The Audi Q4 e-Tron has quickly become a common sight on UK roads, and for good reason. With 17,465 registrations in 2024, it secured its place as the second best-selling electric vehicle last year, only surpassed by the Tesla Model Y. This popularity begs the question: what makes the Q4 e-Tron so appealing? To truly understand its merits, we’ve put the Audi Q4 e-Tron through rigorous testing on UK roads, most recently during winter, providing an in-depth car review to help you decide if it’s the right electric SUV for you.
Audi Q4 e-Tron: First Impressions
Pros:
- Serene and quiet cabin environment
- Generous passenger and cargo space
- Smooth and refined driving experience
- Comprehensive standard equipment
- Dependable and accurate range estimates
Cons:
- Brake performance can feel weak and inconsistent
- Optional 21-inch wheels on Black Edition trim compromise low-speed ride comfort
- Haptic steering wheel controls are occasionally cumbersome
What’s Updated in the Latest Audi Q4 e-Tron?
Audi has refined the Q4 e-Tron and its Sportback counterpart with subtle but significant updates towards the end of 2023. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the focus has been on enhancing the driving dynamics and technology beneath the surface. These updates aim to solidify the Audi Q4 e-Tron’s position in the competitive electric SUV market.
Key improvements include revisions to the steering and suspension systems across the range. Audi states that all models now benefit from more responsive steering and optimized suspension tuning. Furthermore, new safety technologies have been incorporated, partly to meet the General Safety Regulation 2 standards, ensuring the Audi Q4 e-Tron remains a safe and technologically advanced vehicle.
The options list now features enhanced driver assistance systems, notably including a new assisted lane change function integrated within the adaptive cruise control. Battery preservation has also been addressed with a software update that introduces a battery protection function, allowing users to limit charging to 80% instead of 100%, potentially prolonging battery life and optimizing charging habits.
Audi Q4 e-Tron Specifications and Performance
The Audi Q4 e-Tron now offers a streamlined model range with two distinct power outputs, both utilizing a 77kWh usable battery pack. The ‘45’ variant delivers 281bhp and is available in both single-motor (rear-wheel drive) and quattro (all-wheel drive) configurations. For those seeking more performance, the ‘55’ version boasts 335bhp and comes exclusively with quattro all-wheel drive. We had the opportunity to test drive both powertrains to provide a comprehensive Audi Q4 e-Tron car review.
The single-motor ‘45’ model impresses with a claimed range of up to 342 miles, while both quattro versions offer a still respectable range of up to 320 miles. These figures position the Audi Q4 e-Tron competitively within its segment for range and efficiency.
Trim levels are simplified to Sport, starting at £51,965, S line from £54,565, and the top-tier Black Edition, beginning at £56,765. These trims are also available for the Sportback model, with a slight premium in price, offering a variety of styles and features to suit different preferences and budgets within the Audi Q4 e-Tron lineup.
Inside the Audi Q4 e-Tron: Interior and Comfort
Despite being Audi’s entry-level electric vehicle and sharing its MEB platform with the Volkswagen ID. family, the Audi Q4 e-Tron cabin exudes a sense of quality and design that aligns with Audi’s higher-end models. The interior ergonomics are commendable, featuring a traditionally positioned drive selector, user-friendly physical climate controls, and a comfortable driving position. Practicality is also well-considered, with generous double-decker storage compartments integrated into the front doors.
However, the interior isn’t without minor drawbacks. Some door panel materials feel less premium, and the optional quartic steering wheel, available on higher trims, can feel unconventional and may hinder smooth hand movements during tight maneuvers. Like other VW Group vehicles, the Audi Q4 e-Tron incorporates haptic touch buttons, which can be somewhat fiddly and require visual attention to operate accurately.
During our extended test, the haptic buttons occasionally proved problematic, leading to unintended actions. The experience highlighted a preference for the tactile and reliable physical buttons found in models like the Audi S3, suggesting that sometimes traditional controls offer superior usability.
The Audi Q4 e-Tron excels in interior space, offering a roomy environment for both front and rear passengers. Beyond the double-decker front door bins, there are additional storage spaces beneath the drive selector, two sizable cupholders, and further storage in the center console. While the unpadded armrest and center console might lack some comfort for longer journeys, rear passenger space is ample, even for adults, thanks in part to the flat floor design. The boot provides a substantial 520 liters of cargo capacity, although a front trunk (frunk) is not available.
Driving Experience: On the Road with the Audi Q4 e-Tron
Starting the Audi Q4 e-Tron is seamless and intuitive. Mirroring the simplicity of Tesla and Polestar models, approaching the car, unlocking, entering, pressing the brake pedal, and selecting ‘D’ on the gear selector is all it takes to get moving. There’s no need for a separate start button or fiddling with a parking brake, making for an effortlessly smooth start to each journey.
The overall driving feel is well-balanced and refined. Acceleration is smooth and more than adequate in the ‘45’ model, with the ‘55’ offering only a modest increase in perceived performance. While it may not deliver the exhilarating acceleration of some EVs, the Audi Q4 e-Tron compensates with exceptional refinement, maintaining a hushed cabin environment at both city and motorway speeds. The driving experience is characterized by competence and composure rather than outright excitement.
Handling is generally pleasant and predictable. The steering offers decent accuracy and feedback, though the Audi Q4 e-Tron is not intended to be a sporty SUV. Ride comfort leans towards the firmer side. Sport and S line models with smaller wheels provide acceptable ride quality, but the Black Edition’s 21-inch wheels introduce noticeable jolts, particularly affecting rear passengers at lower speeds.
The range estimation in the Audi Q4 e-Tron proves remarkably accurate. It dynamically adjusts based on driving style and conditions. In our testing, both the ‘45’ and ‘55’ models consistently achieved over 300 miles on a full charge, even during faster cross-country and motorway driving, highlighting its real-world usability for longer journeys.
However, the braking system reveals room for improvement. The transition between regenerative and physical braking isn’t perfectly calibrated, sometimes resulting in less braking power and feedback than expected.
The regenerative braking system itself is quite effective, offering modes for coasting and adaptive regeneration that intelligently adjusts to upcoming road conditions, such as speed limit changes or proximity to other vehicles. Steering wheel paddles allow manual adjustment of the regeneration level, useful for downhill driving and energy management.
Despite the effective regen, the physical brakes feel somewhat underpowered and lack modulation, which is an area where the Audi Q4 e-Tron could be enhanced.
Before You Consider Buying the Audi Q4 e-Tron
For those set on purchasing an Audi Q4 e-Tron, we recommend carefully considering the trim levels and options to maximize value. The base Sport trim is well-equipped, including 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated seats, parking sensors, a rear camera, and adaptive cruise control, offering a strong foundation of features. S line and Black Edition trims primarily enhance aesthetics, so consider if the visual upgrades justify the increased cost.
Given its size and shared platform with other VW Group EVs, the Audi Q4 e-Tron’s closest competitors are the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4. The Skoda Enyaq offers a larger boot and a comparable interior ambiance, often at a more competitive price point. Alternatives like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 present compelling packages that, in some respects, surpass the Audi Q4 e-Tron, particularly in terms of design and potentially driving dynamics, for a similar or lower price.
Verdict: Is the Audi Q4 e-Tron the Right Electric SUV for You?
The Audi Q4 e-Tron’s impressive sales figures in the UK are understandable. It offers a compelling blend of competitive range (especially post-update), a refined and comfortable driving experience, a high-quality and spacious interior, and the prestige of the Audi badge. It’s a competent and well-rounded electric SUV that excels in many key areas.
However, it’s also true that the Audi Q4 e-Tron can be described as somewhat unremarkable in certain aspects. Its driving dynamics are conservative rather than thrilling, and minor usability issues with the interior haptic controls detract slightly from the overall experience. Unless the Audi badge is a priority, vehicles like the Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 offer strong competition, potentially providing greater value or more distinctive characteristics for a similar investment.
Ultimately, the Audi Q4 e-Tron is a solid and sensible choice in the electric SUV segment, particularly for those prioritizing refinement, range, and a trusted brand.
Specifications are based on the Audi Q4 e-Tron 45 Sport model.
