Audi Q4 e-tron review

Audi Q4 e-tron verdict

The Audi Q4 e-tron does well to justify its premium over the Volkswagen ID.4 on which it’s based. For starters, the Q4’s cabin feels a lot plusher than the plasticky VW and we particularly like the inclusion of Audi’s fantastic Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. On top of this, the ID.4 can’t come close to matching the Q4’s comfortable and composed ride, which comes into its own on long motorway stints – something made possible thanks to the Audi’s competitive and accurate range figure. Some rivals may offer faster charging than what’s standard on the base ‘45’ model, but the Audi Q4 e-tron is ultimately a fantastic family SUV and a great way to enter the world of electric motoring in style.

Range details, specs and alternatives

Audi, much like its German rivals Mercedes and BMW, is sparing no time when it comes to expanding its range of electric cars. Its zero-emissions range is topped by the Audi e-tron GT saloon and Q8 e-tron luxury SUV, while the Q4 e-tron is Audi’s first more mainstream electric car and in time is expected to become its second most popular car overall, behind the Audi A3 hatchback. 

Despite being the smallest EV in the Audi electric lineup, the Q4 e-tron sits between the maker’s popular Q3 and Q5 petrol SUV models in terms of size. It also shares the Volkswagen Group's 'MEB' electric-car platform with the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born hatchbacks, as well as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz minibus, and two of its closest rivals the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq family SUVs.

Of course, being an Audi, the Q4 e-tron is positioned as a more premium model compared to the VW and Skoda, which puts it in the crosshairs of other slightly pricier but equally practical electric SUVs like the BMW iX1, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Mercedes EQA, Genesis GV60 and Tesla Model Y. If style is your priority, Audi also makes a coupe-SUV version called the Q4 Sportback e-tron, which is only a little more expensive and, unusually, has a slightly larger boot than the regular Q4 SUV.

40

A range shakeup in 2023 means there are now three powertrain configurations to choose from; the entry-level Q4 45 e-tron replaces the old 40 e-tron model and boosts the power of the rear-mounted electric motor from 201bhp all the way to 282bhp. If you’re after a little more grip for the winter months, the new 45 e-tron quattro model gets an additional electric motor on the front axle to provide four-wheel-drive. Power remains the same, though.

Topping the range is the Audi Q4 e-tron 55 quattro, which takes over from the outgoing ‘50’ model. This produces a punchy 335bhp (up from 295bhp) and, according to Audi, will reach the 62mph benchmark in just 5.4 seconds.

All Audi Q4 e-tron models come as standard with a 77kWh (useable) battery pack. However, thanks to new efficiency refinements, the electric Audi can now travel further than ever on a charge; base Q4 45 e-tron cars have a maximum WLTP range of 330 miles (up from 321 miles), while adding quattro four-wheel-drive reduces this to 319 miles. Impressively, despite the extra power on offer, the Q4 55 e-tron model is still capable of up to 319 miles on a charge – a seven-mile increase over the old version. These figures are for the Q4 e-tron SUV, the Sportback coupe-SUV version has slightly better aerodynamics thanks to its curving roofline and gets seven to nine miles more range across the board. 

As before, each drivetrain is available in three trim levels: Sport, S line and Black Edition. Every model comes with an 11.6-inch touchscreen plus the latest version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, on top of 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a powered bootlid, heated front seats and a reversing camera. Kit on pricier models includes leather upholstery, larger 21-inch wheels, a black exterior styling pack and a hexagonal steering wheel with paddles to adjust the regenerative braking.

Click here to see why you can trust DrivingElectric reviews, or for a more detailed look at the Audi Q4 e-tron, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…