Audi is adding an interesting entry-level variant to the Q4 e-tron series: the multifaceted Audi Q4 35 e-tron1 costs 45,600 euros, and the Sportback2 with an elegant rear is 47,600 euros. The all-electric premium model includes comprehensive equipment as standard, offers a range of up to 355 kilometers (Sportback: 365 kilometers), and a DC charging capacity of 145 kW. New in the Q4 e-tron: an integrated app store enables direct access to popular third-party apps such as Spotify or Audible without using a smartphone. The Q4 35 e-tron12 will be available to order from July this year.

The best-selling electric car of the Four Rings is becoming more attractive - thanks to an even broader model range. With the Q4 35 e-tron1, Audi is making it easier to enter the all-electric premium compact segment. It will be available from July and is equipped with a 55 kWh (52 kWh net) battery, which enables a range of up to 355 kilometers for the compact SUV and 365 kilometers for the Sportback. Under optimum conditions and thanks to improved cell chemistry, the battery's charge level increases from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes when charged at a fast-charging station. Up to 125 kilometers (Sportback: 130 kilometers) can be recharged in just ten minutes. The maximum DC charging power is 145 kW. The Q4 35 e-tron (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 19.2-17.0 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0; CO2 class: A) sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. A permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) with 125 kW (170 hp) (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 19.2-16.4 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0; CO2 class: A) and high efficiency as well as superior power delivery provide the propulsion at the rear axle. The electric motor with sophisticated thermal management features energy-saving cooling: the geometry and arrangement of the gearwheels in the gearbox and specially shaped components for forwarding and distributing the oil keep the temperatures in the drivetrain low. The cooling circuit ensures that the oil is kept at the right temperature. A water-cooling jacket on the outside of the stator supports the cooling.

Optimally networked in an urban environment

For the Q4 35 e-tron1 and the other variants in the Q4 e-tron model series, the Audi Application Store will be available in the vehicles’ Multi-Media Interface (MMI) for the first time from July this year. It offers access to a large and growing selection of popular apps, from news and podcasts, sports and games, to video and entertainment, without using a smartphone. A data package of 25 GB for one year is included*, which customers can activate free of charge via Cubic Telecom. The data connection is made via the vehicle's external aerial, improving reception quality and saving the smartphone's battery.

With a comprehensive navigation update, customers can plan charging more precisely. The desired battery charge level for the destination can be defined as a separate destination, or charging stations from specific providers, such as IONITY, can be selected. The smartphone interface connects the smartphone to the vehicle and seamlessly brings its content directly to the MMI touch display. Content, such as navigation, telephony, music, or selected third-party apps, can be transferred wirelessly or via a USB-C cable.

In addition, ChatGPT will be integrated into the online voice input of all Q4 e-tron models. ChatGPT offers a wide range of options that go beyond the previous voice control. With the extended voice control, customers can control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning and ask everyday questions. The ability to request information in natural language makes driving safer, as drivers can continuously monitor the traffic. ChatGPT is provided via Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. The basis for this new function for Audi customers is the Chat Pro solution from Cerence Inc. with automotive-grade ChatGPT integration.

Extensive equipment as standard from 45,600 euros

Entry into electric mobility in the premium segment starts at 45,600 euros for the Q4 35 e-tron1. The Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron2 starts at 47,600 euros. The extensive equipment includes among other things Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi Connect navigation and infotainment, and the fully digital 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster. The boot lid is electrically operated and reacts to foot gestures in conjunction with the optional convenience key. The heated front seats are also part of the standard equipment. The model is available to order immediately in both body variants.

* A separate registration and authentication on the Cubic Telecom website (https://audi.cubictelecom.com) are required for the booking. A separate contract is concluded between Cubic and the customer for this purpose. The data package is limited to one year of use. For country-specific availability, please contact your Audi partner or visit https://audi.cubictelecom.com.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

1. 

Audi Q4 35 e-tron: Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 19.2-17.0 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0); CO2 class: A

2. 

Audi Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron: Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 18.7-16.4 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0); CO2 class: A

Audi is opening the next chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the new A5 family. Launching 30 years after the first Audi A4, the sharpened design language of the latest generation, now called the Audi A5, captivates with premium proportions. Both body styles, Sedan and Avant, perfectly embody the sporty essence of the Audi design philosophy. A new design language in the interior creates a generous feeling of space and places the displays on a digital stage. The new operating concept increases interaction with the vehicle. Efficient, partially electrified combustion engines and thrilling S models round off the range.

With the expansion of its model range, AUDI AG has restructured the naming of its vehicles since 2024. The numbers in the names of electric and combustion-engine models are the differentiator. Going forward, even numbers stand for electrically powered models, odd numbers for vehicles with combustion engines. With the debut of the latest generation, the Audi A4, a long-standing bestseller, will be called the Audi A5 and will be produced in Neckarsulm. It is offered in four new variants: as the A5 Sedan and S5 Sedan2 and as the A5 Avant and S5 Avant1. These versions are the first models to be launched on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner on the new model family: “In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family with its athletic design, completely new interior and future-proof electronics architecture will be the first. The advanced MHEV plus technology enables partially electric driving and therefore even more efficient driving.”

The new models are growing in length and width. Audi is also expanding their standard equipment, positioning the new Audi A5 in the upper mid-size segment. The new user experience based on the 1.2 version of the E³ electronic architecture matches this aspiration. Optional equipment is bundled in various packages.

Dynamic and muscular exterior design

Even at first glance, the completely redesigned A5 family has a powerful and clean design. The modified proportions with a long wheelbase, large wheels and the low, sporty body embody progressive dynamism and premium standards. In the Sedan, the sporty, compact-looking greenhouse stretches to the rear in a sweeping arc, flows seamlessly into the shallow rear window in a coupé-like manner, and ends at the visually short tailgate with a striking spoiler lip.

The rear hatch, which is new in this vehicle segment, offers a convincing symbiosis of design and functionality. It opens with the rear window and its size makes access to the luggage compartment considerably easier. This results in a completely new sedan concept for Audi. In the Avant, the dynamic, taut roofline merges into a seamlessly integrated roof spoiler that spans the sporty, flat rear window. The D-pillars, which are steeply raked, emphasize the dynamic side view of the A5 Avant.

The front is dominated by the wide and significantly flatter proportioned Singleframe with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. Together with the slim and precisely drawn headlights, it shapes the face of the vehicle and gives it a striking and focused expression. Thanks to the “soft nose” integrated into the bumper, the hood is flush with the front end. The blisters protruding powerfully from the shoulder area at the front and rear wheels are reminiscent of the Audi Urquattro and a core element of the Audi design DNA.

The striking, distinctive rear combines sporty, emotional design and intelligent technology. A combination of sculptural geometry and continuous, three dimensionally offset light strip gives the rear of the new Audi A5 presence and visual dynamism. Further highlights of the rear view in the base models are the clear, modern design of the bumper with a dark diffuser and the high-quality rectangular exhaust tips.

New standards in digital light

The Audi A5 family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology at the front and second-generation digital OLED rear lights at the rear. With around 60 segments per digital OLED panel, they are increasingly becoming a display at the rear of the vehicle on the A5.

This enables car-to-x communication and increases safety on the road - for example with the new communication light. The dynamic lighting effects when unlocking and leaving the vehicle reflect the aesthetics of movement as part of the Audi light DNA. The active digital light signature does so too, conveying a new sense of liveliness.

The headlights and rear lights are three dimensionally designed, offer optional digital light signatures, and thus bring the physical and digital worlds together.

Technology meets comfort in the new interior

The design of the interior of the new Audi A5 is based on four characteristic features. Firstly, the interior has a human-centric design, i.e., it is consistently geared towards the needs of its users. The second special feature is the Digital Stage that establishes itself in clear view of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI displays. With its Material Driven Design, the Audi A5 series meets the requirement for a generous sense of space with a high level of comfort. The clear layout and easy operation of the interior provide an overview in all situations to form the fourth feature: Visual Clarity. Added to this is the optional dynamic interaction light to support the car's interaction with the occupants.

Audi MMI panoramic display and head-up display

The new operating concept of the Audi A5 family increases interaction with the vehicle thanks to the E³ electronic architecture. The new Audi A5 integrates seamlessly into our customers’ digital ecosystem and offers a personal connectivity experience. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and uses OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with a 11.9-inch visible screen diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which is perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The new A5 has a configurable head-up display that has been further developed compared to its predecessor. For the first time, drivers now have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display.

Advanced hybrid system MHEV plus

The new MHEV plus system based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions while increasing performance. The powertrain generator (PTG) enables partially electric driving that contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption.

The new MHEV plus system enables significant advantages in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in the Audi A5 model series compared to an MHEV system.

These total up to 10 g/km or 0.38 l/100 km in the 2.0 TDI (150 kW, front-wheel drive/quattro) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 5.6-4.7 (42.0-50.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 147-124 (236.6-199.6 g/mi); CO2 class: E–D ) and up to 17 g/km or 0.74 l/100 km in the V6 3.0 TFSI (270 kW, quattro) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.9-7.4 (29.8-31.8 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 180-167 (289.7-268.8 g/mi); CO2 class: G–F) up (in the WLTP driving cycle)1.

The PTG can also add up to 18 kW (24 PS) of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery (recuperation) at up to 25 kW. As a result, purely electric maneuvering and parking are possible to a limited extent. Thanks to the option of using an electric air conditioning compressor, the air conditioning system can also be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off.

With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system (iBRS), the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. In models with the MHEV plus system, for example, it achieves the necessary deceleration without using the friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. This means that deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The friction brakes only kick in when the brake pedal is pressed harder. The brake feel remains unaffected by this.

Motors at market launch

The efficient engines in the Audi A5 family cover a wide range: from the conventionally powered entry-level model to the comfortable long-distance runner and the dynamic sports car. The packages of engines, transmissions, the degree of electrification and type of drivetrain are geared towards the expectations of our customers.

The entry-level engine is a 2.0 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.6-6.6 (30.9-35.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 173-150 (278.4-241.4 g/mi); CO2 class: F–E). Optionally, the same engine is available with an output of 150 kW (204 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.9-6.6 (29.8-35.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 179-152 (288.1-244.6 g/mi); CO2 class: G–E). This TFSI engine is equipped with a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and works with a modified combustion process that is particularly fuel-efficient under partial load.

VTG technology enables a consistent and agile build-up of torque even at low engine speeds in gasoline engines. The turbo four-cylinder is available with a dual-clutch gearbox. The 110-kW variant is available as a purely front-wheel drive model and the 150-kW variant with front-wheel drive or quattro ultra.

The 2.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 5.6-4.7 (42.0-50.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 147-124 (236.6-199.6 g/mi); CO2 class: E–D) sets new standards in the A5 thanks to its MHEV plus technology. This two-liter engine from the EA288 evo generation inherits the optimized combustion from its predecessor thanks to the cylinder pressure sensor, TwinDosing for exhaust emission control and two balance shafts for smooth engine operation. It develops 400 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The 2.0 TDI is available with a dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive or with quattro ultra. To increase efficiency and comfort, the engine is partially electrified using the new 48-volt MHEV plus system. The electrified drivetrain components reduce CO2 emissions thanks to high recuperation performance. In addition, the comfort of the TDI is further enhanced by a 48-volt starter generator for a smooth engine start. The reaction time when starting off is reduced and the car is noticeably more agile.

The S52, 1 is a sports car based on a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with 270 kW (367 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.9-7.4 (29.8-31.8 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 180-167 (289.7-268.8 g/mi); CO2 class: G–F) and an optimized combustion process. It has a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and MHEV plus technology for the first time. The revised S tronic dual-clutch transmission in the Audi S5, designed for more torque, also reduces the weight on the front axle and improves agility. Partial electrification by means of the new 48-volt MHEV plus system leads to reduced CO2 emissions via electrified driving components and high recuperation performance. Compared to an S4 Sedan TDI (predecessor model), the S5 Sedan TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.7-7.4 (30.5-31.8 US mpg); CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 175-167 (281.6-268.8 g/mi); CO2 class: F) reduces CO2 emissions by up to 14 g/km. Its fast, dynamic torque build-up underlines the sportiness of the S52, 1. The standard use of a quattro sport differential with torque vectoring in combination with an adjustable all-wheel drive clutch is tuned for lateral dynamics at the highest level.

Dynamic design of chassis and steering

Thanks to the continued development of the suspension, the new Audi A5 brings the driving characteristics typical of the Audi brand perfectly to the road. As a result of extensive detail work on the suspension and steering, the Audi A5 offers precise, effortless, and largely neutral handling which, if the optional suspension with adaptive dampers is optioned, can be differentiated significantly more between comfort and sportiness. The steering, which is as always Audi progressive steering in the new model, has also become considerably more precise.

Market launch and prices

Audi is opening the next chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the new A5 family. The Audi A5 and Audi S52, 1 will be launched in Germany and numerous other European countries in November. The Audi A5 family will be available to order in Germany from July 2024. The Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 110 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.5-6.6 (31.4-35.6 US mpg);CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 171-150 (275.2-241.4 g/mi); CO2 class: F-E) will be offered in Germany at an entry price starting at EUR 45,200 and will include navigation, an electrically powered rear hatch, and a telephone tray with inductive charging as standard.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

1. Audi S5 Avant TFSI: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.9-7.5 (29.8-31.4 US mpg); CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 180-169 (289.7-272.0 g/mi); CO2 class: G-F

2. Audi S5 Sedan TFSI: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 7.7-7.4 (30.5-31.8 US mpg); CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 175-167 (281.6-268.8 g/mi); CO2 class: F

With the new Audi A5 family, the first models based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with partially electrified drive systems and new electronic architecture are rolling off the production line in Neckarsulm. The brand with the four rings is consistently gearing vehicle production towards sustainability. The goal: In line with the "360factory" production strategy, all models manufactured at the Neckarsulm site from 2025 will be net carbon-neutral. To achieve this, Audi is relying on more efficient production lines, a higher degree of automation, and innovative technologies. From 2025, the renovated paint shop will be one of the most modern in the automotive industry.

As production of the new Audi A5 in Neckarsulm commences, the largest start-up phase in the plant's history has begun. "Thanks to many years of experience in the production of vehicles with combustion engines and expertise in complex ramp-ups, the Neckarsulm team has the ideal prerequisites," says Board Member for Production Gerd Walker. Fred Schulze, Plant Manager of Audi Neckarsulm, adds: "For the new Audi A5 family, the Neckarsulm workforce has acquired further qualifications for new systems and automotive production technologies. At the same time, we have created a future-proof production plant infrastructure." Rainer Schirmer, Chairman of the Works Council at Audi Neckarsulm, is also confident: "Neckarsulm employees can handle complexity and are flexible. With these skills, we will contribute to the success of the Audi A5 for our site and Audi."

The Four Rings' vision for the production of the future is thus continuing to take shape: The company is modernizing, digitalizing, and transforming its plants to manufacture sustainably. By 2025, Neckarsulm, like all Audi sites worldwide, is set to achieve CO2-neutral production1. 

Significantly lower energy consumption in renovated paint shop

When it is completed in 2025, the renovated paint shop at the Neckarsulm site will be among the most modern in the automotive industry. Numerous processes have already been optimized, and environmentally friendly procedures have been introduced for the launch of the Audi A5. While sustainable water-based paints have long been standard at Audi, the latest models also undergo a new painting process. The filler is replaced by a pre-zone paint that can be applied wet-on-wet. The previous separate drying of the filler is no longer necessary, allowing the four rings to reduce energy consumption significantly: Up to 140 kWh can be saved per vehicle.

In Neckarsulm, Audi relies on modern and effective methods to prevent corrosion. Cathodic dip painting, for example, includes dipping and rotating the body upside down in the tank using a rotation process. This is more space-saving and thorough, as it avoids minimal air bubble formation and dirt deposits. A new, more energy-efficient process is also used for drying the cathodic dip coating. Instead of the previous external drying process, a so-called transverse drying process is now used. Air is blown into the interior, and the body is heated from the inside. In addition to being more energy efficient, the transverse dryer is better suited to future electric and hybrid vehicles and their strengthened floor assemblies.

Audi achieves a further energy saving of around 50 kWh per vehicle thanks to a new paint separation process. Previously, the paint mist was collected in water with 100 percent fresh air and disposed of. In the new dry separation process, it is captured by state-of-the-art filters instead. This process allows more than 90 percent of the filtered air to be reused, largely eliminating the need for energy-intensive fresh air conditioning. At the same time, in contrast to conventional wet separation, the use of fresh water and chemicals is eliminated.

Sustainable water use in production

Audi is committed to using valuable water resources responsibly across all its sites: The company aims to halve its ecologically weighted water consumption in production by 2035. To this end, the Four Rings in Neckarsulm relies on a closed water cycle using the Unteres Sulmtal Wastewater Association’s wastewater treatment plant adjacent to the site. New pipes and plant technology ensure that no more process water will be taken from the nearby Neckar canal. This will save up to 70 percent of fresh water from 2025. Audi will further treat the water purified by the wastewater treatment plant with the help of filter systems and membranes. The process water then flows back into the treatment plant. Last year, Audi joined the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), once again underlining its commitment to the economical and efficient use of water.

A high degree of automation for premium quality

Neckarsulm is the first site in the Group to install all add-on parts in the body shop fully automatically. In this way, Audi improves the fitting accuracy of the add-on parts and minimizes external influences. Seven robots are used simultaneously for the highly complex fender attachment alone.

As part of Audi’s "360factory" production strategy, its supply chain relies on the smart, automated provision of materials. Automation roadmaps have been created for each location and are gradually becoming a reality. Neckarsulm was the first Audi site worldwide to put the freely navigating, driverless transport systems (DTS) into operation back in 2014. With the start of production of the new Audi A5, over 80 percent of the material volumes in the body shop are now provided automatically.

Virtually smokeless fixing is a world-first in car body construction. It involves attaching glued components, such as doors with small soldering points, to prevent the inner and outer parts from slipping. Previously, numerous soldered fixing points had to be cleaned, as smoke is corrosive. The new process almost eliminates residue build-up thanks to a rotating gas flow. Audi works more than twice as fast with the new method compared to previous techniques.

State-of-the-art quality monitoring in the body shop

Quality control measurements in the body shop are mainly carried out inline, i.e., without removing a vehicle from the line. New measuring technology is used at two stations. Four robots at each station use measuring sensors to determine the components' dimensional accuracy. The measurement result is evaluated using software, visualized, and made available to the employees. With this new technology, every vehicle produced can be measured directly on the line. Consequently, Audi significantly increases the number of measurements and can react faster to any deviations. Continuous, interruption-free quality control is also possible thanks to the high degree of automation.

Employees use innovative technologies such as augmented reality (AR) to inspect car bodies. An AR app on commercially available tablets with an integrated camera shows the connection points to be checked in real time. This makes it possible to check and directly document whether, for example, weld seams or points are present and executed according to target specifications. The increase in efficiency through digitalization is enormous. For example, inspectors once had to go to great lengths to determine the specifications for a bonded seam. With the tablet, this work is now done in just a few seconds.

1 Audi defines balance sheet CO₂ neutrality as a state in which, after exhausting other possible reduction measures with regard to CO₂ emissions caused by Audi products or activities, CO₂ emissions that are still present and/or currently unavoidable in the supply chain, production, and recycling of Audi vehicles are offset, at least in terms of quantity, by voluntary compensation projects carried out worldwide. CO₂ emissions occurring during the use phase of a vehicle, i.e., from when a vehicle is handed over to the customer, are not taken into account here.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com