Audi’s crossover and SUV lineup is already mighty stout, but that isn’t stopping the Four Rings from adding yet another high-rider to the list. The latest will take the name Q4, and as you might expect, it’ll squeeze in between the Q3 and Q5 within Audi’s stable. Alternatively, the new crossover could also carry the name Q3 Sportback. Either way, the fresh ‘ute will offer a more coupe-like roofline compared to the standard Q3, but carry over the current Q3’s interior appointment, engine, and drivetrain, plus all the options.
Update 5/22/2019: The Audi Q4 was just caught during more prototype testing, this time in warmer weather. With cold weather testing out of the way and warm-weather testing now taking place, is a debut imminent? Check out the spy shots section below for details!
2020 Audi Q4
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- Model: 2020 Audi Q4
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Spy Shots
May 22, 2019 – Is the 2020 Audi Q4 Moving Closer to Production?
The Audi Q4 is, what some would consider, a gap filler that Audi is only creating so that it can try to snatch a little bit of every single possible segment. The Q4 will be nearly identical to its larger and smaller siblings, but that hasn’t stopped Audi from trying to protect what it will look like. And, that’s why you’re looking at new spy shots that haven’t changed one bit since that last set we say back in January of 2019. The only reason that we know this is a different prototype is because it’s wearing a different license plate. With that in mind, Audi is basically just running down the clock until its time for the Q4 to make its debut. That should happen sometime in late 2019, probably at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, enjoy this latest round of spy shots and check back with us soon for more updates!
January 22, 2019 - Second Cold Weather Testing Session
December 12, 2018 - First Cold Weather Testing Session
2020 Audi Q4 Exterior Styling
That said, there will be a few unique changes just for the Q4, including a different roofline and a more coupe-like silhouette. The rear end will also look a little different.
Let’s start in front, where we once again find an enormous front intake, also known as Audi’s signature Singleframe grille. On either side of the grille, you’ll find a pair of reshaped headlights, which come standard with a set of LED daytime running lights. Forward illumination will be provided by Xenon lighting elements, with the option for full LED headlights higher in the range. An automatic on/off feature for the headlights will add extra convenience as standard.
As we move around the sides of the vehicle, we find a variety of chrome trim elements to help accentuate the Q4’s subtle styling cues. And while these spy shots don’t show it specifically, we expect the Q4 to come with a new roofline as well, dropping back into the rear at a more aggressive angle and offering a sportier stance overall. That said, we think that the reshaped roofline will negate the option for roof rails. However, the corners should still mount 18-inch wheels as standard.
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However, we expect the LED taillights to remain as is, while the aluminum power tailgate and dual rear exhaust tips will carry over as well. For that latter bit, a slightly reshaped tip design might help to complement the overall sportier look.
Moving on, the Q4 should also come with a line of available exterior packages, including Audi’s S line, which adds in new bumpers, bigger intakes, Glossy Black trim bits, a new diffuser, Aluminum door sills, and a rear lip spoiler.
Finally, we expect the exterior dimensions to grow a bit over the current Q3 - not much, but enough to help it stand out in the lineup. As such, it will likely include a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the current Q3’a 102.5-inch measurement.
Note: current Audi Q3 pictured here.
The seating layout will also be identical with a maximum of five passengers total, including two up front and three on the rear bench.
Expect to see a variety of broad, horizontal shapes throughout, with hard geometric lines added as a complement to the lines seen on the exterior. Audi is shooting for a sense of width with this look, shaping the exterior to appear as though it’s wrapping around its passengers.
Up top will be a panoramic sunroof for extra ambient lighting when desired, and a shade when it’s not. Those positioned in the hot seat will get to grips with a three-spoke steering wheel offering multi-function controls and leather wrapping. As a sportier model variant, we also expect the Audi Q4’s steering wheel to offer have a D-shape with a flat bottom.
The Q4’s cabin will still carry an array of hard buttons on the dash, but we expect to see the implementation of additional digital elements over time. For example, the current model’s digital readout for the dual-zone climate control will likely grow to include more screen space, possibly even hooking up with the infotainment screen mounted just above it.
Note: current Audi Q3 pictured here.
Those seated in front will also enjoy the 12-way power adjustable seats as standard, and will possibly opt into the available heating function for those chilly morning commutes.
Additional high-scale ambience will come from the interior lighting touches, while a standard Bluetooth connection will keep your devices ready at all times. Also look for goodies like gesture control, wireless smartphone charging, keyless start, stop, and entry, MMI navigation with 3D satellite imagery, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with connection for as many as eight different devices.
Running it all will be a touchscreen measured at over 9 inches in the diagonal, while HD digital instrumentation will keep the driver properly informed.
Also look for optional safety tech like Audi side assist (basically a blind spot monitor) and parking assist with adaptive guidelines. Audiophiles will wanna go for the optional Bose stereo, which on the current model doles out 465 watts of power thanks to a 10-channel amplifier and14 speakers.
In the rear, the bench will offer a 60/40 split to maximize storage. The current Q3 comes with, 48.2 cubic feet of storage in the rear, and we expect the Q4 to be somewhere in the same ballpark.
Note: current Audi Q3 pictured here.
That means a front-engine layout, with FWD as standard and Audi’s famous Quattro AWD offered as an available option. Under the hood will be a range of diesel and gas engine options, depending on the market.
In the U.S., the Q4 will be limited to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Output will likely clock in at around 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm, mirroring that of the Q3. The performance specs will likely go unchanged as well, with the run from 0 to 60 mph completed in 8.2 seconds, and top speed governed at 130 mph.
However, in Europe we expect to see a broader range of engine options, including a more-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas option and a few oil burners as well.
Note: Audi E-Tron Hybrid engine pictured here.
It’s uncertain whether the electrified Q4 will make it stateside, but it’s far more likely than any of the diesel options.
We might even see a performance version called the RS Q4, which will offer upwards of 400 horsepower thanks to a new turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. With that much grunt and standard Quattro AWD, an RS Q4 would likely have the goods to hang with more traditional sports cars, sprinting to 60 mph in the mid four-second range.
Regardless, the Q4 line will definitely offer multiple drive modes, such as Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic, all of which will affect things like throttle response, transmission shift times, suspension settings, and more.
Underneath the skin, the Q4 will be built on the same MQB platform as the Q3 and several other Volkswagen products. Keeping it shiny side up will be a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear suspension, with adaptive dampers offered as an available option, likely as part of a sport package.
The Audi Q4 is expected to debut sometime in 2019, opening up for orders under the 2020 model year.
For now, most signs point to a debut in September in Frankfurt. It’s also possible we’ll see it in Geneva in 2020 for orders under the 2021 model year.
As for pricing, we expect a number between the Q3’s MSRP of $32,900 and the Q5’s MSRP of $42,950. As such, something around $37,000 makes a lot of sense.
With a sharp, streamlined style outside, high-end luxury inside, and the spirit of an off-roader underneath, the Evoque looks to be a pretty stout competitor for the Q4. Highlights include LED lighting, 21-inch wheels, digital instrumentation, Land Rover’s Ground View technology, a gorgeous cabin layout, and an optional 300-horsepower mild-hybrid engine package (plus the option for diesel power overseas), not to mention the brand’s Terrain Response technology. All told, the Evoque looks like it’s got everything it needs to best the Audi - until you get to the price that is, which starts at $41,800.
Read our full review on the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Like the Evoque and the Q4, the X2 offers all the good stuff you’d expect from the brand, but with a slightly revised exterior package. You still get the same Bimmer fascia, with LED headlights, a kidney grille, and chrome-plated trim, but the body is rounder and lower than what you get on models like the X5. Also look for optional 21-inch wheels on this one. Inside, you get the Bavarian’s standard dual-level infotainment controls, as well as an upright infotainment screen on top of the dash. A full color heads-up display is optional. As for the drivetrain setup, the X2 offers the same specs as the X1, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. More go can be had with the M35i, which ups output to 306 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Pricing starts at $36,400.
Read our full review on the 2018 BMW X2.
Audi’s model line already includes the Q3, the Q5, the SQ5, the Q7, and the Q8, as well as the electrified e-tron model. That’s a lot of SUVs, but if we’ve learned anything from the last five years, it’s that there’s seemingly no ceiling to how many models can get stuffed into the segment.
With that in mind, the Q4 is sure to win over even more buyers, even if it is a slightly more expensive Q3. Same sausage, different lengths, but truth is, folks are hungry.
Read our full review on the 2019 Audi Q3.
Read our full review on the 2018 Audi Q5.
Update 1/22/2019: The Audi Q4, a coupe-like SUV that will slot just above the Q3, has been spotted doing some more cold-weather testing, just a year after it was last spotted in the wild. Nothing has changed as far as design or camo cover, however, this recent sighting tells us that Audi is still working on the compact crossover, and that’s something to be happy about. Check out the latest shots in our spy shots section below.
2020 Audi Q4 Interior Design
2020 Audi Q4 Drivetrain And Performance
2020 Audi Q4 Prices
2020 Audi Q4 Competition
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
BMW X2
Final Thoughts
Further Reading
Update History