Video test - Audi Q4 40 e-tron Sportback: this very expensive 5-door coupe SUV

As confusing as it may seem, SUVs are also available as coupes, with the main difference being a lowered rear body. The lines of the Audi Q4 e-tron then gain in dynamism. The temptation becomes even greater to give in to the game of options with the Sportback. Beware, however, of the final invoice which could make competing models more salivating.

Audi Q4 and VW ID.5

The Q4 e-tron coupe and SUV share the same footprint of 4.588 x 1.865 m. Only the height differs according to the figures noted on the 50-page brochure distributed just before the summer of 2022: 1.614 m for the profiled tailgate version, against 1.632 m with the classic bodywork.

The Sportback is based on the same base as the Volkswagen ID.5 (ID.4 coupe) less wide by 1.3 cm, but longer by 1.1 cm. The two structures in fast back however, appear in very different presentations. Spoiler and receding pavilion play favorably on the drag coefficient of the Audi which drops from 0.28 to 0.26.

The model tested

Coated in Navarre blue metallic as an option at 950 euros, the Audi Q4 40 e-tron Sportback which was entrusted to us benefited from the S line finish betrayed by the aluminum-style elements at the level of the front face. This proposal comes just before the top of the Design Luxe range.

The standard 20-inch rims have been replaced by 21-inch EVO 5-spoke (+ 1,600 euros) fitted with Bridgestone Turanza Eco tyres. The look of the machine is lit up with Matrix Led headlights (+ 1,320 euros).

The panoramic sunroof (+ 1,530 euros) in 2 parts covers the front of the cabin, without going down to the rear seats which still benefit from the extra light.

Powertrain

In its 40 version, the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback features a permanent magnet synchronous motor which develops a power of 150 kW (204 hp), for a torque of 310 Nm. 400 V lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 77 kWh (82 kWh gross capacity).

Guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km, the pack increases the weight of the vehicle by 400 kg, which thus amounts to a minimum of 1,970 kg (2,045 kg on our test model with options) for a total authorized load of 2,475 kg.

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Despite a sporty look, this electric coupe would seem almost wise with its 8.5 seconds to perform the exercise from 0 to 100 km / h, against certain competing models in 2-wheel drive version like the Volvo XC 40 Recharge (7.4 sec) or the Tesla Model Y (5.1 sec).

Trunk and trailer

Behind the tailgate which opens electrically remotely using the remote control (+ 580 euros) hides under a retractable rigid shelf a 535 liter trunk. Its volume can be extended to 1,460 l by folding down the 3-part (40/20/40) seat backrest. This is respectively 15 l more and 30 l less than on the classic SUV.

The spaces behind the wheels are well dug. A double bottom can accommodate more than the charging cables, but no frunk under the front cover.

If all that wasn’t enough, the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,000 kg, and 750 kg if it isn’t. On our test model, a button on the left, in the trunk, allows you to release the hitch ball which locks by raising it with your foot. This system is offered as an option at 1,110 euros.

A bench seat for 3

The receding roof does not prevent three people measuring up to just over 1.80 m from being accommodated on the comfortable bench seat of the Q4 Sportback. Beyond that, heads will flirt with the pavilion. Thanks to a wheelbase of 2.764 m, legroom is very generous. The discreet service tunnel hardly harms the passenger seated in the central place.

Storage is available in the chaplain behind the backs of the armchairs in front of them and in the storm doors. The comfort of all these little people is increased by the tri-zone air conditioning (+ 810 euros). Note that the side windows are completely eclipsed if necessary.

The driver’s point of view

Apart from the rigid plastic parts, some of which are a bit of a stain at the bottom of the dashboard and at the level of the door panels on an Audi in S line finish, the presentation that awaits the driver and his right-hand neighbor appeared to us “ sumptuous on the Q4 Sportback. The build quality is also on point.

Numerous storage spaces with cup holders and longitudinally adjustable central armrest, 12 V and USB sockets, and induction charger for Smartphone (+ 560 euros) are at the service of these two passengers. Very comfortable, the top-of-the-range upholstery is in nappa leather (+ 2,300 euros), with electric adjustments (+ 1,025 euros), and heating function (+ 400 euros).

We appreciated the ergonomics of the controls on the electric SUV coupe from Audi, much better thought out than at Volkswagen. A good point on this subject concerning the shortcuts to the service of the ventilation system.

What to know before setting off

The instrumentation is rich in detail, in particular concerning the cartography of the GPS which can be inserted, in place of the indications of the on-board computer, between the dial dedicated to the energy values and the speedometer. With great fluidity, the multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also benefits from the finesse of the graphics. The route to follow appears on striking geographical views.

Five driving modes are available: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. With the latter, the driver can intervene on the hardness of the steering (Comfortable or Sporty) and the response to acceleration (Economical, Balanced and Sporty). But not on the suspension which is not piloted here. Our Audi Q4 40 e-tron Sportback is based on a Sport chassis.

Flattened at the top and bottom, the double-spoke leather steering wheel hides the 2 paddles which allow you to play on the regeneration power. This device is valuable in dynamic driving.

On winding roads

The firmness of the Q4 Sportback chassis was appreciated by Maxime Fontanier: “ We feel that we have a vehicle, certainly, heavy, but rigid, and which responds well “. And at the management level? ” It offers a good feeling, in dynamic mode. We have good feedback. It’s not too flexible “, he reports. A relative body roll does not prevent the SUV coupé from linking turns perfectly on an average surface.

Braking, with drums at the rear, is less convincing. Not because of a lack of overall efficiency, but because of a soft pedal that does not hide a certain lack of bite.

Although equipped with the same chassis and the same engine, the Audi reveals a funnier and more precise behavior than the Volkswagen ID.5. What our tester explains by a difference in the suspension settings, as well as the dimensions of the tracks and the wheelbase.

From the city to the highway

In town, the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback excels with its quietness of operation, its smooth use, that of its steering, the very good visibility provided by the interior rearview mirror due to the large tailgate window, the wide mirrors outside, the relative compactness of the machine, and the turning circle of 10.20 meters. The latter is a model of its kind for a machine of this size.

Version 3.0 of the software also brings the 360 degree view which was lacking until now and which facilitates maneuvers to park in town.

With a top speed limited to 160 km / h, you might as well experience the motorway in a peaceful way with this electric SUV coupé. Especially since the very good soundproofing lends itself to it. It is however the result of two options: front side glazing (+ 140 euros) and acoustic windshield (+ 410 euros).

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Under these conditions, road noise is well contained and the connections of the road well filtered. ” It’s pretty good in terms of comfort on long journeys “, highlights Maxime Fontanier.

Perfectible driving aids

The copy of Q4 e-tron Sportback at our disposal was equipped with the Security Assistance pack providing all the driving aids, against an additional 1,200 euros on the invoice. In particular, we find the cruise control with traffic jam mode and the maintenance of the distance with other vehicles.

” It works very well. But I’m not a big fan of the joystick behind the steering wheel to adjust the cruise control. I prefer when it’s on the spokes of the steering wheel », Underlines the man with the cap.

In addition, on the video, he points by example to the lack of efficiency and finesse of the line maintenance aid: ” The car swerves, it takes time to come back “.

Autonomy, consumption and charging

Over almost 1,800 km, with an average speed of 87 km/h, our tester journalist recorded an average consumption of 24.7 kWh/100 km. The figures could drop to 16.5-17 kWh/100 km in summer at steady speed and in Eco mode. What to travel at best a little more than 450 km by curling the breakdown of energy.

At 130 km/h, in ideal conditions, you should expect a consumption of 23.5 kWh/100 km, for just over 300 km after a full recharge.

The latter can be carried out on DC chargers up to a maximum power of 135 kW. This is almost 100 kW less than on the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Recovering a level of 80% energy will take between 30 and 35 minutes at best.

Prices

The Audi Q4 35 e-tron classic SUV and coupé start respectively at 44,750 and 46,750 euros including tax excluding bonuses in the entry-level finish. The prices for the 40 models increase to 50,900 and 52,900 euros. In S line finish, like the copy we tested, the Q4 e-tron Sportback climbs to 62,400 euros. But adding the options, it would be charged 78,755 euros.

” There, we swim in totally crazy prices even if Audi is a premium brand “says Maxime Fontanier.

” Even if the vehicle is very well made, with an impeccable finish, that does not justify the additional cost compared to a Kia EV6, a Hyundai Ioniq 5, or a Tesla Model Y which will be much more efficient, more spacious and better equipped for less expensive and more autonomy “, he justifies by recalling the arrival of competing Chinese models. Thus the Xpeng P7, Nio ES8 and Voyah Free that the specialist journalist went to discover in Norway.

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