Road test (launch): Audi Q4 E-Tron - Walla! vehicle

2021-08-27T07:20:20.601Z

It's coming to Israel soon, and we've managed to make a round abroad in an Audi Q4 e tron - so how's Audi's small and electric crossover and is it worth the wait?

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Vehicle tests

Road test (launch): Audi Q4 E-Tron

Udi's new crossover is expected to arrive in Israel at the end of this year.

First impression of the new and electric Audi Q4 E-Tron that enters the hottest segment in Israel

First driving: Audi e-tron GT

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Unlike its platform platform, the Q4 comes in two body configurations: a "regular" crossover, and a coupe crossover (Photo: Joel Schwartz)

Visibility, multimedia and space

Like the Audi E-Tron GT I drove at the time, the Q4 is a fully electric vehicle.

He, too, sits on a dedicated power tool platform, and he too has siblings.

In the case of Q4 these are Skoda Aniac and Volkswagen ID.4.

The three share additional assemblies and of course the power units and battery pack.

The difference is in the design, the materials that make up the cabin and the calibration of the systems designed to build the unique image for each model.

The Q4 is also the only sibling to come in two body configurations: a "regular" crossover, and a coupe crossover.

A handsome cabin, innovative, and yet completely recognizable.

(Photo: Manufacturer's website)

The difference between them is only in the sculpture of the rear part which in the coupe version slightly reduces the volume of the trunk (by an insignificant 15 liters), and the rear view (because of a built-in spoiler that crosses the rear window).

Not bad, even so, these are two neat and practical configurations, with plenty of space in the front and even more in the back seat.

In any direction.

A fifth passenger will enjoy a flat floor for his feet, but a stiffer seat and limited shoulder space because of the seating arrangement that fits the pair.

Plenty of space in the cabin, especially in the rear.

However, a fifth passenger will not be thrilled to sit in his seat for a long time (Photo: Manufacturer's website)

In the driver's environment the resemblance to the large and significantly expensive GT is evident from every corner.

The seating in Q4 is much higher so the design is slightly different but not by much.

The materials are similar too, with some here a little simpler (like the door trim) and the finish quality (especially in the connection areas between two materials) could have been better.

It's a shame, because this is a luxury brand that is priced accordingly.

The difference between the configurations is reflected in the volume of the trunk (Photo: Manufacturer's website)

Not only is the design similar to the GT, some of the systems are also common: the dashboard, the screen and the multimedia interface, the buttons on the steering wheel and more.

From the top of the driver's seat, the observation and operation of the various systems is excellent.

Everything is accessible, clear, intuitive even while driving fast on the German Autobahn.

But the black piano finish around the multimedia and especially around the steering wheel buttons, is less successful.

It's time to realize that the glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet and will not stay clean a second after it is polished.

In addition the buttons on the steering wheel are touch buttons.

The "shelf" at the back reduces the field of view (Photo: manufacturer's website)

And although they look great, in practice the performance is less successful, inadvertent movement of the palm in the steering wheel rotation, or sloppy placement of the fingertips on the center of the steering wheel on a cruise, just change something: change menu dashboard, change radio station, affect audio volume.

Something will move.

I liked this arrangement less.

Yes I liked that the buttons on the steering wheel are completely dark when the vehicle is off, and lit when the vehicle is on.

I was also really intrigued by the top view that offers augmented reality of directional arrows in the navigation system (not sure they will work in the country with Wise), and the path markings.

How simple, how fun.

Augmented reality integrated in a top view of the navigation system (Photo: Manufacturer's website)

Performance, comfort, and energy consumption

Stabbing his right foot on the carpet will leap his 203 horses agilely.

Leaving the place is quite decisive, with the accumulation of km / h later moderating slightly to the electronic limit of 160 km / h.

There is no momentum dropping jaws but really not powerless any driving condition, and there is no need gentle pushing pedal to the crossover semi heavy (2,050 kg), moves convincingly.

And when necessary regenerative brake system in Q4 were more effective than that in GT It has 3 more powerful braking levels, compared to 2 less effective brakes. On the other hand, the GT's brake pedal has a superior feel. Designed to keep the driver in control.

With 203 hp, there is no dizzying impulse here, but a linear acceleration that is mainly intended to provide a useful range between charges (Photo: Manufacturer's website)

Braking with the handles saves on the brake pads and also slightly fills the batteries to extend the driving range. In the case of the Q4 e-tron, it helped maintain an energy consumption of 18.4 kilowatt hours per 100 km, which means a range of 445 km. In driving consciously, I improved my consumption to 17.8 kilowatts per hour for 100 km, which will yield a range of 460 km - less than the declared 520 km, but still very good in themselves, and sufficient for any Israeli daily use.

With 456 cm From bumper to bumper, the Q4 e tron is a large crossover, which fits exactly between Q3 and Q5. And yet thanks to a redesign of the steering system, it offers a small turning radius. very small. Even smaller than that of the Audi A1 significantly smaller than it. This means that it is very easy to maneuver it in the large volume and in crowded parking lots. The steering is still lacking in feedback, omitting the same communication element that adds to driving pleasure, but even on those winding roads around Munich and the foothills of the German Alps, Q4 demonstrated high capabilities with precise steering,And a balanced chassis.

A large, high-quality multimedia system that did not absorb the controls of the air conditioning system.

(Photo: Manufacturer's website)

And even if for a moment I imagined myself crossing the Alps in a race against the clock, this is not the right vehicle for the task.

It's not that he can not, as Q4 is meant for other things.

For example, to carry a family on their belongings comfortably and comfortably from lake to lake along the border with Austria.

He does this task excellently.

Audi also did a good job of compensating for the overweight when with the exception of small disruptions at speeds of around 80 mph and above, everything else was swallowed. Particularly impressive is the whole noise isolation issue, which creates a quiet soundtrack, and complements excellent ride quality.

Range is the message (Photo: Manufacturer's website)

When in Israel and against whom will it compete?

Audi Q4 e-tron like Skoda Aniak, which I drove recently, goes for sure.

He did not come to rock the ship with an unusual design, nor with a futuristic and minimalist cabin, nor with kicking engines and hairpins.

He leaves all this boldness to others.

It is here (like the other models in the Volkswagen Group), to move fuel users in the electric direction with a minimum of shock, in as uniform and smooth a current as possible.

First driving: Skoda Aniac Sportline

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In Israel, it will do so towards the end of the year when it arrives in two body configurations, "regular" and coupe.

Meanwhile, this segment is made up of different models such as the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes EQA, both smaller in size, the first offers double power and the second close to it with 188 hp, either way a shorter declared range. If we push the boundaries of the genre a bit, it is possible Add to the competition the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach E, which is slightly larger than it is. And becomes more significant.Q4 E-Tron arrives in perfect timing to slice up a nice slice of the rich cake, which is still poor in competition.

The 40 version offers 203 hp, more powerful ones will join later (Photo: Yoel Schwartz)