“Audi Q4 e-tron New Model Test Drive] Advance Test Drive of the European-spec Model in Japan, Liked the Naturalness of the EV…Nanauto Shimazaki
Preliminary test drive of the left-hand-drive European version in Japan
Rear seats are wider than those of the Q5, and the interior is well designed.
Natural driving style that makes you feel unaware that it is an EV
The Audi Q4 e-tron is based on the “”MEB”” EV-only platform, which is “”not designed to be equipped with an engine. We were able to take a rare test drive of the Q4 e-tron before its introduction this fall, and here are our first impressions.
Test drive of the left-hand-drive European version in Japan
The test vehicle was a left-hand drive European-spec model. The Q4 40 e-tron SUV and the Q4 Sportback 40 e-tron coupe SUV are the two types of Audi models being introduced in Japan, and this test drive was the European version of the non-coupe SUV, so naturally the steering wheel position was left. The car we tested this time was the European version, which is “”not a coupe SUV,”” and the steering wheel position is naturally on the left. The only difference from the Japanese version (= 20-inch or 19-inch tires and wheels) is that it was equipped with 21-inch tires and wheels.
With overall length, width, and height of 4588 x 1865 x 1632 mm (European specifications), the actual car has a more affordable body size than, say, the Q5 or larger. The design, on the other hand, is a modesty of the Audi “”Q series,”” or in terms of taste, it is a moderately compact and relaxed version of the “”Q8. Although impressions may vary from person to person, I was able to test drive this SUV in the middle of the SUV trend, and even though it is an EV, I was not at all put off by it, nor did I feel overly enthusiastic about it, and I went into the test drive with a normal face.
I liked the spacious rear seats and interior, which are larger than those of the Q5.
I was also impressed with the interior, especially the design and organization of the cockpit area. The interior is not a touch panel type, but rather, there are physical switches for air conditioning, heated seats, driving mode selection (which can also be switched on the screen), etc. In the Japanese style, even the Showa generation (i.e., the author), who had the habit of tapping the main unit when the sound stopped working in the days of portable radios and CRT TVs, can easily switch to the touch panel type. Among the recent new models, the Q5 is one of the most enjoyable to drive.
The rear seats are “”about as roomy as the Q5,”” according to the person in charge of the car, but the 2764 mm wheelbase and packaging with a compact front overhang and other mechanical parts and a large cabin make it a highly practical car. As one of the few compliants, only the steering wheel with a flat upper and lower design seemed to me that an orthodox design would actually be better in light of the car’s character.
Natural driving without making you aware that it is an EV
On the other hand, the driving is very natural. We have a 4-month-old Shiba Inu puppy that just arrived at our house, and watching it run around the house at full speed, we think, “”It’s like the acceleration of an EV.”” Of course, depending on the mode you select, you can experience the agility and smoothness of an EV. However, because the car is rear-wheel drive, it weighs 2,050 kg, but it has a straightforward feel in terms of driving dynamics, and paradoxically, it can be driven as a pleasant car without making the driver feel overly conscious of its EV status.
The car has a driving range of 516 km per charge according to European standards, with a standard 200 V regular charge of 3 kW, an optional maximum of 8 kW, and a quick charge of 125 kW according to CHAdeMO standards.
■5-star rating
Packaging: ★★★★★
Interior/Comfort: ★★★★★
Power Source: ★★★★★
Footwork: ★★★★★
Recommendation: ★★★★★
Nanao Shimazaki|AJAJ Member/Motor Journalist
Born in Tokyo in 1958. After graduating from university, worked for an editorial production company for over 9 years. After working as an editor/writer/photographer for magazines and books, he started his freelance career in 1991. Since then, he has been writing for automotive magazines and websites. Although he calls himself a journalist for the sake of convenience, he takes the stance of interacting with and reporting on cars from the perspective of an ordinary user.
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