Back in the limelight, Audi aims to steal the show
Peter Atkinson |
E-Tron. Q4. Quattro.
Three names that if people voted for them as the cast for a new tech-thriller movie they would only be half wrong.
Those who love cars can’t help themselves when the big players get into the act.
And after a slightly quiet year or two, German mammoth Audi has lifted the lid on how it plans to ride the new wave clean energy with its new Q4 SUV – an all-electric family wagon set to push the EV message along. And it’s powerful stuff.
The Audi Q4 Sportback 55-etron quattro (yes, quite a mouthful) feels as fresh and beautiful as anything to leave the German design studios in more than a year.
That, in turn, has been a time for Audi to consolidate its position before the launch of a new vehicle and models.
The remainder of 2025 promises to be packed with new designs and better technologies with the launch of up to a handful of models.
This Q4 Sportback seems set to make its mark.
Kindly, Audi has completed the package by delivering performance numbers to match the good looks. Instant thrust from its two electric motors make it fast without being fierce.
Acceleration to reach the speed limit in just over five seconds won’t earn any headlines, perhaps, but the Q4 brings refinement and comfort that more than justify its $100,000-plus pricetag.
Yes, 250kW and 545Nm feels a bit bland considering many of its rivals are thinking about power and performance to double or dwarf that Audi figure.
But those sneering at the Audi’s “pace and grace recipe” (sorry, Jaguar) will no doubt be judged by not just how quickly get you there, but the kind of relaxed style in which you arrive.
This is where Audi will look to grow its audience.
At a quick glance the model will add two all-new models – the Q4 and Q6 plugging a gap in the range that previously separated the compact sales machine that is the Q3 and the mid-sized Q5 people-pleaser.
While not all has been revealed in its latest plans, there appears to be interesting additions to the range which might soon grow by another six or more. And this car, with its broad and reachable appeal, might be the one to make the biggest noise.
After all, when the motors go quiet, you need some way to spice up the party.
The slinky, distinguished Q4 will hit the showrooms in the next few weeks with an enticing price tag of $107,500.
The test machine came with the additional investment of metallic paint ($1755 for a classy hue called Typhoon grey) and a $2925 panoramic package.
Like all the big marques, Audi has chipped away at the idea that high-end cars should enjoy third-party entertainment platforms such as Lexus’ collaboration with Mark Levinson, BMW’s close company with Harmon-Kardon and, sparing no expense, Audi’s new partner is SONOS.
That’s part of a technology stack in the Q4 that’s almost as long as your arm.
That includes e-quattro variable all-wheel-drive system, matrix headlights with front and rear indicators, exterior mirrors with electronic fold, auto dimming, auto and memory function and kerb-side function on the passenger side – a must so you don’t scrape those beautiful 21-inch Audi Sport alloys.
Luxury kit includes ambient interior lighting, multi-function twin-spoke sports steering wheel, three-zone climate control, Audi virtual cockpit with 10.25 high-resolution screen and 360-degree parking aide.
A car for the movie stars, except this way you get a more sophisticated kind of fellow buyer.
AUDI Q4 SPORTBACK 55-E-TRON QUATTRO
HOW BIG? Its location in the range between Q3 and Q5 confirms the new Sportback might steal the spotlight from one or both of its numerical rivals.
HOW FAST? We’ve become a bit blase about the mind-numbing performance
of many cars joining the EV fray, but maybe these more sensible outputs could be an indication of car-makers pulling back on the throttle.
HOW THIRSTY? Its 82 kWh battery capacity ensures you don’t have to feel guilty about all of those kilowatts.
HOW MUCH? With an entry-level price of $107,500, the Q4 is within reach of delivering an affordable European luxury EV.
AAP
