New horizons

Despite occupying a place in what is designated the ‘premium compact segment’, Audi’s Q4 e-tron models draw heavily on the brand’s larger models to deliver  impressive technology, appointment and performance. Now the new upgraded models which are due to arrive here next year, are set to further expand on the model’s appeal.

New technology means more efficient models with greater range than before as well as a faster charging and a comprehensive technology offering that, along with up to $20,000 worth of additional value, makes the new Q4 e-tron an even more appealing proposition than ever. New pricing also means that customers will be able to take advantage of government EV incentives when enjoying the fruits of the brand’s all-electric offering.

Available in both SUV and Sportback body styles and with a choice of rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive, the new Q4 e-tron range has been comprehensively upgrade in every conceivable department.The new models start with a rear-wheel drive version from $71,650* for both SUV and Sportback variants. Its single electric motor produces 150kW and 350Nm of torque for effortless performance for everyday driving while retaining the relaxed character that suits longer highway journeys as well. Its 63kWh battery (59kWh net), boasts DC charging capability of 160kW, allowing the battery to be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 27 minutes.

The specification of the entry model is equally significant, with everything from 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, LED rear lighting, heated and folding exterior mirrors and electric tailgate with gesture control all standard inclusions. Inside, the emphasis is on creating an environment that feels unmistakably Audi, with the digital stage offering its unique blend of clean functional layout with the latest digital technology seamlessly integrated.

The 12.8-inch MMI navigation display with touch response sits alongside an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, putting all important vehicle information and in-car functions within easy reach. Audi's sound system, DAB+ digital radio and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while wireless cooled inductive charging pads make their Q4 e-tron debut on the upgraded models.  Also new to the Q4 ranks is the inclusion of the Audi connect plus connectivity which effectively links the vehicle to the outside world and offers up an endless array of connected services and information.

Then there is the three-zone climate control and ambient lighting along with leather-appointed heated front seats with electric adjustment and four-way lumbar support as standard – the driver’s seat also featuring memory function – giving the Q4 e-tron the signature Audi luxury interior feel.

Safety and driver assistance functions are also well represented with everything from adaptive cruise assist plus with emergency assist, side assist with exit warning, rear and front cross-traffic assistance, to swerve and turn assist and front emergency braking all featured as standard. The revised parking system is also particularly impressive, bringing 3D and 360-degree cameras, Park assist plus, trained parking and reverse assist to the Q4 e-tron. This allows for the system to take over the steering for as much as 50 metres when retracing a parking manoeuvre, – effectively removing any stress from complicated reversing manoeuvres for good.

For those wanting greater levels of performance, the Q4 e-tron quattro takes the concept considerably further, kicking of at $81,650* for the SUV quattro and $83,250* for the Sportback quattro model. Utilising two electric motors – one attached to each axle – the Q4 e-tron quattro delivers a substantial 250kW – 134Nm available at the front wheels and 545Nm at the rear – with a resultant sprint time of just 5.4 seconds to 100km/h from rest.

The larger 82kWh battery (77kWh net) also boasts faster charging capabilities, with maximum DC charging increasing from 175kW to 185kW over the previous model. This means that charging from 10 to 80 percent remains at the same 27 ,mutes as the rear-wheel drive version, despite the larger battery. In addition, battery preconditioning can be activated automatically or manually to help optimise charging performance.

Add to this the increased range which sees the the SUV with a WLTP range of 494 kilometres and its slipperier sibling offering up to 509 kilometres on a single charge.

Of course there is more to the quattro models than additional power and range, with progressive steering and selectable damper control designed to give the driver greater scope to tailor the Q4's responses, while the standard S line exterior treatment gives these versions a more assertive visual presence. New bumpers, a body-coloured Singleframe with black detailing and matt-silver aluminium accents are complemented by 20-inch Audi Sport wheels.

The S line treatment continues inside with sports seats, black headlining, stainless-steel pedals and illuminated aluminium door sills carrying the S logo. An augmented-reality head-up display is also standard, projecting key information into the driver's field of vision.

Then there is the optional 12-inch passenger-side display, which represents a first in this segment and is usually associated with the brand’s larger models. Integrated into the dashboard design, it gives the front passenger access to navigation, media and entertainment functions, while featuring the masking function to stop distraction to the driver when the vehicle is in motion.

It is this level of appointment and technology, coupled with the performance and pricing designed to capture the government EV incentives, that make an even more compelling case for the Q4 e-tron. And while the Australian launch is scheduled for the first half of 2027, the Q4 e-tron quattro performance models are already available to order through Audi dealers, with orders placed during 2026 receiving a six-year/90,000km service plan as part of a pre-launch offer.

More capable, better equipped and technologically more advanced than before, the Q4 e-tron is a compelling way to ‘go electric’ and enjoy the very best the brand has to offer, in a beautifully proportioned and well appointed package. Despite the industry categorisation of ‘compact’ all-electric vehicle, the Q4 e-tron packs a big punch right across the board and new pricing only adds to an already attractive value proposition. The revised Audi Q4 e-tron models are set to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

The vehicles pictured are overseas models used for illustrative purposes only.