Audi Australia is gearing up to significantly expand the number of electric cars on offer in its showrooms.
Having launched the updated Q8 e-tron (formerly e-tron) with one powertrain option, it’ll bring a shorter-range e-tron 50 quattro model and a more powerful SQ8 e-tron to Australia in the first half of 2024.
The base e-tron 50 quattro features a 95kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack, along with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system good for 250kW of power (in boost mode) and 664Nm of torque.
The 100km/h sprint takes a claimed 6.0 seconds, and claimed range is 491km on the WLTP test cycle – although the claim for Australia will likely differ, given the locally homologated version of the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro has a claim of 454km from its bigger battery.
It’ll take on entry-level versions of the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV locally, and will offer a more affordable entry point to the Q8 e-tron range than the current $153,900 starting price.
Moving to the range-topping SQ8 e-tron ups power from the electric powertrain to 370kW, and torque to 973Nm.
SQ8 e-tron
It features the same 114kWh battery pack as the Q8 e-tron 55, good for a claimed WLTP range just over 450km – although again, that will likely change in Australia.
Meanwhile, the Q4 e-tron is on track to touch down in the first half of 2024.
The updated SUV will come here in both regular and Sportback body styles, with pricing and model grades to be announced closer to launch.
Under the skin, the Q4 e-tron rides on a version of the Volkswagen MEB electric architecture also used beneath the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq bound for our shores.
It should be significantly cheaper than the Q8 e-tron, and go head-to-head with top-end versions of the Tesla Model Y SUV on local shores.
All Q4 e-tron models use a 77kWh battery (usable), with DC charging power now increased to 135kW in rear-wheel drive models and 175kW in all-wheel drive models.
Range has been improved. Audi says the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron boasts a range of 562km on the WLTP cycle. Previously, the highest range figure was 528km for the 40 wagon.
A new permanently excited synchronous electric motor for the rear axle now features on all Q4 e-tron models, promising higher efficiency and greater power.
The rear-wheel drive 45 models produce 210kW of power, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds. With all-wheel drive, there’s an identical power output but a slightly quicker sprint time of 6.6 seconds.
Finally, the all-wheel drive 55 models produce 250kW and boast a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.
MORE: Everything Audi Q4 e-tron
MORE: Everything Audi Q8 e-tron
