Audi Q4 e-tron Review

The Q4 e-tron is another one of those cars that shares the bits you can’t see with other electric cars. It’s actually a cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV except more Audified – if you know what we mean. 

So there’s the same short front overhang and bonnet as the VW and Skoda, but with its angular body, large grille (blanked off and which serves no purpose because of course there’s no engine lurking under the bonnet) and a pair of pretty grumpy looking day-running lights, it’s unmistakably an Audi. And in the German carmaker’s typical style, a swoopier, more-coupe-looking Sportback model is also available.

Just like the Skoda Enyaq and, yes, you guessed it, the Volkswagen ID.4, the bespoke electric platform which is used for the Q4 e-tron and its siblings means space inside has been prioritised – in fact, there’s tonnes of it. There’s a large centre console, special bottle holders in the doors, a pretty massive 520-litre boot and rear legroom that’s on par with an Audi Q7 – that’s Audi’s largest SUV, remember. All of this in a car that’s relatively compact; it’s worth pointing out that in terms of size the Q4 does actually sit between the non-electric Q3 and Q5 SUVs.

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Apart from the extra space on offer, there’s very little inside to denote this a pure-electric Audi, as the design and quality is pretty much as you’d expect from the firm. At least at first glance. There's no doubt it has more instant showroom appeal than the disappointingly cheap-feeling ID.3 and ID.4, but if you start to prod around the cabin in the lesser-touched areas you will find bits that feel more Polo than premium. A Mercedes EQA or BMW iX3 will feel more expensive. 

Following Audi’s mid-life update, the range has been rejigged. The original entry-level 35 model (which came with a 58kWh battery) has been dropped, leaving just the larger 77kWh battery models. These are badged 45 and 55 with the former offering 282 bhp and the latter 335bhp. As before, Audi offers rear-drive and all-wheel drive Quattro variants. 

​The Q4 is available with two body styles, with the Sportback version offering a more coupe-like profile than the standard model. In addition to looking a little sleeker than the SUV version, it’s also more aero-friendly and more efficient as a result.

When it first arrived, the Q4’s performance was adequate but nothing particularly special. Thankfully, that has improved significantly thanks to the 2024 update that has seen the introduction of a new drive unit. Power for the 45 models has gone up to a very healthy 282bhp, while the range-topping 55 models now deliver 340bhp. Torque outputs have also risen sharply, meaning that the Q4 feels a much, much livelier car to drive. 

Audi has also tweaked the suspension for the 2024 model in an effort to make it feel… more Audi. The steering characteristics and dampers have been tweaked to give a sportier driving experience, and although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how those changes have altered the handling, it’s a comfortable and rewarding car to drive. The ride quality is good while the steering is perfectly weighted and accurate. 

There are the usual drive modes to select from – Comfort, Auto, Efficiency, Individual or Dynamic. Both Range and Efficiency boost efficiency by limiting the maximum speed, but there’s also a ‘B’ mode on the gear selector which boosts energy recuperation. You can play with the amount of regeneration by using the paddles on the steering wheel, but there’s no one-pedal driving option which is a shame. 

The practical charging stuff is dealt with in an efficient Audi fashion. DC rapid charging for the entry-level 45 models peaks at 135kW while Quattro and 55 models offer a higher 175kW peak. According to Audi’s figures, the latter two models can charge from 10-80% in just under 30 minutes while the 45 takes only a few minutes longer. 

In terms of warranty, the Q4 e-tron is covered by a three-year/60,000 warranty which is fine but it seems a bit light compared to other electric car makers. Kia, for instance, offers a seven-year warranty on its e-Niro and the new EV6. 

The Q4 e-tron isn’t by any means a game-changer, but it’s a brilliant, dependable offering from Audi, and will appeal to a big, broad cross-section of people who like the brand. Its Volkswagen Group siblings offer better value for money, but if you want to go electric and still have the famous four-ring logo on the bonnet, it’s a fine choice.