Audi revives Q4 40 e-tron with new entry-level powertrain

To boost the sales volume of its most accessible electric model, Audi is reintroducing the 40 designations to its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-Tron lineup. However, it receives a revamped powertrain to improve efficiency while lowering the price threshold.

In late 2023, Audi made a series of technical upgrades to the Q4 e-tron range, which led to the discontinuation of the previous Q4 40 e-tron variant, which was replaced by the stronger Q4 45 e-tron with the same 77-kWh battery.

Audi also offered a Q4 35 e-tron variant with 170 hp and a 52-kWh battery, but this option was phased out as part of the 2023 technical overhaul. The lineup pivots solely on the Q4 45 e-tron, which is also available with Quattro all-wheel drive.

412 kilometers of range

However, Audi is bringing back the 40 e-tron as an entry-level option with a different technical configuration. The compact SUV retains the 204-hp electric motor but now has a 59-kWh (net) battery.

This setup delivers a range of up to 412 kilometers for the standard Q4 e-tron and 423 kilometers for the Sportback variant, slightly lower than its predecessor but with improved charging capabilities.

One of the key upgrades in the new Q4 40 e-tron is its improved DC fast-charging capacity, which now reaches up to 165 kW, a significant jump from the previous 135 kW.

Under ideal conditions, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, ensuring greater convenience for long-distance driving. The model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/hour.

Another innovation is manual battery preconditioning, which allows drivers to prepare the battery for fast charging via the MMI interface. Optimizing the pack’s temperature ensures optimal charging performance at every station and enhances overall convenience for long journeys.

ChatGPT on board

With a starting price of €39,000 (in Germany), the Q4 40 e-tron makes premium electric mobility more accessible. Of course, the model retains the core DNA of the Q4 series while enhancing its digital experience by integrating the Audi App Store and the ChatGPT voice assistant.

The add-on allows drivers to control infotainment, navigation, and climate settings using natural voice commands. The 40 e-tron features the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and the MMI Navigation Plus system.

To extend the vehicle’s lifespan and improve maintenance efficiency, Audi is introducing a predictive service reminder accessible via the myAudi app. This feature provides real-time updates on key components, such as brake pads and battery status, and automates service appointment scheduling through pre-selected dealers.

Orders for the Q4 40 e-tron and its Sportback sibling will open in the coming weeks, with Belgian prices yet to be announced. With 100,000 units sold last year, the Q4 is Audi’s best-performing EV. However, the luxury carmaker needs to find more customers for its electric car range, as sales slipped 12% last year to 164,500 units.