Audi, the brand synonymous with luxury, might raise an eyebrow when it comes to their base model offerings. Take the new Q4 E-Tron, their electric SUV meant to compete with the Volkswagen ID.4. You might expect a touch of posh for the entry-level trim, but in Germany, you'll be greeted by... steel wheels. Yes, 19-inch steel wheels with fancy hubcaps – a slightly ironic detail considering the ID.4 boasts alloy wheels in its home market.
This base model, priced €7,350 less than its pricier sibling (the Q4 45 e-tron), makes some sacrifices for affordability. The biggest trade-off? A smaller battery pack. Instead of the 82 kWh battery powering the higher trim, the base Q4 35 e-tron gets a 55 kWh unit. This translates to a shorter driving range of 355 km for the standard SUV and 365 km for the sportback version.
But the compromises don't stop there. Under the hood, you'll find a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 hp and 310 Nm of torque. This translates to a more leisurely driving experience – 0-100 km/h in a gentle 9 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. For comparison, the Q4 45 e-tron packs a punch with 282 hp and 545 Nm of torque, propelling it to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
Even the charging capabilities take a hit. While the Q4 45 e-tron boasts a 175 kW DC fast-charging capacity, the base model makes do with 145 kW. Still, it can manage a 10-80% charge in a respectable 25 minutes.
So, what exactly do you get for your money? Let's just say the base Q4 E-Tron prioritizes practicality over luxury. You'll find a no-frills crossover with plastic body cladding wrapped around those aforementioned 19-inch steel wheels with stylish hubcaps. Thankfully, some creature comforts are included – LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated fabric front seats, and a digital instrument cluster.
Currently, the Q4 35 e-tron is only available for order in Germany, with prices starting at €45,600 for the standard SUV and €47,600 for the sportback. It's interesting to note that in the US, the concept of a base model Audi with steel wheels seems like a foreign concept. Here, the cheapest Q4 E-Tron starts at a significantly higher price of $55,200, and thankfully, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. So, while the German market gets a budget-friendly option, American Audi fans will have to shell out a bit more for a slightly more luxurious base model experience.