Audi’s Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron models are receiving an array of new features and customers can look forward to faster charge times for large-battery models.

The powerful models of the Audi Q4 e-tron series are starting the year with faster-charging speeds. This will benefit models with the large battery that provides 76.6kWh of net energy (82kWh gross) – that is, the Audi Q4 40 e-tron, and Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro models as well as the associated Sportback versions.

All new versions of these cars now have a recharging capacity of 135kW of power. The ideal five to 80 per cent charge time is reduced for the Q4 40 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback 40 e-tron from 38 to 29 minutes, and the Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro models from 38 to 36 minutes.

These new vehicle improvements rely on optimized software for the battery’s thermal management and control systems. All models retain local C0₂-free driving, long-distance ranges, and convenient charging at some 320,000 charging points in 26 European countries with the optional e-tron Charging Service.

Director of Audi UK, Andrew Doyle, said: “Since its introduction to the UK market nine months ago, the Q4 e-tron family has been a runaway success and helped accelerate our electrification plans.

“Customer feedback has been incredible and in the pursuit to deliver the best possible product we’re introducing a significant technology and software upgrade to new Q4 e-trons that will cement the model’s position at the top of the compact EV segment.”

Thanks to the integration of Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa, Audi connect now allows drivers to manage their calendar or shopping list by voice as well as control compatible smart home devices from their car. Individual user profiles in the car, last-mile navigation options, and expanded app functions on the car status and parked position complete the connect portfolio.

With Audi connect Emergency Call & Service, the vehicle can make an automatic emergency call in the respective national language to help route emergency responders to the right location. Quick and competent roadside assistance can be manually called by pressing the service call button in the roof module. A separate mobile phone module, independent from the customer telephone service, handles the data and audio connection with a permanently integrated SIM card mounted at a crash-proof location in the car.

The infotainment offering is complemented by the largest-ever display to be used in an Audi car. The new MMI touch display, featuring an 11.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1,764 x 824 pixels, comes standard across the line-up.

The free myAudi app also offers new features, such as pre-planned routes that can now be conveniently sent to the car right from the app. The e-tron route planner can also automatically plan charging stops based on the current traffic situation, taking into account the driver’s individual consumption profile.

The app now allows users to set a charging target, and the driver is notified via a push notification on their smartphone when the desired charge level is reached.