2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback

Similar to its regular Audi cars, the Q4 e-Tron Sportback is also expected to be offered in three different trims as the current generation of Audis as Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The base trim should also come loaded with plenty of features as is the trend with all the recent Audi cars, while the higher trims add more convenience and premium features to the cabin. 

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Like every other Audi offering three trims, the Q4 e-Tron also has three trims with a wide range of features to offer. The mid-range Premium Plus trim should be the preferred choice as it adds quite a few additional features over the base Premium trim, which adds value to the car and also increases the comfort levels while keeping the prices in check. 

It is expected to be offered with a setup of two electric motors with the infamous Quattro AWD drivetrain from Audi. The combination of the two electric motors delivers a maximum estimated output of 220 kW or 295 hp, which is more than enough performance for most people as it reaches 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds.

Power is stored and provided by a single battery configuration with a new capacity of 77 kWh. The SUV can be charged with different outputs using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC); up to 11 kW with AC and up to 125 kW DC on a high-speed charger. For optimal and efficient usage of energy, the available onboard heat pump uses the waste heat from the high-voltage modules and the ambient air to control the climate in the interior.

*speculated specs

The specs and data of the upcoming Audi Q4 e-Tron have not been properly shared by the company yet, and it is still a bit too early to judge how the Q4 e-Tron fairs against the competition. But from what it seems from the surface, the new Audi should be in a very similar ballpark with most of its competitors, if not better, be it in regards to its engine power output, performance quotient, or the overall experience of owning the car.

How does the 2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback Handle?

As mentioned earlier, the 2022 Q4 e-Tron Sportback will come equipped with the infamous Quattro AWD system from Audi for efficient transmission of power to the road. On top of that, to improve the dynamic stability of the car, the high-voltage battery is put between the axles, which ensures a low center of gravity and a balanced distribution of weight for controlled and responsive handling.

As for the suspension setup, it gets a McPherson front axle and a five-link rear suspension. Moreover, the control systems for the drive and suspension work closely together, and it provides the driver with different driving profiles to choose from. The driving profiles include configuration of Efficiency, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual. Although it seems to be quite promising, since the car has not been released in the market yet, it is a bit early to judge the handling characteristics of the car and how it would fare in the real world.

There isn't any official information about the mileage figures of the Q4 e-Tron Sportback yet. But according to Audi, the entry-level Q4 e-Tron can go for a maximum of 250 miles on a full charge, which might be enough for regular commute, but is pretty inadequate for long journeys, especially when there are cars with better mileage in the same segment. 

That being said, these are based on the preliminary manufacturer’s estimated range based on approximation of EPA test cycles. The actual result might be different. But the dual-motors in the Sportback will have some clever tech. For efficiency, the motor on the front axle comes into action only when high power or a strong grip is needed. The rear motor in all models is a permanently excited synchronous motor, similar to what is found in the Audi e-Tron GT.

*speculated specs

Since there are no official mileage figures for the upcoming Q4 e-Tron Sportback from the company yet, it is not possible to judge how it will fare against the competition. Nonetheless, it is up against some tough competition in this regard, especially the Tesla Model Y with its incredible 326 miles of range on a fully charged battery.

The interior of the Q4 e-Tron Quattro features recycled materials, which is in tune with the whole initiative of starting this all-electric lineup. The overall design is pretty sharp and aggressive, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But it does look pretty unique, to say the least.

The available interior space is comparable to Audi’s Q5 compact SUV. The quality of materials used and the overall build quality should be on par with the expectations. The design is pretty driver-focused, where the instrument panel is intentionally turned toward the driver to give the driver a better sense of control over the car.

*speculated specs

The interior dimensions of the Q4 e-Tron Sportback have not been shared by the company yet, but the Sportback body will definitely have less headroom at the back, along with some compromise with the cargo capacity as well, which can be seen in the speculated specs. That being said, some of the standout interior features of the 2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback include the following:

• Newly designed flat-top and bottom steering wheel with capacitive hands-on detection
• In-console mobile device charge and stow compartment
• Customizable load floor in the cargo area
• An interior featuring recycled materials

2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback: Infotainment and Connectivity

The new Q4 e-Tron Sportback will come with Audi’s MMI infotainment system. The driver-oriented cockpit angles the 10.1” MMI central touch response display toward the driver while pairing seamlessly with the available Audi virtual cockpit. To display the speed and other data of the car, it comes with a massive 10.25” digital instrument cluster. Or if you want, you can also have the optional Audi virtual cockpit.

Also, it has a new steering wheel with capacitive hands-on detection, which the driver can use to control the digital instrument cluster. The car also has inbuilt navigation which can be operated primarily using the central 10.1-inch MMI touch display. The augmented reality head-up display is also a major development. It superimposes the information provided by certain driver assist and navigation features, integrating them with the real-life external view so that the driver can conveniently understand that information.

As for listening to music, the Q4 e-Tron Sportback will come equipped with a premium music system from Sonos, which will mark the first time for the brand making an audio system for a car. All the navigation, music, and other stuff can be controlled by voice due to the natural voice control feature providing a third operating interface. Some of the standout infotainment features of the Q4 e-Tron Sportback include the following:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument panel
• 10.1-inch touchscreen central infotainment display
• Augmented Reality Head-up display
• Wireless charging cradle for compatible devices
• Available integrated surround-view cameras
• Natural voice control

As mentioned earlier, the Q4 e-Tron is a completely new car from Audi in the all-electric compact crossover SUV segment. Its exterior dimensions are pretty similar to the Q5 compact crossover SUV and has a design that resembles their new mid-size luxury crossover SUV, the Q8. Although the overall design and dimensions are expected to be the same, the silhouette of the Sportback body type will be different from the regular SUV. It will have a coupe-like sloping roofline at the back, giving the car a more sporty appearance. It will have its drawbacks, but it will definitely have its unique presence on the road.

Muscular surfacing and athletic stance complement the bold design of the SUV. Moreover, it offers available Matrix design LED headlights with customizable daytime running light signatures. You can choose among four running light signatures from the setting menu of the car. As for the color, you can choose among four different options, along with the S line and black optic exterior elements offered as well.

*speculated specs

Among the competition, the Audi is the shortest SUV alongside the ID.4 as both are practically identical cars. The Mustang Mach-E offers the longest wheelbase, while the Model Y is the lightest of the lot. The Tesla is also the widest amongst the SUVs present here, which makes it feel the roomiest on the inside. The ride height of the Audi-VW twins is still unknown, but one can expect to be on par with the Tesla Model Y. Major exterior highlights of the SUV are-

• Projector Beam Auto-Leveling Auto High-Beam Daytime Running Headlamps
• LED Brakelights
• Power Liftgate
• Lip Spoiler
• Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Wipers w/Heated Jets
• Panoramic Sunroof

Since the Q4 e-Tron is yet to be launched, it is yet to undergo crash testing from the NHTSA and the IIHS, and we do not doubt that it should come out with flying colors similar to its siblings. That being said, Audi will also offer a considerable amount of standard safety features which shall further be complemented by a wide range of driver assistance aids that not only make driving easier but also safer for the driver and the occupants. Few salient safety features include-

• Forward-collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking
• Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Semi-autonomous Driving Mode
• Audi Connect Care Emergency SOS
• Lane Departure Warning
• Audi Parking System Plus

As of now, the 2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron lineup seems really promising. It has an attractive design, eye-catching premium interior, along with a host of advanced features and creature comfort, all at a competitive price range. The engine and its output seem promising as well. If they get the performance and range right, the Q4 e-Tron will be a tough contender in the competition. Although it is a bit early to judge the car properly, it does not look like you would be disappointed with one.