Fancy an Audi Q4 e-tron? You Should Wait Another Year
The Audi Q4 e-tron is one of the most affordable luxury EVs in Canada, making it attractive for many people. We’ve had a few opportunities to put it to the test, including on the track, and it definitely manages to impress.
While a bit less roomy than its mainstream cousin, the Volkswagen ID.4, the Q4 e-tron stands out with a more refined interior and more engaging driving experience, whether in SUV or coupe-like Sportback body style. The 2024 models are now on sale, but the changes coming next year are totally worth waiting for, especially if you like power.
- Also: 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron: Worth the Wait
- Also: Audi to Rename Most of its Lineup Amidst EV Transition
European customers will see them first, mind you—as early as this fall. Audi will turn to the North American market sometime in 2024 for the 2025 model year.
Similar to the dual-motor ID.4, the Audi Q4 e-tron is about to receive a new, more potent electric motor in the rear, increasing total output from 295 horsepower to 335 horsepower and slashing 0-100 km/h acceleration times from 6.1 seconds to 5.4 seconds, according to Audi. That’s great news because many of the Q4 e-tron’s competitors have more brawn and speed.
By the way, unlike Europe and the U.S., Canada will likely be denied the single-motor RWD variant of the Q4 e-tron once again, with quattro AWD remaining standard.
Range is expected to improve, but how much is still a mystery. The Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are currently rated at 380 km and 389 km, respectively, with the latter helped by a more aerodynamic profile.
The 82kWh battery (77kWh net capacity) will return. However, it will now be able to charge at up to 175 kW (previously 150 kW) when plugged into a DC fast charger. Consequently, charging from 10-80 percent will take less time, from 36 minutes down to 28 minutes, Audi claims. Also, a new function limiting DC charging to 80 percent and another one cooling the battery if it exceeds a certain temperature will contribute to a longer battery life.
Further changes coming to the Q4 e-tron include suspension and steering upgrades that enhance ride quality and handling, automated lane changes on the highway, as well as an optional "character sound" adding a new dimension to the driving experience via external and internal speakers.
Details for Canada will be released closer to launch next year. We’re certainly curious about any pricing adjustments that could be made. Will Audi Canada dare to push the base MSRP north of $60,000, denying buyers of the $5,000 federal EV rebate? Hopefully not.