Audi Q4 e-tron review: performance, motor & drive

*no longer available in the UK

Even in rear-wheel drive form, Audi’s electric family SUV provides the customary sudden burst of acceleration for wowing passengers that many EVs can deliver, although the Q4 e-tron isn't quite as fast as a Tesla Model Y or some more sportier models from BMW or Mercedes. But there’s still plenty of poke when you need it and the Audi handles well. 

Audi Q4 e-tron 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

The rear-drive Q4 e-tron 35 produced 168bhp and 310Nm of torque, and covered 0-62mph in nine seconds, but this particular model is no longer available to order in the UK. 

The now entry-level Q4 40 e-tron (also rear-wheel drive) gets a bigger battery and more powerful 201bhp motor, and will sprint to 62mph in 8.5 seconds. Sitting at the top of the range is the Q4 50 e-tron quattro with its dual electric motors giving it a total power output of 295bhp and 460Nm of torque; enough for 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds.

While even the quickest Q4 e-tron can’t keep pace with a Tesla Model Y Long Range, acceleration is still pretty swift and we never got tired of that during our time living with a 50 e-tron quattro. Speaking of which, the quattro four-wheel drive system is reassuring when the roads get wet, plus it helps slingshot you out of corners when you start driving a bit more enthusiastically. 

Handling

The Q4 e-tron is remarkably refined and comfortable. In fact it’s one of the first things you notice as you get under way. Little noise is able to penetrate the cabin, and for a family SUV it’s easy to drive. The suspension – and a low centre of gravity thanks to the batteries sitting low in the car – also keep the electric SUV’s body level when you corner. We did find the steering felt relatively heavy, but overall the car came across as balanced on twister roads, and very stable at motorway speeds.

Of the drive modes on offer you’ll probably be better off sticking with the default Comfort setting as it’s the best for everyday driving, whether you’re in town or a motorway. The Q4 e-tron isn’t our first pick for a fun EV to drive or take on a blast along a B-road, but switching to Dynamic mode gives a sharper throttle response and makes the car feel more punchy off the line and at higher speeds.

There is an optional adaptive suspension setup with damper control if you want to get the most out of the Q4 e-tron’s ride and dynamics, but we expect most people will be happy with the standard suspension.

S line and Black Edition models sit 15mm lower than the base Q4 Sport and have a stiffer, more dynamic setup for the suspension. We didn’t much like this after our time living with an Q4 e-tron in S line spec. It makes the already firm ride even stiffer, especially on UK roads, and we even had passengers complain about the bumpy ride being “really uncomfy”.