2022 Audi Q4 e-tron EV Previewed, Will Have Augmented-Reality Head-Up Display
- Audi has released information about its upcoming 2022 Q4 e-tron compact electric SUV, wrapped in camouflage ahead of its full unveiling in April.
- The Q4 e-tron offers an augmented-reality head-up display. cargo space behind the front seats nearly as large as that of the 2021 Audi Q5, and the choice of sustainable materials for the interior.
- The 2022 Q4 e-tron will go into production by the end of this year and land in U.S. showrooms in early 2022.
Audi’s on a roll with the e-tron line. The 2022 Q4 e-tron is the fourth e-tron electric vehicle from the German automaker coming to the United States, and it’s entering the coveted compact-SUV space. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the electric SUV boasts cargo space behind the front seats that’s nearly on par with the 2021 Audi Q5 and has a new augmented-reality HUD system with a flying arrow that assists with navigation.
As is their modus operandi, the production version of the 2022 Q4 e-tron is initially being shown off covered in camouflage. But even with all the orange and white, it’s clear the exterior design of the vehicle is extremely close to the Q4 e-tron concept the automaker showed off in 2019. With a wheelbase of 108.7 inches and a length of 180.7 inches, the Q4 e-tron has nearly the same exterior dimensions as the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, which also rides on the MEB platform, although the Audi is about one inch shorter.
But while VW is going for a more minimalist approach, Audi’s Q4 e-tron interior is reflective of the luxury brand. The Q4 e-tron has a 10.3-inch instrument cluster housing the all-digital “virtual cockpit” we’ve seen from the automaker for the past few years. In the dash, the latest version of the automaker’s MMI infotainment system is housed in either a standard 10.1-inch display or an optional 11.6-inch display. Fans of actual tangible buttons will be happy to know that the climate controls are operated via physical buttons directly below the infotainment screen while the gear shifter, drive mode, and media control buttons are housed in a floating center console with room underneath for storage.
On the windshield, Audi is introducing an augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) similar to what Mercedes has added to the latest version of MBUX. In addition to the usual projected driving information, the Q4 e-tron will superimpose navigation elements onto the windshield. Information about upcoming intersectoins will be projected in addition to a dynamic floating arrow that appears ahead of route actions. For example, it will appear ahead of a turn at an intersection to help the driver stay on the correct route. It should be helpful particularly in roundabouts and at complex intersections with more than the typical four roads.
The interior will be available in the traditional leather/faux-leather mixture with the option of nappa leather throughout. As with nearly all EVs, there is a more sustainable interior solution, a mixture of faux eather and Dinamica microfiber, which is made from 45 percent recycled textiles and plastic bottles. Audi says the result is a material that looks and feels like suede.
Cargo-wise, with the rear seats down, the 2022 Q4 e-tron has 52.6 cubic feet of space, which is nearly on par with the larger 2021 Audi Q5’s 53.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. With the rear seats up, the Q4 e-tron has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
While pricing and range information haven’t been shared yet, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is likely the closest competitor to the Q4 e-tron in the luxury compact electric SUV space. The Audi is 6.5 inches longer and has 5.2 inches more total cargo space than the electric Volvo.
Audi didn’t share motor or battery specs. It’s likely saving that information for the reveal of the vehicle next month. Pricing information is also unavailable, but we predict that the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron will start at around $55,000. Audi is expected to place the Q4 e-tron into production by the end of this year with vehicle deliveries expected to begin in early 2022.
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