The long-awaited Audi Q4 e-tron electric compact crossover arrives in Singapore in regular and Sportback flavours
Compact crossovers like the Audi Q4 e-tron are perfect for conquering Singapore’s concrete jungle. They are not too big, not too small, but just right in terms of proportions, especially in the tight confines of the city.
So it’s somewhat appropriate that Audi Singapore has chosen to launch the Q4 siblings in the heart of the Lion City. The two models are showcased in an experiential, pop-up boutique that sits on the steps of the ION Orchard mall in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district.
In electric guise, the Q4 siblings pack a huge punch from its 77kWh battery in terms of performance to the tune of 210kW (or 286hp) and 545Nm, perfect when it comes to overtaking in the cut-thrust of city traffic or even the highways.
The rear-drive powertrain is intended to impart some measure of dynamism to the proceedings, so we expect the Q4 to be as fun to drive as it is feature-packed. The high-voltage battery of the Q4 siblings lies between the axles, which ensures a low centre of gravity and balanced distribution of weight for more progressive, rocksteady handling characteristics.
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The 0–100km/h is dispatched in an identical 6.7secs for both Q4 and Q4 Sportback, with top speed rated at 180km/h. With a full charge, the Q4 and Q4 Sportback return a range of 466km and 482km respectively in the WLTP cycle.
There is a three-stage recuperation system with a coasting mode for maximum efficiency, which can be actuated through the steering wheel-mounted paddles for intuitive driver operation.
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EVs are a great option for transport, be it for the city, or if you’ve worked through the planning for charging stops, on longer journeys up North into Malaysia.
At the time of writing, base prices for the Audi Q4 e-tron “advanced” and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron “advanced” start at $254,999 and $259,999 respectively, with the higher-equipped “edition 1” costing $20,000 more than the “advanced”.
If you are wondering, the $20,000 more for the “edition 1” gets you the “S-line” interior and exterior elements, the MMI pro (versus MMI plus in the “advanced”) infotainment package, upgraded 21-inch alloy rims, Augmented Reality navigation, Black package, Matrix LED headlights and the Sonos sound system.
In both guises, the Q4 e-tron features a prominent single-frame grille, is powerfully stanced, boasts short front overhangs, is equipped with large wheels (19s or 21s) and is nicely detailed with sculpted musculature. In particular, the Sportback’s coupe-like roof-line features a rear spoiler that sits deep on the split rear window.
Despite the contemporary rugged, high-riding aesthetics of the pair, the two models boast impressively wind-cheating aerodynamic properties, with the Q4 e-tron posting a 0.29 Cd and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, 0.28.
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Unlike the Q6 e-tron (which sits on a PPE platform like the Macan EV), the Q4 e-tron is underpinned by the group’s versatile and modular MEB platform for battery-electric vehicles, which also sees service in VW, Cupra and Skoda electric vehicles.
Thanks to the 2764mm wheelbase, there is decent utility from the cabin for versatile, daily-drive needs, especially since the Q4’s cargo-capacity can be expanded from 520 litres to 1,490 litres with the rear seats folded-flat (or 535 litres to 1,460 litres in the Sportback).
True to true EV form, the Q4 e-tron has no centre tunnel, a trait we feel should be a given for all electric vehicles that sit on bespoke EV platforms like the Q4’s MEB one. There are ample storage bins too, with a total of 25 litres worth of capacity scattered throughout the cabin, including bottle holders integrated into the upper section of the doors within easy reach.
Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron at the Zwickau plant with a neutral carbon footprint. The plant uses eco-electricity, while the battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. Other unavoidable emissions are offset by climate protection projects certified by the TÜV and meet the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.
