surfaces, which Audi claims look and feel just like the real deal, is made of
45 percent recycled polyester, in turn obtained from textiles and PET bottles.
The front seats, with available heating and electric adjustment, can be
replaced by a ‘sport’ version with integrated headrests, adorned with an
optional diamond pattern. Interior safety is enhanced by the center airbag that
unfolds from the right-hand side of the driver’s seat in the event of an
impact, preventing them from colliding with the front passenger.
