Audi is pressing forward consistently with its electrification offensive: at a world premiere with celebrity participants, the Four Rings company presented the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. These all-electric models represent the brand’s entry into premium e-mobility in the compact segment. At the second digital Celebration of Progress, in the company of Audi experts and international guests, the Four Rings demonstrated the highlights of the SUV/CUV: typical e-tron design, cutting-edge display technologies and impressive spaciousness.
Markus Duesmann, CEO of AUDI AG, and Hildegard Wortmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, along with other Audi protagonists including Henrik Wenders, Head of Brand, and Marc Lichte, Head of Design, emphasized the role of the Audi Q4 e-tron in the brand’s electrification strategy.
“In 2021 the electric offensive is gaining further momentum at Audi. For the first time, more than half of all models newly launched in one year are electric. In this way we are more than doubling the number of our all-electric models, from three to seven,” explained Markus Duesmann. “Sustainability is of key importance for us, beyond the power source. That is why we wish to compensate the entire CO2 emissions resulting from the manufacture of the Q4 e-tron models. This means that all vehicles are to be delivered to our customers with a neutral carbon balance sheet.”
For AUDI AG, on its path to becoming a provider of networked and sustainable premium mobility, electrification is one of the key strategic themes for the future. Thanks to the design vocabulary of the e-tron, every all-electric model made by the Four Rings brand is recognizable at a glance as an electric Audi. The Q4 e-tron and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron set new standards, combining a sporty and progressive character with SUV design. The spacious interior provides the option of a large augmented-reality head-up display for an innovative driving experience.
In addition to the Audi experts, at the digital world premiere the moderator Steven Gätjen talked to international guests about the vehicle and their personal attitudes to progress. The actor Regé-Jean Page, the filmmaker, actor and activist Olivia Wilde, and the athletes Anna Gasser and Malaika Mihambo explained why in their view the Audi Q4 e-tron is a car suited to everyday use in today’s world. All of the guests, like Audi, are united in their spirit of striving for progress and change in order to continually improve themselves, society and the environment.
The all-electric models currently available from Audi are the Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron Sportback, the sports models Audi e-tron GT and Audi RS e-tron GT, as well as the Audi Q2L e-tron in China. The Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron now expand the range and are available from dealers in Europe beginning in early summer. By 2025 the company plans to introduce more than 20 all-electric models and to further extend its PHEV portfolio.
Quotes from the Celebration of Progress
“With the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron we are pressing ahead with our electrification offensive. We are expanding our product range in the growing market segment for compact SUV/CUVs. In this way we are offering our customers an attractive entry point to the premium world of e-mobility.”
Hildegard Wortmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, AUDI AG
“For us, the design of the Audi Q4 e-tron points to the future and is representative of the design language of Audi’s e-tron models.As the first series-produced car with a digital and individually selectable light signature, the Audi Q4 e-tron guarantees an unmistakable appearance by day and night.”
Marc Lichte, Head of Design, AUDI AG
“Future is a philosophy for us. The Audi Q4 e-tron symbolizes the next step on the path to the electric future of premium mbility, and stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. For customers entering the electric segment, too, we are putting our Audi values on the road and offering a high-quality Audi experience.”
Henrik Wenders, Head of Brand, AUDI AG
“I admire Audi’s spirit of progress and innovation. New technologies and fresh perspectives are vital to building the kind of future, and the kind of world we all want to live in together.
Regé-Jean Page, actor
“It’s great to see that Audi acts. The use of recycled materials and electric vehicles is a more sustainable choice. I’ve got the feeling that more and more like-minded people want to reduce their impact on the environment. I can’t wait to take the Q4 e-tron for a spin…”
Olivia Wilde, filmmaker, actor and activist
“With its range, the Audi Q4 e-tron is perfect for trips to training and competitions. And thanks to the e-tron charging service, in the driving seat I have the assurance that I can recharge the car anytime and anywhere.”
Malaika Mihambo, long jump world champion
“Nature is part of my sport, and driving a car with no CO2 emissions really felt good. I can’t wait for my Q4 e-tron!”
Anna Gasser, snowboarder