• Audi has introduced an entry-level Q4 e-tron in Europe.
  • It has a smaller 55 kWh battery and a modest 168 hp electric motor.
  • Pricing starts at €45,600 in Germany, which is €7,350 less than the Q4 45 e-tron.

The Audi Q4 e-tron has quickly established itself as the brand’s best-selling EV and sales should get a boost from a new entry-level variant. It’s known as the Q4 35 e-tron and it will be offered in both crossover and sportback guise.

Costing €7,350 less than the Q4 45 e-tron, the new entry-level variant trades the 82 kWh battery pack for a smaller 55 kWh unit. This reduces the range to 221 miles (355 km) for the crossover and 227 miles (365 km) for the sportback variant.

Driven: The Audi Q4 E-Tron Provides Plenty Of Value, But Not Much Fun

That isn’t the only tradeoff as the model has a rear-mounted motor producing 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This enables the electric crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a leisurely nine seconds, before hitting a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).

To put those numbers into perspective, the Q4 45 e-tron has 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. This enables it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds, before topping out at 112 mph (180 km/h).

Besides being slower and less capable, the Q4 35 e-tron has a DC fast charging capacity of 145 kW instead of 175 kW. That being said, its battery can go from a 10 to 80 percent charge in as little as 25 minutes.

In terms of equipment, buyers will find a pretty basic crossover with plastic body cladding and 19-inch steel wheels featuring stylized covers. The model also has LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated fabric front seats, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Q4 35 e-tron is currently available to order in Germany. Pricing starts at €45,600 for the crossover and €47,600 for the sportback.