Audi's new Q4 E-Tron base model in Germany features 19-inch steel wheels and rear drum brakes, aiming to provide a cost-effective option in the luxury electric vehicle market. The model is part of Audi's strategy to offer affordable EVs without compromising essential performance and safety features. New Delhi: Audi has introduced a cost-efficient version of its Q4 E-Tron in Germany, equipped with 19-inch steel wheels and rear drum brakes.
This move aims to provide a more affordable option in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market. The Q4 E-Tron caters as a premier alternative to the Volkswagen ID.4, but the base version sold in Germany opts for practical components to reduce costs.
The Q4 E-Tron features an energy recuperation system that performs 90 percent of the braking, making rear disc brakes unnecessary. Audi states that drum brakes are used at the rear axle to lower maintenance costs and reduce corrosion risks, as rear discs would rarely be used and could rust prematurely. In Germany, Audi models such as the A1 supermini and the Q2 subcompact crossover get steel wheels as standard in their base variants.
The A1 features 15-inch wheels, while the Q2 has 16-inch wheels. These models will not be renewed for future generations, highlighting Audi’s focus on its EV lineup. Audi Q4-eTron: Price, Features, and Specifications The Audi Q4 e-Tron starts at €45,600 (₹41.
39 lakh) for the new entry-level trim, which includes a 52-kWh battery. This version undercuts the Q4 45 E-Tron by €7,350 (₹6.67 lakh), making it a more accessible option for consumers.
The Q4 Sportback E-Tron is also available starting at €47,600 (₹43.20 lakh). Despite the use of steel wheels and fabric seats, the Q4 E-Tron remains a competitive offering in the EV market.
The base model’s affordability is complemented by essential performance and safety features, catering to a broader range of consumers. It’s important to note that such steel wheels are not standard in the U.S.
market, where the cheapest Q4 model starts at $55,200 (₹46.20, lakh) and comes with 19-inch alloys. Additionally, the A1 and Q2 models are not available in North America.
Audi’s strategic move to introduce cost-effective components in its base models demonstrates its commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible while maintaining key performance and safety standards..
