- Audi introduced a new base trim for the MEB-based Q4 E-Tron electric crossover.
- Dubbed the Q4 E-Tron 40, it has a usable battery capacity of 59 kilowatt-hours.
Audi has introduced a new base trim for its smallest European EV, the Q4 E-Tron. Based on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, the new Audi Q4 E-Tron 40 is powered by a 63-kilowatt-hour (59 kWh usable) battery pack that enables a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 262 miles (423 kilometers) for the coupe-like Sportback model. The regular SUV body type, the official range figure is 256 miles (412 km) on a full charge.
The newly introduced Q4 E-Tron 40 slots under the Q4 E-Tron 45, which is more expensive and comes with a larger 82 kWh battery pack that enables a longer driving range. With a starting price of $47,800 (46,150 Euro), the base Q4 E-Tron 40 is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 201 horsepower (150 kW). It can accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour (0-100 kph) in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph (160 kph). The maximum towing capacity is 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms) at a 12% incline and 2,645 lbs (1,200 kg) at an 8% incline.
The base Q4 E-Tron can accept a maximum charging power of 165 kW, with Audi claiming that a 10% to 80% top-up takes 24 minutes on a DC fast charger that can dispense enough juice. Moreover, up to 96 miles (155 km) of range can be added in ten minutes.
The lack of battery preconditioning has been a pain point for some owners of older MEB-based EVs. Audi listened and added a manual preconditioning option for the high-voltage battery that can be activated via the car’s central infotainment touchscreen. The display shows how much additional charging power is available thanks to the preconditioned battery. The manual preconditioning option comes in addition to the automatic battery-conditioning function that kicks in when using the car’s built-in route planner.
Speaking of displays, the base Q4 E-Tron comes as standard with Audi’s MMI navigation plus system, as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also an electrically operated trunk lid, front heated seats and a one-year data plan that includes 25 gigabytes of traffic. The internet connection is there for the car’s app store and for listening to podcasts and music without needing a smartphone. Oh, and there’s also ChatGPT built into the car’s infotainment system, so that drivers and passengers can ask questions and get answers from the AI-powered chat assistant.
European customers can order the new Audi Q4 E-Tron 40 starting this month. Availability in the United States has not been confirmed yet.
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