Audi has rapidly populated its lineup with electric options, and the Q4 e-tron is one of the most popular. Launched in 2021, it’s available in both regular SUV and swoopy-roofed Sportback formats.
Like some of its rivals, the Q4 e-tron doesn’t limit you to just a single powertrain option, with three to choose from - which expands your choice on the used market too, letting you select between range, cost, and performance. There are more interesting EVs and better cars to drive, but serial Audi buyers should find plenty to like.
The Q4 e-tron is similar under the skin to the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, both of which make useful alternatives if you’re not laser focused on the Audi image. Premium rivals include the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz EQB, while the Tesla Model Y is a strong seller in this market too.
If you’re looking for a premium-badged family SUV, there’s little reason not to put the Q4 e-tron on your shortlist, beyond the fact that this is a very competitive class, and many of the Q4’s rivals do things equally well - so you’d be equally justified in going for one of those instead.
The Q4 e-tron’s strengths, in both SUV and Sportback forms, are its high-quality interior (much like other Audis), a well-judged ride (at least on the smaller wheel options), and range estimates that are broadly competitive with others in this class.
The interior is modern and sophisticated without trying to be too flashy - and is simpler than some bigger Audis with their dual touchscreen layouts. It’s well finished, giving it the edge over the VW and Skoda models that share this platform, and it’s pretty practical too - the boot is well shaped and sized in both SUV and Sportback versions, with larger seats-down capacity in the former and a marginally bigger boot seats-up in the Sportback.
Q4 e-trons feel reasonably agile, thanks in part to most models powering their rear wheels, and a tight turning circle that really helps in town. Some others in this class are more entertaining, but like many electric Audis, the Q4 scores particularly well on refinement.
For a similar driving experience but for less money (and, admittedly, with interiors that don’t quite match that of the Audi), the related Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 are worth a look, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX3 are the closest premium alternatives, the BMW in particular having a sportier feel than its rivals. Sporty isn’t a word you’d describe the Tesla Model Y with, but it sells well for several good reasons: range, performance, and the convenience of the brand’s Supercharger network.
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Mid-range Q4 e-tron 40 models are probably the pick of the range. They don’t quite have the snappy acceleration of the more powerful e-tron 50, and you forego all-wheel drive, but unless those things are vital then the roughly 20 extra miles of range are welcome, and you’ll save a bit of money in the process.
Sport trim opens the range and it too is a good place to start, promising the best ride quality since it rolls on the smallest wheels and comes with ‘comfort’ suspension rather than the S Line’s sport option, and again maximises your range - as the smaller wheel and tyre package has less rolling resistance than the bigger options.
On both the SUV and Sportback versions of the Q4 e-tron, Audi offers four trim levels which should be familiar to anyone who has experienced a modern Audi. In typical EV style even the base model is well equipped, while walking up the range gives you bigger alloy wheels, exterior styling differences, more luxurious materials in the interior, and high-end audio options.
The Audi Q4 e-tron’s dimensions are:
The Audi Q4 e-tron’s boot size is:
All Q4 e-trons are electric only, and therefore all currently benefit from zero-rate Vehicle Excise Duty - in other words, you won’t pay anything in annual car tax.
The Q4 e-tron range spans insurance groups 26-40, and things are no different for the Q4 Sportback e-tron, with almost identical insurance groups, model for model. This compares pretty favourably with the BMW iX3, which sits in insurance groups 44 and 45, so the Audi should be cheaper to insure.
Read our full Audi Q4 e-tron review