The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept

From a technical perspective, they are identical twins, but in terms of their shape, they each have their own unmistakable and characteristic features.

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept Photo by Audi AG
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept Photo by Audi AG
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept Photo by Audi AG
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept Photo by Audi AG

This gives potential Q4 customers the opportunity to start thinking about which version they prefer roughly a year before the first vehicles will be delivered: the versatility and robustness of the classic SUV or the dynamic elegance of the Coupé variant. The dimensions of the two Q4 models are almost identical: With an exterior length of 4.60 meters (15.1 ft) and a height of 1.60 m (5.2 ft), the Sportback is one centimeter (0.4 in) longer and flatter. The Q4 variants are identical in terms of their width of 1.90 m (6.2 ft) and their wheelbase of 2.77 meters (9.1 ft).

The two concept cars, which are already offering a clear look ahead at the top-of-the-range engine line-up of the coming series production model, also have the same drive technology. Two electric motors mobilize 225 kW of system output in the Q4 and Q4 Sportback e-tron concept. As is typical for Audi, the driving power is brought to the road with Quattro all-wheel drive. Thanks to excellent traction, both versions of the Q4 accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 6.3 seconds. The top speed is restricted to 180 km/h (111.8 mph).

A large battery with a capacity of 82-kilowatt hours takes up almost the entire space in the underbody area between the axles. The range of over 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) – in line with the WLTP standard – sets the benchmark in its class. Versions with rear-wheel drive will offer a range of over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi) in accordance with WLTP. The technology of the Q4 e-tron concept is provided by the modular electrification platform (MEB), which will be integrated in numerous electric vehicles produced by the Volkswagen Group in the future, from the compact class to the superior medium-size class. The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept offers an advance look at what will already be the seventh series production electric vehicle that the manufacturer will introduce by 2021. 

Sexy back: the exterior
The silhouette of the Sportback slopes downward to the back in a subtle and dynamic curve. The roofline transitions into the significantly inclined D-pillars and ends in a horizontal spoiler at the level of the lower window edge. As a result, the future Audi Q4 Sportback appears much longer than its sister model, the Q4 e-tron concept.

The striking broad light band that connects the two lamp units on the rear end of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept was incorporated to reflect an element of the Audi Q4 e-tron concept. It is clearly visible even here that these two models belong to the same e-tron family, as the close relation to the e-tron Sportback is obvious. This also applies to the inside of the lights, where the significant sweep of the LED segments is also reminiscent of an element of the older brother. The striking design of the bumper diffuser unit with its horizontal slats and the illuminated e-tron logo in the middle is an element that the two Q4 versions share.

When looking at it from the front, the Singleframe with the four rings brand logo identifies the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept as an Audi vehicle. And it will take no more than two glances to see that this is an electric Audi: Like the first production Audi with electric drive, the new concept vehicle also features a structured closed surface within a broad, almost upright octagonal frame in place of a traditional radiator grille.

The prominently modeled fenders of all four wheels are a further classic Audi design feature that has distinguished the brand since the legendary original Quattro 1980. The widened features of the Q4 e-tron concept and Q4 Sportback concept are designed to be highly organic and flowing, and they add a characteristic touch to the side view. The accentuation of the rocker panel area between the axles, where the battery and thus the powerhouse of this SUV is located, is a typical feature of the e-tron. Large 22-inch wheels leave no doubt as to the potential of the newest member of the Audi family.

The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept is painted in the new kinetic grey color, a light metallic and pearl effect color that takes on a distinct greenish tinge depending on the angle of the light. In contrast, the lower sections of the body are painted in a dark grey color. This segmentation emphasizes the width and horizontal orientation of the vehicle's architecture.

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