The wave of updates for the MEB-based electric vehicles from the Volkswagen Group continues. Audi has now unveiled its comprehensively revised Q4 e-tron, featuring technology and design changes, some of which are Audi-specific innovations. Deliveries are expected to begin this summer.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is transitioning from the MEB electric platform to the upgraded MEB+. The electric car from the Volkswagen Group and its coupé derivative, the Sportback, is another model series built in Zwickau. Models such as the Cupra Born, the Škoda models Elroq and Enyaq, and the VW ID.3 Neo have already received this update.
The ID.4 and ID.7 are still pending; as part of more extensive revisions, they are expected to be renamed the ID. Tiguan and ID. Passat.
Technical updates
At Audi, the Q4 e-tron retains its name, but the technical updates are no less significant. For example, the new base version ’40’ of the Q4 now features the APP350 electric motor, replacing the old APP310. But there is a key difference: while the Born, Elroq 60, Enyaq 60, and ID.3 Neo combine the new APP350 with a new LFP battery offering a net capacity of 58 kWh, Audi continues to use the pre-facelift battery pack with NMC cells that provide a gross capacity of 63 kWh and a net capacity of 59 kWh.
While the LFP models deliver only 140 kW of drive power, the Audi offers 150 kW. The LFP battery in the other models has a maximum charging capacity of 105 kW, whereas Audi specifies 160 kW for DC charging in its base Q4. The WLTP range is 440 kilometers for the SUV and 451 kilometers for the more aerodynamic Sportback body, around 30 kilometers more than with the old APP310 and the 63-kWh battery.
On paper, there are no major changes to the Q4 variants with the ’45’ designation. These models continue to combine the well-known APP550 motor, delivering 545 Nm of torque, with a battery offering a gross capacity of 82 kWh (77 kWh net). The 210 kW power output is a familiar figure within the VW Group. This remains the variant with the highest range, reaching up to 578 kilometers (SUV) and 592 kilometers (SUV coupé).
The third drivetrain variant has also been updated, with the Q4 e-tron 45 quattro receiving a weaker all-wheel-drive model with 220 kW system power, and the APP310 at the rear axle has been replaced by the APP350. At the top of the range sits the 55 Quattro with the familiar all-wheel-drive system with 250 kW system power, combining the APP550 at the rear axle with an asynchronous motor at the front.
One change that may appeal to some customers is the increased towing capacity, as the all-wheel-drive models can now tow trailers weighing up to 1.8 tons. The previous limit was 1.2 tons.
Subtle design changes
As part of the ‘product enhancement’, the design has also been subtly updated, though not as prominently as VW did with the ID.3 Neo. For example, the grille is now painted to match the vehicle’s body color, and customers can choose from four daytime running light signatures for the Matrix LED headlights via the MMI operating system.
The interior has also been redesigned. Previously, the cockpit display and touchscreen were separate, but now there is a large panoramic display that visually combines the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12.8-inch touchscreen into a single unit. An optional 12-inch passenger display is also available for the first time in this vehicle segment.
Bidirectional charging
The Q4 e-tron also introduces bidirectional charging with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, a first for any Audi model. External devices can be powered using the drive battery via a household socket in the boot or an optional adapter for the charging port, delivering 2.3 kW (household socket) or 3.6 kW (CEE camping plug).
“Additionally, the Q4 e-tron is suitable for Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) in the markets of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland,” Audi explains. “In this scenario, the high-voltage battery serves as an additional power storage unit for a house, for example, in combination with a photovoltaic system.” Normally, other countries will follow when the grid allows it.
The new models will be available for order in Europe throughout May, with the market launch planned for this summer, according to Audi. Production continues at Volkswagen Sachsen in Zwickau.
A1 and Q2 disappear
Audi has discontinued production of the internal combustion engine models Q2 (in Ingolstadt, Germany) and A1 (in Martorell, Spain). The two smallest combustion-engine Audis will make way for future electric models.
The Seat plant in Martorell, Spain, is on the verge of a major transformation as the VW Group’s long-awaited range of battery-electric compact cars, including the Cupra Raval and VW ID. Polo.
Audi initially produced its smallest model, the A1, at its Brussels plant, but when the facility was repurposed for the Audi e-tron quattro and subsequently closed, A1 production was relocated to Seat in Spain. Since its debut in 2010, nearly 1.4 million A1 units have been built, split between Belgium and Spain.
Audi states that the smallest Audi SUV, the Q2, has been a “cornerstone of the production program at the company’s headquarters” in Ingolstadt since 2016. Now, after 887,231 units, production has ended; the Q2 will not be immediately replaced by a battery-electric model at the Ingolstadt plant. Instead, this summer will see the start of joint production of the Audi Q3 with Audi Hungaria in Győr, Hungary. To increase capacity for the popular SUV, Audi will transport bodies produced in Győr to Ingolstadt for painting and final assembly.
In parallel, Audi is advancing the electrification of its Ingolstadt site. Following the production launches of the Audi Q6 e-tron in 2023 and the Audi A6 e-tron in 2024, this autumn will mark the start of manufacturing for another all-electric model series at the headquarters, the recently confirmed A2 e-tron.
