While the upcoming Audi Q4 e-tron EV compact crossover will be slower than its GT sibling, it has a distinct set of differences from the sedan. In particular, the Q4 will be equipped with an interesting, albeit optional, augmented reality display (HUD), capable of displaying important data for the driver directly into his field of view.

HUDs are not new to the automotive market. For example, the Kia Niro electric car has had a similar solution since 2019. In the Q4, however, it’s not just a piece of clear plastic mounted on the steering column. In this case, the information is displayed inside the windshield itself.

The HUD consists of two sections: the first displays basic information like the current vehicle speed and road signs, and the second displays active augmented reality (AR). The AR section has features such as displaying navigation arrows in the driver’s field of view approximately where they should be in real life, up to 10 meters in front of the car.

The Q4 relies on a special imaging unit (PGU) located in the dashboard. “A bright LCD screen directs the light beams it generates onto two even mirrors, while special optical components separate the near and far parts.”, – explained in the press release. The mirror system creates the illusion that the image appears in front of the driver’s eyes.

To prevent images from shaking, jumping while driving, or otherwise losing synchronization with the real situation around, Q4 uses AR Creator (essentially a software modular processor) to constantly predict where objects around the car are and how quickly their position changes in within a fraction of a second, required for collection by various vehicle sensors, processing and displaying information on the HUD.

The HUD isn’t Audi’s only new tech toy. Like the GT, the Q4 comes with modern displays like a 10,25-inch dashboard screen that comes standard. It replaces the mechanical meters and dials of yesteryear and displays all the information the driver needs – from the power of the car to the amount of charge remaining in the Q4 battery pack with an energy capacity of 82 kWh.

Drivers will also have a choice: either the standard 10,1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment display (1540 × 720), which handles most of the car’s interior functions, or the 11,6-inch (1764 × 824), which Audi touts as its most large touch screen in cars today.

And since touch interaction with the infotainment system while driving is not a good idea, the Q4 e-tron will offer voice control. It is enough to say “Hey Audi” to activate the voice assistant and give him a command.