The Audi Q4 e-tron, named by the brand as Briton’s second best-selling EV in 2024, is gaining a new entry-level variant.

Coating from £46,600, the new Q4 40 e-tron is available in both SUV and estate Sportback variants. It comes fitted with a smaller 63kWh battery which allows a WLTP combined range of up to 250 miles (258 with the Sportback).

The new version can be charged at up to 165kW at a suitable fast-charging station, taking 24 minutes to go from 10 to 80%, adding more than 90 miles of range in 10 minutes. The 40 model includes the intelligent route planner and connected automatic battery-preconditioning function of other Q4 models, helping to reduce charging times.

Drivers can also manually activate battery preheating ensure the best possible charging results at every charging station, while the navigation system allows them to choose the most suitable recharging station, for example from a specific provider.

The Q4 40 e-tron employs a rear-axle mounted 150kW (204hp) motor, giving the car a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 99mph.

Topping the equipment list on Q4 e-tron 40 models is the Audi application store, available through the central infotainment system and offering access to a large and increasing selection of popular apps, without requiring a smartphone. These include news and podcasts, sports and games, and videos and entertainment.

A one-year 25 GB data package is included with the car to use the apps – the data connection is made directly via the vehicle’s external antenna, which improves signal quality and saves smartphone battery power.

ChatGPT is also included, voice-operating the infotainment, navigation, and climate settings and responding to everyday questions.

The Sportback model costs £1500 more than the SUV, costing from £48,100, while both versions are available in Sport, S Line and Black Edition trim levels.