Audi introduces the Q4 e-tron as its next generation, cheaper EV

The electric Audi keeps evolving. 

Back in 2018 Audi unveiled its first all-electric SUV, the e-tron. Now, almost three years later, the next version of the original EV has been unveiled as the Audio Q4 e-tron, with an additional “sexy back” Sportback design.

The newest electric Audi started as a concept car, but will arrive in Europe this June with a starting price of 41,900 euros (about $50,000). It’ll make it to America at the end of this year for about $45,000. That’s significantly less than the original e-tron, which starts at nearly $66,000. 

Actors Olivia Wilde and Regé-Jean Page (of Bridgerton fame), along with famous athletes, introduced the new EVs at a virtual event streaming from Germany Wednesday. 

The compact SUV will come in many configurations: 

• The top of the line Q4 and Sportback versions come with 77 kWh capacity battery and two electric motors. The Q4 reaches over 300 miles on a charge, but the Sportback has a longer range of up to 308 miles. These are the fastest Q4s, hitting over 110 mph and reaching up to 60 mph in just over six seconds.

• Two entry-level Q4 and Sportback versions slim down with 52 kWh batteries and a single motor. The Sportback has better range at 216 miles compared to the 211 miles on the standard version. Both “basic” versions of the EV reach top speeds up to 100 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in nine seconds. 

• There’s a fifth option, a stripped down Q4 with a 77 kWh battery, but only one electric motor. It has the highest range and can get up to 323 miles on a single charge.

All versions will have quick charging capabilities, adding up to 78 miles in 10 minutes. Throughout Europe, Audi EV owners will have access to 210,000 public charging stations.

The Sportback version has a more sloped backside and is, well, a sportier design.

The Q4 models are smaller (a full 13 inches shorter), but still spacious versions of the original e-tron. With the battery and electric motors on the floor of the car, there’s more space inside. The front of the car barely goes past the tires, keeping the EV shorter and tighter than its predecessor.

Inside the car, there’s a virtual voice assistant that responds to “Hey Audi.” There’s also an augmented reality heads-up display that layers directions and visual cues in front of the driver onto the windshield. 

The new Q4 e-tron models are part of Audi’s goal to launch 20 EVs by 2025.