Back in the limelight, Audi aims to steal the show
That, in turn, has been a time for Audi to consolidate its position before the launch of a new vehicle and models.The remainder of 2025 promises to be packed with new designs and better technologies with the launch of up to a handful of models.This Q4 Sportback seems set to make its mark.Kindly, Audi has completed the package by delivering performance numbers to match the good looks. Instant thrust from its two electric motors make it fast without being fierce.Acceleration to reach the speed limit in just over five seconds won't earn any headlines, perhaps, but the Q4 brings refinement and comfort that more than justify its $100,000-plus pricetag.Yes, 250kW and 545Nm feels a bit bland considering many of its rivals are thinking about power and performance to double or dwarf that Audi figure.But those sneering at the Audi's "pace and grace recipe" (sorry, Jaguar) will no doubt be judged by not just how quickly get you there, but the kind of relaxed style in which you arrive.
This is where Audi will look to grow its audience.At a quick glance the model will add two all-new models - the Q4 and Q6 plugging a gap in the range that previously separated the compact sales machine that is the Q3 and the mid-sized Q5 people-pleaser.
While not all has been revealed in its latest plans, there appears to be interesting additions to the range which might soon grow by another six or more. And this car, with its broad and reachable appeal, might be the one to make the biggest noise.After all, when the motors go quiet, you need some way to spice up the party.The slinky, distinguished Q4 will hit the showrooms in the next few weeks with an enticing price tag of $107,500.The test machine came with the additional investment of metallic paint ($1755 for a classy hue called Typhoon grey) and a $2925 panoramic package.Like all the big marques, Audi has chipped away at the idea that high-end cars should enjoy third-party entertainment platforms such as Lexus' collaboration with Mark Levinson, BMW's close company with Harmon-Kardon and, sparing no expense, Audi's new partner is SONOS.That's part of a technology stack in the Q4 that's almost as long as your arm.That includes e-quattro variable all-wheel-drive system, matrix headlights with front and rear indicators, exterior mirrors with electronic fold, auto dimming, auto and memory function and kerb-side function on the passenger side - a must so you don't scrape those beautiful 21-inch Audi Sport alloys.Luxury kit includes ambient interior lighting, multi-function twin-spoke sports steering wheel, three-zone climate control, Audi virtual cockpit with 10.25 high-resolution screen and 360-degree parking aide.A car for the movie stars, except this way you get a more sophisticated kind of fellow buyer.AUDI Q4 SPORTBACK 55-E-TRON QUATTROHOW BIG? Its location in the range between Q3 and Q5 confirms the new Sportback might steal the spotlight from one or both of its numerical rivals.HOW FAST? We've become a bit blase about the mind-numbing performanceof many cars joining the EV fray, but maybe these more sensible outputs could be an indication of car-makers pulling back on the throttle.HOW THIRSTY? Its 82 kWh battery capacity ensures you don't have to feel guilty about all of those kilowatts.HOW MUCH? With an entry-level price of $107,500, the Q4 is within reach of delivering an affordable European luxury EV.
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The Advertiser
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MORE: Explore the Mercedes-Benz C-Class showroom Content originally sourced from: Mercedes-Benz's current electric passenger cars have failed to fire, particularly in markets like Australia where the German luxury brand is currently offering discounts of tens of thousands of dollars to shift remaining stock. So, for its next crack at an electric passenger car – expected to wear the C-Class with EQ Technology nameplate – Mercedes-Benz has changed tacks. Not only will it not wear one of the EQ-prefaced nameplates that Mercedes-Benz is moving away from, but the new electric C-Class wears much more conventional styling than the slippery EQE sedan and EQS limousine. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mercedes-Benz. Click here to get a great deal. It's part of a move by Mercedes-Benz to offer a "coherent design language" across its portfolio, which will see its electric vehicles (EVs) closely resemble their combustion-powered counterparts. It's a similar strategy to that employed by BMW, which will make its next electric 3 Series a global model that will take on this Benz head-on, and one which it has already previewed with the new CLA. Mercedes-Benz appears to have changed the look of its electric C-Class during the testing phase, as this prototype has a more conventional look than some of those spied earlier. The brand still isn't done yet, though, with placeholder lighting units used on this prototype. The electric C-Class will slot in above the new electric CLA with EQ Technology, and is likely to closely resemble a facelifted version of the current C-Class. That's despite the C-Class EV using the new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, as opposed to the MRA2 underpinnings of the current C-Class. That will see it share its platform with the new GLC with EQ Technology, which is set to be revealed in September. The upcoming mid-size electric SUV will offer a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, and both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries. The LFP battery will offer a range of just over 500km on the WLTP cycle, while the NMC battery – with a capacity of 94.5kWH – will offer more than 800km. We can therefore expect the C-Class EV to boast an even longer range, given it'll likely be more aerodynamic. The standard 800V electrical architecture will also allow DC fast-charging rates of up to 320kW in the GLC, which means it can be topped up to provide 400km of range in as little as 15 minutes. Mercedes-Benz is also introducing a two-speed transmission. 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The upcoming mid-size electric SUV will offer a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, and both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries. The LFP battery will offer a range of just over 500km on the WLTP cycle, while the NMC battery – with a capacity of 94.5kWH – will offer more than 800km. We can therefore expect the C-Class EV to boast an even longer range, given it'll likely be more aerodynamic. The standard 800V electrical architecture will also allow DC fast-charging rates of up to 320kW in the GLC, which means it can be topped up to provide 400km of range in as little as 15 minutes. Mercedes-Benz is also introducing a two-speed transmission. 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