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While the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback as well as the Q5 and Q5 Sportback do not have electric versions, the manufacturer with the rings places a new compact SUV right between the two, the Q4, also available in a Sportback version with a sloping roof gentle towards the rear but only with 100% electric engines.
The newer of the two, the Q4 Sportback e-tron, is thus nine centimeters longer than the Q3 Sportback and ten centimeters shorter than the Q5 Sportback, with a length of 4.59 m, which is rather substantial in the category. .
It leaves the choice of a 52 kWh net capacity battery with a 170 hp rear motor or a 77 kWh accumulator for 204 hp, also available in combination with a motor on each axle for four-wheel drive and more power (265 hp or 299 hp).
At the wheel of the 204 hp range core, here are its main strengths after its test.
A concept style
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron | The photos of our test of the electric SUV coupe at the rings+58
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronPhoto Credit – Audi
More streamlined with its sloping roof, it gains in dynamism and homogeneity between front and rear compared to the Q4 e-tron.
The rear is thus more slender and a little less classic to match an identical but still very close front end to the Q4 e-tron Concept concept car, presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Its look is therefore very futuristic with a full grille whose presence has only an aesthetic purpose. It is framed by two fairly thin headlights whose light signature can be personalized in association with the matrix lighting.
Its swollen wings with marked shoulders give muscle to the whole.
Habitable and unexpected trunk gain
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron | The photos of our test of the electric SUV coupe at the rings+58
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronPhoto Credit – Audi
When bodywork is redesigned for the benefit of style, it is often practicality that pays the price.
We will then note a necessarily less important roof guard at the rear, making the central seat less welcoming and the side seats less spacious in height for the tallest people, but there is still as much space for the legs, with dimensions generous spaces and a comfortable seat, without a central tunnel for a flat floor over the entire width.
Pleasant for traveling serenely for four, we will be surprised that the loading volume under the rear parcel shelf is greater with this more aerodynamic version. This saves 15 liters from an already large volume of 520 liters, or 535 liters in total.
Neutral and fun to drive
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron | The photos of our test of the electric SUV coupe at the rings+58
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronPhoto Credit – Audi
We will not choose the Q4 Sportback e-tron for the emotion it provides at the wheel, but its chassis with a low center of gravity ensures good heading stability at all driving speeds.
Its substantial weight of 2.1 tonnes with its 500 kg battery is therefore well contained on the road. The precise steering and the constant brake pedal are reassuring and the damping filters the road well for a good compromise between efficiency and comfort.
The style will benefit from large rims but the wisest thing is to limit yourself to 20” wheels to be sure not to degrade this filtration without resorting to the controlled suspension. A size that remains, moreover, very respectable.
Our 204 hp version is not exceptional in terms of timing but provides good performance with a 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and responsive pick-ups.
What might make you hesitate
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron | The photos of our test of the electric SUV coupe at the rings+58
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronPhoto Credit – Audi
The high prices of the Q4 Sportback e-tron can be a major brake in absolute terms, starting at €46,750 but easily above €60,000 with equipment more suited to its rank. They call for a certain requirement. However, some services do not meet them in full.
The dark interior is firstly no longer available in a color other than black, now mandatory, which was already the norm in its infancy given the use of options to previously benefit from an alternative upholstery color.
This is in addition to a quality of materials below expectations, with a high proportion of hard and unrewarding plastics, sometimes up to the upper parts of the cabin. The upper zone of the dashboard is better finished, more design and modern in its forms and the assembly remains serious, but the general level does not therefore correspond to the price requested.
Finally, we will note the ergonomics of the steering wheel controls which are impractical by relying on sensitive keys requiring great precision of the fingers to scroll through the menus of the digital instrumentation. In return, we appreciate the separate air conditioning unit under the central screen, this time with real buttons that are more efficient in use.
to summarize
After a premiere of the 100% electric compact SUV last June, our journalist-tester lists the strengths of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron but also the points that can make you think about making your choice or taking action. of purchase.
We tried the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the highlights of the electric compact SUV