It effortlessly climbs steep slopes caked in mud. It descends hills without slipping. On asphalt, it offers a smooth driving experience, reducing stress for both the driver and passengers while showcasing versatility. This is the ‘Audi SUV’.
On the 21st, I encountered Audi’s Quattro models. After riding 66km from the Audi headquarters in Jongno, Seoul, to Yeoju, the first model I met was the ‘Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback’.
The octagonal frame at the front. A symbol of the new carbon-neutral age for Audi. The straight-line headlights at the rear reveal Audi’s unique tidy style. Its dimensions of 4,590 × 1,865 × 1,620mm. The roof line extends from the A-pillar to the D-pillar, showcasing a dynamic aspect. It can be described not just as an SUV but as a high-bodied sports car.
When seated in the second row, there is enough space for two fists in front of my knees and one fist and a palm’s thickness above my head. There is no center tunnel, making it comfortable to sit even in the middle of the second row.
The touchscreen display on the center fascia is angled towards the driver. This allows the driver to monitor the car’s status in real-time through the instrument panel and touchscreen display while driving. Integrated with the navigation system, the augmented reality head-up display kindly guides the driver to the destination in real-time.
The lock-to-lock steering ratio requires 3 turns. The steering response feels slightly light and smooth.
The Q4 e-tron is equipped with an 82KWh battery, showcasing a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a peak torque of 31.6 kg.m. It can travel up to 409 km based on combined standards. What I hear is the sound of the Q4 e-tron’s electric motor and the operation of the air conditioning. Freed from the engine, it feels free in the heart of the urban forest.
In the city, occasional vibrations from the road tease my backside. At 100 km/h, wind noises tickle my ears. Road noise rhythmically comes and goes.
The Efficiency mode limits the maximum speed to 130 km/h. The response of the accelerator pedal feels slightly heavier. In Dynamic mode, the steering response becomes a bit heavier, and the car’s demeanor shifts to a lively walk, akin to a child joyfully heading to an amusement park with a parent.
Below the turn signals, there is a control lever for the driving assistance system. Pulling the lever towards the body activates the adaptive cruise control. Raising or lowering the lever allows you to continue driving at your desired speed. During the holiday season when the roads suffer from congestion, this feature helps to mitigate fatigue during long drives.
Arriving in Yeoju, we transitioned to off-road driving with a sense of individuality. The vehicle we encountered off-road was the Q8 55 TFSI Quattro. While the Q4 e-tron might be likened to a good-natured model student, this one exudes rebellion from its very appearance. The front showcases air intakes that dominate half of its face, projecting an image that asserts, “The internal combustion engine is not dead yet.” The straight-line rear lamps present a refined look compared to the front.
With dimensions of 5,005 × 1,995 × 1,750mm and a wheelbase of 2,996mm, the nearly three-meter long wheelbase boasts a spacious interior.
The Q8 gasoline model, equipped with a V6 3-liter engine delivering a maximum output of 340 horsepower and a peak torque of 51.0 kg.m, smoothly traverses off-road terrain. The lock-to-lock steering ratio is 2.2 turns. This tight steering ratio shines even more in off-road driving.
On a 30-degree incline, I slowly drove the car up the slope under the instructor’s demonstration. The car was leaning completely to one side, making it astonishing to see the ground from that perspective.
The Q8’s 360-degree around-view system proves highly useful in off-road driving, as many obstacles are obscured. The around-view monitor immediately identifies nearby obstacles or potentially dangerous situations, keeping the driver’s attention focused.
Featuring a Hill Descent Control function, it controls speed when going down steep slopes. The Q8’s Hill Descent Control activates immediately, allowing the vehicle to descend at a speed of less than 5 km/h.
It displays the capability to effortlessly navigate steep muddy inclines that ordinary vehicles would struggle to climb.
On a bumpy course, under the instructor’s instructions, I placed each wheel on the convex surface. With the left front and right rear wheels on the elevated surface, the car hung in mid-air. With slight slipping occurring, the car jumped over the bumpy course like a child effortlessly leaping over a vaulting horse using only two wheels.
Audi SUVs minimize stress for drivers and passengers, offering clear and enjoyable driving experiences both on-road and off-road. Especially off-road, Audi’s ace in the hole, the Quattro system, showcases the ability to effortlessly conquer all terrains.
Whether on-road or off-road, the answer lies within Audi SUVs. The Audi Sportback Q4 40 e-tron is priced at 72.7 million won, while the Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro is priced at 126.481 million won.
Written by 이상진 daedusj@autodiary.kr