Audi Q4 e-tron review

The all-electric Q4 e-tron SUV ticks all the boxes for family life: well-equipped, practical and relaxing to drive, it is expected to become the German company’s biggest seller behind the A3 hatchback.

It outshines other premium mid-size SUV rivals, such as the Mercedes EQA, on range, with a claimed maximum of 316 miles, while its fast charging capability means those longer trips needn’t require meticulous planning. If you’re after a premium family SUV and ready to ‘go electric’, then you must consider the Audi Q4 e-tron.

About the Audi Q4 e-tron

The Q4 e-tron SUV is perfectly placed to lead Audi’s charge into the EV mainstream, with a breadth of talent that will fulfil the needs of most families. Like its more expensive e-tron and e-tron GT siblings, the Q4 e-tron still trades on a high level of luxury and refinement, but entry models sit between the Q3 and Q5 SUVs on the price list, so it remains an accessible alternative to a more conventional petrol or diesel model.

Audi is the latest Volkswagen Group subsidiary to utilise the company’s electric MEB platform, with the Q4 e-tron employing architecture already applied across the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 models, the Skoda Enyaq SUV and the Cupra Born hatchback. Of course, Audi has seen to it that the Q4 e-tron has the company’s trademark luxury feel, which helps complete a first-rate package. In fact, we were so impressed with Audi’s new all-electric SUV that it received a commendation in our Premium Electric Car of the Year award category for 2021.

Buyers interested in the Audi Q4 e-tron SUV might be drawn to higher-spec versions of the Volkswagen ID.4 or Skoda Enyaq, while our Premium Electric Car of the Year award winner, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, will turn heads with its concept car looks and family practicality. Other premium rivals such as the Mercedes EQA, Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge and BMW iX3 will also tempt customers with their own brand of SUV sophistication. As is the trend with current luxury SUVs, Audi also offers a Q4 e-tron Sportback version with its coupe-like swooping lines and an 18mm drop in height.

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There are now two different powertrains for the Q4 e-tron, as the entry-level 35 is no longer offered in the UK. The range starts with the 40-badged variant, which comes with a 201bhp power output and a slightly larger battery than before, at 82kWh gross and 76.6kWh usable. The four-wheel-drive 50 quattro version comes with an extra motor at the front for all-wheel drive and a 295bhp total output, while usable battery capacity is the same as the 40. The 40 will cover 310-322 miles on a full charge, and the 50 quattro slightly less at 301-312 miles. Sportback variants slip through the air a little more easily and return 317-328 miles for the 40, and 307-318 miles for the 50 quattro.

Trim levels are equally straightforward, with Sport, S line, and Black Edition offering plenty of standard kit. With the 40 powertrain now the entry-level model the base price is now just short of £50,000 (and Sportback models are around £1,500 more expensive, model-for-model) but even the basic Sport trim gets you 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front sports seats, a 11.6-inch touchscreen with integrated sat-nav and Audi’s digital Virtual Cockpit display. It’s a great starting point to Audi’s all-electric SUV lineup.

For an alternative review of the Audi Q4 e-tron, visit our sister site drivingelectric.com...