Audi Q4 e-tron review: running costs & insurance
While the Q4 e-tron comes with a three-year warranty and only has a 2% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate, the higher-spec models sit in some fairly lofty insurance groups
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service interval | Annual company-car tax cost (20%/40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36-40 | 3yrs / 60,000 miles | 2yrs | From £200 / £399 |
The Audi Q4 e-tron benefits from the same perks as all electric cars, including an exemption for road tax (VED) and the London Congestion Charge until 2025, not to mention a 2% Benefit-in-Kind company-car tax rate for the next few years. However, it attracts some pretty high insurance ratings, so premiums can be hefty.
Audi Q4 e-tron insurance group
Depending on which powertrain and trim level you go for, the Q4 e-tron can sit anywhere from insurance group 36 to 40. That’s particularly high compared to sister models the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, which are largely rated in the 20s but the Q4 only uses the VW Group's punchier electric powertrains. The Q4's ratings are on par with those of the petrol or diesel Audi Q3. Plus, it'll be cheaper to insure than the Tesla Model Y which sits in insurance groups 46 to 49 depending on the exact spec.
Warranty
The Q4 e-tron is covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty from Audi, while the battery gets an eight year/100,000 mile guarantee. The basic coverage is similar to that of an iX1, but less than the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, or the Kia EV6’s seven years of factory cover.
Servicing
The Q4 e-tron needs servicing every two years and Audi offers customers three service plans simply called Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The first covers the essentials, including one service and inspection, a pollen filter change and brake fluid change.
Level 2 includes two essential services, as well as two brake fluid and pollen filter changes. The final, and the most comprehensive package, is Level 3 which builds on the previous package, with two MoTs covered in the third and fourth year of ownership.
Road tax
The Q4 e-tron, like all electric cars, is zero-rated for road tax (otherwise referred to as Vehicle Excise Duty/VED) until 2025. It also attracts a Benefit-in-Kind company-car tax rate of 2% until at least April 2024, which is minimal compared to the 30% paid on an entry-level Audi Q3 diesel – or even the BiK band of a plug-in hybrid.
Depreciation
Starting at around £50,000, the Audi Q4 e-tron is pretty expensive and you’re probably wondering how its value will hold up over time. Well, according to the latest industry statistics, the Q4 e-tron is forecasted to retain roughly 42 to 46% of its initial asking price over three years and 36,000 miles of ownership. This is roughly the same as a petrol-powered Q3 or Q5, as well as a Volkswagen ID.4, although a BMW iX1 is expected to hold onto a chunk more of its value over the same period at 46 to 51 per cent.