Audi has officially launched its all-electric Q4 e-tron compact SUV on the US market, opening orders for three new models it hopes will help it to build the largest offering of fully-electric vehicles of any automaker in that market by the end of 2021.
Audi first unveiled the Q4 e-tron in April of this year, as a compact crossover that sits between the Q3 and Q5 and as a smaller and cheaper sibling to the e-tron, which in Australia costs from $137,700.
The three models opened for configuration in the US from this week include the Q4 40 e-tron, the Q4 50 e-tron, and the Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron. The “manufacturer’s suggested retail price” for each is listed as starting at $US43,900, $US49,900, and $US52,700, respectively.
In Australian dollars, that converts to a price range starting from around $60,700 through to $73,000 and upwards. Interestingly, these prices would mean the base Q4 e-tron 40 would be eligible for Victoria’s ZEV rebate, the cap for which is $A67,000. It would also qualify for the NSW rebate and stamp duty exemption.
As The Driven reported in April, the Q4 e-tron family represents a departure from the German luxury carmaker’s flagship e-tron models, given they are the first EVs from Audi to be built on Volkswagen Group’s dedicated all-electric MEB platform.
“The 2022 Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are the brand’s most attainable premium electric SUV models, exhibiting the practicality of transitioning toward one’s own fully-electric future,” Audi said in a statement this week.
“With this addition, customers are presented with a unique and first-of-its-kind opportunity to enter the premium electric vehicle space with confidence.”
Each of the three models being sold in the US have 82kWh batteries, which according to Audi’s specifications sheet offers a range of 241 miles (388km) for the two Q4 50 variants, and a “to be determined” range for the Q4 40.
The Q4 40, which Audi says delivers “a competitive and attainable entry point to luxury EV ownership,” is offered in two trim levels, including a premium level that features such added perks as heated front seats and steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and an LED interior lighting package.
The Q4 50 and Q4 Sportback 50 e-trons feature a more “dynamic silhouette” and are offered in three trim levels, with further customisation through a range of optional packages, including one that offers a trailer hitch.
A Prestige trim adds animation for headlights and taillights, whatever that might entail, and augmented reality head-up display, headlamp washer system, matrix-design LED headlights, and a technology package.
The Q4 40 also has lower maximum torque compared to the two Q4 5o models, at 229 (lb-ft) compared to 339; and lower miximum horsepower – 201 compared to 295.
The Q4 50 e-tron and its Sportback variation offer Audi’s signature quattro four wheel drive, powered by dual asynchronous motors. The Q4 40 e-tron arrives equipped with rear-wheel drive, and is powered by a single asynchronous electric motor.
US customers can also access a public DC fast-charging plan through Electrify America and customised in-home charging solutions with an optional concierge customer experience through infrastructure provider Qmerit.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.