Good news if you’re thinking about leasing the Audi Q4 e-tron - because the SUV has just been handed more power and extra range.
The Q4 e-tron is a cracking choice as an electric family car, finding a good balance between style and practicality while providing solid competition for the Tesla Model Y.
You can lease it as a regular SUV, or in sleeker Sportback form.
Up until now, power came courtesy of two different powertrains - the ‘40’, with 204 PS, and the more potent, 299 PS ‘50’ variant. .
That, though, is about to change.
Later this month the ‘40’ and the ‘50’ will be replaced by new ‘45’ and ‘55’ powertrains. The 45 gets power of 286 PS - considerably more than the old entry-level Q4 e-tron - while the 55 has been handed a very decent 340 PS. You can also have both the 45 and the 55 with Audi’s ‘quattro’ all wheel drive system.
The aerodynamic Audi Q4 e-tron 55 Sportback will be capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds, which is pretty rapid, even when compared to its Tesla rival.
Meanwhile the range between charges has also increased.
The outgoing, rear-wheel drive 40 Sportback could manage up to 328 miles between trips to the plug. The new 45 Sportback ups that to 339 miles. When you consider that the Model Y ‘Long Range’ can travel up to 331 miles between charges, it’s clear to see that the fresh Q4 e-tron means business.
Interestingly, Audi has managed this feat by introducing a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) on the rear axle to boost efficiency - rather than just fitting a bigger battery. The battery size remains the same at 82 kWh gross.
For the tech nerds out there, a PSM is lighter and more compact than an asynchronous motor (ASM), which you find more often in electric cars, and means you can eke-out more torque lower down the rev range.
What else is new with the facelifted Audi Q4 e-tron?
Well, the styling remains the same. Audi has chosen not to tinker with a winning formula.
When it comes to charging, quattro models now achieve a maximum DC charging power of 175 kW, and the rear-wheel drive models a maximum of 135 kW. Expect a 10-80% battery replenish in around 28 minutes.
For the first time, the Audi Q4 e-tron model family also features something called ‘post-conditioning’, which helps to keep it in tip-top condition.
An Audi boffin explains: “Here, the vehicle’s thermal management system cools the battery, for example, if it exceeds a fixed temperature threshold after driving or charging.”
The suspension has been tweaked to ‘improve the balance for even greater comfort, driving fun, and stability’. If you choose a model with sport suspension, the body sits 15mm lower.
You can also choose a new semi-autonomous ‘assisted lane change’ system as an option for the first time, which should take some of the hassle out of motorway journeys.
Order books for the new Audi Q4 e-tron open September 26th 2023.
Prices for the Audi Q4 e-tron with Select Car Leasing begin at £531 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 22/09/23.
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