Audi has revealed tantalising details of its upcoming, fully-electric Q4 e-tron SUV.
And with a state-of-the-art augmented reality Head-Up display, a touch-sensitive steering wheel and lots of interior space, Audi says its a vehicle that perfectly encapsulates everything the brand stands for in 2021.
While pricing is yet to be announced, it’s expected to cost from £40,000 when it goes on sale later this Spring. It’s also the latest ‘e-tron’ to join the Audi line-up, sitting alongside the stunning new e-tron GT coupe and the e-tron hatchback.
Size wise, it also sits perfectly between the existing Q3 and Q5.
As with the price, Audi is currently keeping details of the powertrain close to its chest, though those in the know suggest it’ll feature an 82kWh battery, two electric motors and up to 300hp.
The big news this week is that Audi has been singing the praises of the Q4 e-tron’s interior - and on paper it looks mightily impressive.
With 520 litres of luggage space - which expands to 1,490 litres when the split backrests are fully folded - it’s a car the firm hopes will be more than practical enough for busy families, while room for rear passengers is ‘positively luxurious’, it adds.
In terms of the driver displays, think digital, with the 11.6 inch infotainment system also featuring natural voice control.
And for the first time, lease customers will also have the option of an augmented reality head-up display - which Audi says is a ‘new pioneering piece of technology’.
So what does it all mean?
An Audi boffin explains:
“It projects important information onto the windscreen on two separate levels - a status section and an augmented reality (AR) section. Key information and symbols from specific assistance systems and from the navigation module are visually superimposed on the 'real life' area to which they specifically relate as content of the AR section and displayed dynamically. They appear to be floating at a physical distance of roughly ten metres from the driver, and depending on the situation can even appear considerably further ahead in some cases. The driver can understand the displays very quickly without being confused or distracted by them, and they are extremely helpful in poor visibility conditions.”
When it comes to the sat-nav system, an AR ‘drone’ - aka a floating arrow - flies ahead and points the driver to precisely where they should be turning. And it all works in sync with adaptive cruise control, too.
Even the steering wheel takes tech to new levels, with standard control buttons ditched in favour of touch panels, that not only come with ‘swipe’ functionality but also provide soft haptic feedback when pressed.
Heated front sport seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support will be standard for UK Q4 e-tron models, while for the upholstery you can choose between fine Nappa leather, combinations of leather and artificial leather, or artificial leather and an environmentally-friendly microfibre material called ‘Dinamica’.
An Audi spokesperson adds:
“The Q4 e-tron follows the larger Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, as well as the e-tron GT four-door coupé. As a new entrant into the particularly popular and fast-growing compact SUV class it will play a key part in the brand’s electrification strategy, offering Audi customers the opportunity to make the transition to electric premium mobility at an attractive price.”
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