Take A Seat Inside Audi’s New Q4 E-Tron Electric SUV And Check Out Its Smart Features

With spy photographers getting closer and closer to the Q4 E-Tron, Audi decided to partially uncover the electric SUV ahead of its full debut next month, sharing a wealth of pictures and details on its interior features and tech.

Sitting under the mid-size E-Tron, the Q4 E-Tron is part of the four-ring brand’s electrification strategy, alongside the E-Tron GT. It is built on the MEB architecture, shared with the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, and thanks to clever packaging, it offers interior space on par with the upper class.

One spacious ride

The Q4 E-Tron is 4,590 mm (180.7 in) long, 1,865 mm (73.4 in) wide and 1,613 mm (63.5 in) tall. It has a 2,760 mm (108.7 in) long wheelbase, and the interior measures 1.83 meters (6 ft) in length, which Audi claims to be similar to the large SUV segment. The luggage compartment has a 520-liter (18.4 cu-ft) capacity with all seats in place, and up to 1,490 liters (52.6 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded down. An assortment of interior compartments, including the glove box and center console, add a total of 24.8 liters (0.9 cu-ft) of additional storage space inside.

Infotainment and digital dials

The two-layer dashboard hosts the MMI touchscreen infotainment system. It is offered with a standard 10.1-inch display, with a 1,540×720 resolution, voice control, MMI radio plus and standard DAB reception. The system can be used to control a number of comfort functions too and supports handwriting. At the end of the year, Audi will launch an 11.6-inch display option, with a resolution of 1,764×824, which will be the largest in their portfolio yet.

Related: Check Out The Possible Design Of The Q4 E-Tron

With a 10.25-inch diagonal, the instrument cluster is fully digital and can be operated via the multi-function steering wheel. Customers will get to upgrade it with the virtual cockpit as the first option level, which brings navigation map and infotainment control. The virtual cockpit plus offers ‘classic’, ‘sport’ and ‘e-tron’ layouts.

Augmented reality HUD

The highlight of the entire tech gear is the AR-backed head-up display. The feature reflects the important information via the windscreen, but unlike the regular HUD, the navigation symbols and certain assist systems appear to be floating ahead at a physical distance of around 10 meters (32.8 ft) to the driver. In some cases, they can appear further ahead, and the overall field of view from the driver’s perspective corresponds to a diagonal of around 70 inches – or about as big as a very nice TV set.

Located right below, the status section further enriches the experience by displaying the speed driven, navigation symbols and assist systems as static displays. These appear to be floating around 3 meters (9.8 feet) ahead of the driver’s field of view.

Double-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls

The Q4 E-Tron features a new steering wheel design that further sets it apart from the rest of the range. It has touch-sensitive controls that support swipe gestures and have haptic feedback.

Audi will launch several versions of the steering wheel, with the most expensive offering having paddles for coasting recuperation. Flattened at the top and bottom, the rim is heated and can be wrapped in perforated leather with contrast stitching.

Artificial leather, recycled textiles and PET bottles

Further highlighting the eco-friendly nature of the Q4 E-Tron is a selection of upholstery. Available specifically for the S line trim level, customers can order the electric SUV with a combination of leather and artificial leather, or with fine Nappa leather. The suede surfaces, which Audi claims look and feel just like the real deal, is made of 45 percent recycled polyester, in turn obtained from textiles and PET bottles.

The front seats, with available heating and electric adjustment, can be replaced by a ‘sport’ version with integrated headrests, adorned with an optional diamond pattern. Interior safety is enhanced by the center airbag that unfolds from the right-hand side of the driver’s seat in the event of an impact, preventing them from colliding with the front passenger.