Audi’s new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are now on sale, priced from £40,750 and £42,250 respectively.

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The midsize electric SUVs are Audi’s first models to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s bespoke MEB electric car platform, also used for the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, and take the original e-tron SUV into a more compact format with up to 316 miles of range and rapid charging capability.

The UK line-up for the Q4 e-tron compact SUV and the Sportback SUV-coupé variant bring four specifications – Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung – and a choice of two batteries and three motor set-ups, giving rear- or all-wheel drive.

At the entry-level, the Q4 35 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron use a 52kWh battery combined with an 170hp electric motor on the rear axle, giving 9.0-second 0-62mph acceleration, a limited 99mph top speed and a WLTP-certified range of up to 208 miles on a full charge in the SUV – Sportback range data is still to be confirmed.

Next up is the Q4 40 e-tron, which gets a larger 77kWh battery and more powerful 204hp motor. This brings a faster 0-62mph sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed also governed at 99mph. Range stands at 316 miles for the SUV.

At the top of the powertrain range are the Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro. These also use the 77 kWh battery but with an electric motor on each axle, giving a maximum output of 299hp and all-wheel drive when needed. The 0-62mph time is 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 111mph. Range is expected to stand at 295 miles for both models.

The 52kWh and 77kWh batteries can be charged at up to 100 and 125kW respectively. At 125kW, the larger battery can go from 5 to 80% state of charge in 38 minutes. Drivers can also use the myAudi app to activate charging remotely via a smartphone and access cabin temperature and seat heating functions.

Thanks to the compact layout of the drive units, boot space stands at 520 to 1,490 litres in the Q4 e-tron and 535 to 1,460 litres in the Sportback, both accessed via a powered tailgate as standard. There’s also around 25 litres of capacity available throughout the cabin.

By locating the batteries between the axles beneath the passenger compartment, at the lowest point of the car, Audi has also ensured a low centre of gravity and a near 50:50 weight distribution ratio, favouring handling. Both models also get around 18cm of ground clearance.

S line and Edition 1 versions are equipped as standard with a sport suspension featuring particularly driver-focused spring and damper settings that also lower the body by 15mm.

Along with the entry-level Sport model, these versions are also available as an option with a suspension system with damper control – this is included on the Vorsprung specification as standard. All models also get variable ratio progressive steering, which can be tweaked via the standard Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system as part of the drive modes.

LED headlights are standard across the range while Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions include Matrix LED technology.

Also standard is the central MMI touch monitor, with acoustic feedback and natural language voice control, and the Audi Virtual Cockpit, while an upgraded Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is featured in Vorsprung versions. Drivers will also be able to specify a larger, 11.6-inch version of the MMI touchscreen – the largest display in the Audi portfolio to date – later this year.

The Q4 e-tron will also pioneer a new augmented reality head-up display – part of the standard specification for Vorsprung versions and a key component of the optional Technology Pack available for all other variants. And the models debut a new generation of double-spoke steering wheels with touch-sensitive controls; the version on the Edition 1 and Vorsprung trims features a flattened top and bottom.

Also new to the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions and available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack.

Standard driver assistance systems include predictive efficiency assist, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, and swerve and turn assist.

Drivers can also specify the Assistance Package Pro, which includes adaptive cruise assist and a four-camera system providing 360-degree visibility. The Safety Package Plus adds features such as Audi Side Assist blind spot monitoring and the rear cross traffic assist reversing aid.  These packages come as standard on Vorsprung models.

First deliveries of the Q4 e-tron are already underway, while deliveries of the Sportback will start in October.