Improved charging times and greater distance on each charge are hallmarks of the updated Audi e-tron, with other tweaks including a newly tuned suspension, improved efficiency, characteristic sound and enhanced standard equipment.
In addition to an optimised drivetrain and increased charging power, Audi has expanded the models’ driver assistance systems.
All Q4 e-tron models feature a battery that provides 77 kWh of net energy and the revised cell chemistry has improved the DC charging power so that they charge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes under ideal conditions. The quattro models now achieve a maximum DC charging power of 175 kW, and the rear-wheel drive models a maximum of 135 kW.
The battery protection function automatically limits the charge level to 80% to extend battery life. For the first time, the Audi Q4 e-tron model family also features post-conditioning. Here, the vehicle’s thermal management system cools the battery, for example, if it exceeds a fixed temperature threshold after driving or charging.
For both rear-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive, all Audi Q4 e-tron models now feature a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) on the rear axle. The update gives the Audi Q4 e-tron model family a completely redeveloped PSM notable for its higher efficiency and greater power.
The suspension revisions improve the balance for greater comfort, driving fun, and stability. Whether the model has standard or sport suspension or suspension with damper control, the steering characteristics and the damper tuning have been specially adapted.
With the sport suspension, the body is 15 millimetres lower. The new spring/shock absorber tuning and the new steering tuning provide a balanced, solid driving experience and a sporty steering response.
Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS
