Audi Q4 e-tron review
Audi’s electric family SUV shares its platform with the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, but superior interior quality, technology and comfort put it a step above them and make it worth paying extra for
Pros
- Impressive technology
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Pricey option packs
- Fairly average warranty
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 e-tron* | 200-221 miles | 7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 36mins (5-80%, 110kW) |
| 40 e-tron | 300-321 miles | 11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 29mins (5-80%, 135kW) |
| 50 e-tron quattro | 292-312 miles | 11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 36mins (5-80%, 135kW) |
*no longer available in the UK
Audi Q4 e-tron verdict
The Audi Q4 e-tron justifies its higher price tag over its Volkswagen and Skoda sister cars thanks to superior ride comfort, build quality and technology. It’s arguably a more stylish package, too. With decent real-world range and rapid-charging capabilities, the Q4 will appeal to many first-time electric car buyers looking to replace their faithful diesel or petrol-engined family SUV.
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.
The Q4 e-tron sits between its popular Q3 and Q5 in terms of size, and is available exclusively with electric power. It 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 iV 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 practicality isn’t such a priority for you, Audi also makes a coupe-SUV version called the Q4 Sportback e-tron which is a little more expensive still.
Two versions of the Q4 e-tron are currently available to order: the rear-wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron and the dual-motor Q4 50 e-tron quattro, both of which feature a 77kWh usable battery. In the Q4 40 e-tron that battery is used to power a single electric motor producing 201bhp, offering up to 321 miles of range. Meanwhile the Q4 50 e-tron quattro gets all-wheel drive thanks to an additional motor for the front wheels, boosting power to 295bhp, while simultaneously reducing the car’s maximum range to 312 miles.
When the Q4 e-tron launched in 2021 there was an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron, which used a smaller 52kWh battery and produced 168bhp from its single electric motor, but this particular version has since been removed from the price list.
Both the Q4 e-tron drivetrains are available in three trim levels: Sport, S Line and Edition 1, though a Vorsprung specification was offered for time with all the bells and whistles. Every model comes with a 11.6-inch touchscreen and the latest version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, on top of 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a powered tailgate and heated front seats. Kit on pricier models includes sports suspension, Matrix LED headlights, a black exterior styling pack and a hexagonal steering wheel with paddles to adjust the regenerative braking.
For a more detailed look at the Audi Q4 e-tron, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
