NO MATTER how far Australia lags behind the rest of the automotive world, the onslaught of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) are coming and there is no stopping them.
While sales of electrified powertrains – that is including hybrids, plug-ins and full emissions-free motors – have never set the Australian charts on fire, more models are announced nearly every other month.
And the latest from Audi is its Q4 e-tron that will slot in between the Q3 small SUV and Q5 mid-sizer as the brand’s fifth electrified model.
Revealed in concept form at this year’s Geneva motor show, the Q4 e-tron showcar measures 4590mm long, 1900mm wide, 1610mm tall with a 2770mm wheelbase putting right up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace.
But which of the three premium high-riding SUVs wins out in a comprehensive round of top trumps?
Well, all three feature dual electric motors for all-wheel-drive traction, with the Audi outputting 225kW of power, the Jag developing 295kW and the Benz with 300kW on tap. Point to Mercedes on this one.
How about acceleration times and top speed then? Audi stops the clock on the landmark triple digit sprint in 6.3 seconds and tops out at 180km/h; the EQC zips to 100km/h in 4.9s and also hits terminal velocity at 180km/h; but its Jaguar that takes top honours with a 4.8s 0-100km/h acceleration time and a 200km/h top speed.
Let’s see if Audi can claw back a point with its 82kWh battery and 450km driving range – on the stricter Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) too, mind you.
Mercedes packs an 80kWh battery for an estimated 450km range on the defunct New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
However, it’s Jaguar that takes top honours again thanks to its 90kWh battery and 467km WLTP-certified driving range – sorry four-ring fans.
The disclaimer in all this is that the Audi Q4 e-tron has not yet hit production, so there is a bit of wiggle room in the figures when it hits dealerships some time towards the end of next year.
Audi’s Q4 e-tron could also come in cheaper than the Benz EQC, which has yet to receive a pricetag, and the Jag’s I-Pace that starts at $119,000 before on-road costs.
Inside the Q4 e-tron is also arguably better than its rivals thanks to a spacious four-seat layout clad in microfibre textiles and high-end recycled materials.
A large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is centred on the dashboard, which is slightly titled towards the driver, while Audi’s signature all-digital Virtual Cockpit instrumentation also features.
As we previously mentioned, the Q4 e-tron will be the fifth electrified Audi model to hit the market in the next few years, with the EV assault kicking off early next year in Australia with the e-tron SUV.
Powered by a dual motors that output 300kW/664Nm, the all-wheel-drive e-tron will hit 100km/h from a standstill in 5.7s on its way to a 200km/h top speed.
With a 95kWh battery in tow, emissions-free driving range will extend to 400km, while high-tech equipment including cameras in lieu of side-view mirrors.
In addition to the high-riding wagon, the e-tron will also spawn a sloped-roof Sportback version that was also on show at this year’s Geneva motor show – albeit swathed in bright orange camouflage.
Not forgetting passenger cars, the e-tron badge will also grace a sporty four-door sedan dubbed GT, which was shown in concept guise at last year’s Los Angeles motor show and is based off the Porsche Taycan.
The last electrified Audi model – for now – is the Q2L crossover, which is restricted to the Chinese market.
Audi seem to have their bases all covered on the EV front then, but only time will tell if the local market will be able to keep pace with the rest of the world in terms of adoption and infrastructure.
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