Audi basically got restless and went at it alone with electric cars, creating the first e-tron model on a derivative of its normal car architecture. But as Volkswagen has put a lot of money into the modular MEB architecture, it would be a shame not to use that as well.
After the e-tron, Audi revealed plans for e-tron Sportback and the e-tron GT which appeared in the latest Avengers movie. However, at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Q4 e-tron was shown as a concept, and it obviously was an MEB-based project.
Even without revealing its architecture, we knew that the Q4 was based on the same platform as the upcoming Skoda or VW crossover EVs. The interior layout and 306 PS power output were dead giveaways. But in a recent interview with Autoblog, MEB project manager Markus Jeschke revealed plans for three such cars.
After the normal Q4, "we can envision a sportier version [of the Q4] and a sedan," he said. We already knew about the sedan, while the sportier Q4 is an obvious choice, given the development of the Q3 Sportback. But why no hatchback? Surely, many Audi buyers live in towns, where an EV actually makes the most sense.
Since the normal Q4 will come out first, let's talk about that. It probably won't be ready to launch for at least another year, but the production version is said to be 97% similar to the concept. Its power will be split between the 102 HP, 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) motor at the front and another one at the rear, packing 204 HP and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft) for a total of 306 HP and 460 Nm. It's the same as the Skoda Vision iV and Cupra's concept too.
The concept featured the maximum 82 kWh battery for a total range of 450 km(279 miles). The claimed 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds seems a tad ambitious given the weight. Check out the live photo gallery and keep an eye out features like the animated taillights and the minimalist dashboard, both of which are believed to be production-ready.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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