After weeks of rumors and speculation, we get a first glimpse of the next Audi e-tron model planned for the Geneva Auto Show.
Called the Audi Q4 e-tron, it’s a smaller version of the current and new Audi e-tron which competes with the Jaguar I-Pace and upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC. The Q4 e-tron, on the other hand, has no direct competition at the moment. That could all change if Tesla introduces the Model Y later this year.
Expected in 2020, the new Audi Q4 e-tron will likely be sized between the Q3 and the Q5. The sketch shows a compact SUV coupe in the same mold as a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé or BMW X4, and Audi has confirmed that the Q4 e-tron will be built on Volkswagen’s new MEB platform designed for electric vehicles.
The design sketch shows a massive grill and overall muscular shape that evolves many current Audi design elements. The slim laser headlights, six-sided grill and wheel design remind us of current Audi products, but the narrow side windows and oversized body panels remind us that the Audi Q4 e-tron is still a concept for now.
We wouldn’t be surprised if Audi followed up its Geneva Auto Show unveil with a production version this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Audi Q4 e-tron: A third e-tron in less than 12 months
Audi is definitely making a big push to beat its main German rivals to the punch when it comes to all-electric vehicles. Its new e-tron arrives at least a year ahead of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC and a good two years ahead of the BMW iNext, and only Jaguar beat it to the punch. Given that the Audi e-tron costs a good $70,000 less than your typical Tesla Model X, we won’t consider the two rivals.
With the new Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi is already turning its attention to the smaller premium EV segment which at the moment is empty. Tesla surely has a Model Y in the works, but we haven’t seen anything concrete just yet.
Given Tesla’s past history and their difficulties in brining new products to market, we can assume the Audi Q4 e-tron will beat the Model Y to market in 2020. There’s also talk of new Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB models, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens there.
Audi could very well follow that with the Audi e-tron GT luxury electric sedan we saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The GT will have the Tesla Model S in its sights along with the upcoming Porsche Taycan.
In other words, Audi’s e-tron lineup is growing and growing fast. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store from now until the end of the year.
