Audi’s new Q4 e-tron electric car presents a super spacious ‘compact’

Published on 30 June, 2021

Overview

Apart from the considerable importance of Audi’s new Q4 e-tron being an electric vehicle, my lasting impression was the impressive amount of interior space it had for a ‘compact’ crossover.

I drove the new e-tron for a while recently in Dublin and came away wondering where they got all the room in a vehicle that is 4.59m long (mind you, the boot is nothing to write home about, but is more than adequate).

The Q4 e-tron is the latest model to join the Audi EV range. I drove the Sports 40 SUV model (82Kw battery, 511kms range) for a first Irish test. There is a 35, lower-powered 55Kw (range 335km) version too and a Sportback variant with parallel outputs.

Prices start from €41,465, including grants, VRT relief and delivery. But by the time most people add bits and pieces that figure could rise substantially. The more powerful model starts from €51,850 on-the-road. Road tax doesn’t change: it is €120.

The highest performance battery pumps 220kW (0-100kmh in under 6.3 seconds); there was no doubting the urgent switch of power to transmission on the road.

I am not sure such potency is top of potential buyers’ requirements but it served me well in overtaking out of a potentially sticky situation. Around suburbia the short 10.2m turning circle was a help in manoeuvrability.

The car looked well with its short front overhangs and large wheels (19ins in my case).

Inside the roomy cabin, the dash is tilted towards the driver. ‘Divided’ into separate areas it integrates two displays, which are also integral to the design of the cockpit.

You manage the infotainment and (optional) navigation primarily by using the central MMI touch display but you can use voice control too, of course.

And the new ‘flattened’ steering wheel has touch surfaces which you can use to control the digital instrument cluster.

I particularly liked the protruding shelf-like horizontal operating panel lower in the dash which is home to the gear selector and other bits and pieces.

You may find it interesting to learn that the seat upholstery comprises large amounts of recycled polyester (for S Line trim) with around 26 recycled 1.5-litre PET bottles used for each seat.

Among the options that will push up the price are the augmented reality display, the virtual cockpit, MMI touch display and the previously mentioned voice control.

The amount of range left in the battery was displayed prominently on the screen behind the steering wheel – a real boon for the ‘charge watchers’ among us.

Back to space: I sat into the back and had mega room to stretch the legs. The absence of a centre tunnel is a major help on that front.

And apart from general spaciousness there are several cubbyholes adding around 25 litres of stowage (the bottle holders are integrated into the upper section of the doors).

Entry-level (Advance) spec includes 19-inch alloys, aluminium roof rails, LED headlights, LED rear lights, heated front seats, double-spoke leather sports steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom, with multifunction, shift paddles, drive select, comfort suspension, rear parking sensors, cruise control, swerve assist and turn assist and Audi sound system.

Sport and S Line trims add significantly to spec. Regardless of trim, the amount of space remains the same.