Although the electric SUV is designed to compete in the premium vehicle market, its basic version in Germany is offered with features that may surprise many: 19-inch steel wheels and drum brakes on the rear axle. The Q4 E-TronA more upmarket alternative to the Volkswagen ID.4, the BMW 5 Series is distinguished in the German market by its steel wheels, a feature not usually associated with luxury vehicles.
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While its close relative, the ID.4, comes equipped with alloy wheels in its basic version, Audi has opted for a different approach. The steel wheels are accompanied by hubcaps, a combination rarely seen in this segment.
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Another aspect that differentiates the Q4 E-Tron is your brake systemInstead of traditional rear discs, this model uses drum brakes.
Audi justifies this decision by arguing that the vehicle’s energy recovery system performs most of the braking, specifically 90%while the front discs take care of the remaining 10%.
This design not only reduces maintenance costs, but also minimises the risk of premature corrosion, as the rear brakes would be used infrequently.
Comparison with other Audi models
The Q4 E-Tron is not the only Audi model that comes with steel wheels as standard in Germany. The A1 and Q2, two other models from the brand, also dispense with alloy wheels in their basic versions.
The A1a compact utility vehicle, mounts 15-inch wheels, while Q2an urban SUV, comes with 16-inch wheels.
Both models are near the end of their life cycle and are not expected to receive a next generation.
The Audi Q4 E-Tron’s price reflects its positioning in the luxury electric vehicle market.
The basic version of the Q4 E-Tron starts at $50,600while the Sportback version, with a sportier design, has a starting price of $52,800.
These base versions are equipped with a 52 kWh battery, a significantly lower capacity compared to the 77 kWh pack available in previous versions.
Audi’s strategy of selling the Q4 E-Tron with features like steel wheels and drum brakes reflects the challenges automakers face in the competitive electric vehicle market.
The decision to reduce the base price of the Q4 35 E-Tron by $7,350 compared to the Q4 45 E-Tron It is an attempt to make the vehicle more accessible to consumers, even if this means making certain concessions in terms of equipment and performance.
The Audi Q4 E-Tron offers a blend of luxury and practicality that challenges traditional expectations of a premium vehicle.
With 19-inch steel wheels and drum brakes on its base trim, Audi has made bold choices to balance cost and performance, making its electric SUV an attractive and affordable option in today’s market.