2024 Audi Q4 e-tron Unveiled

Audi unveils the ’24 Q4 e-tron, touting increased power and efficiency for the electric SUV and SUV Coupe ahead of their planned introduction to the U.S. market next year.

In line with changes brought to the Volkswagen ID. 4 and ID. 5, with which they share their MEB electric platform, the Q4 e-tron SUV and its sleeker Q4 Sportback e-tron sibling receive a rear-mounted synchronous electric motor as part of a major drivetrain upgrade.

Manufactured by the Volkswagen Group, the 400V motor features a newly designed cooling system for the stator and a new gearset for the single-speed transmission.

The so-called APP550 unit provides the new single-motor, rear-wheel-drive Q4 45 e-tron with 79 hp more than the Q4 40 e-tron it replaces at 277 hp. At the same time, the new dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Q4 55 e-tron quattro gets 39 hp more than the existing Q4 50 e-tron quattro rated at a combined 330 hp.

Audi claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.7 seconds for the Q4 45 e-tron and 5.4 seconds for the Q4 55 e-tron quattro. The top speed for all models is now limited to 112 mph (180 km/h).

Audi Q4 quattro interior

With a standard 77-kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack, the range of the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron exceeds the Q4 Sportback 40 e-ton on the WLTP test cycle by 17 miles (27 km) to 349 miles (562 km).

The maximum charging speed of the Q4 45 e-tron remains the same as the Q4 40 e-tron it replaces at 135 kW, though the new Q4 55 e-tron quattro can be charged at up to 175 kW – some 40 kW more than with the old Q4 50 e-tron quattro.

A new function also allows more precise preconditioning of the battery before charging for more rapid energy replenishment. For the first time, the Q4 e-tron also adopts post-conditioning, where a cooling system reduces the temperature of the battery if it exceeds a certain level for added safety.

Along with the drivetrain changes, Audi has modified the tuning of the Q4 e-tron's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension for what it describes as “more harmonious damping, improved steering response and tighter load control.”

The BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB rival also receives an updated optional assist package featuring a more advanced assisted lane-change function. When the driver initiates a lane change by tapping the steering wheel-mounted turn-signal stalk, it actively assists steering into the next lane at speeds above 56 mph (90 km/h) on highways.

Audi Q4 quattro rear 3.4

Audi confirms the upgraded Q4 e-tron will be produced at its plant in Brussels, Belgium, alongside existing production activities for the electric SUV at parent company VW's plant in Zwickau, Germany.

Audi’s Brussels plant currently produces the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron.

The German luxury automaker says each of its production plants will be responsible for at least one electric model by the end of the decade.