The Audi Q4 e-tron is set out to be one of the most popular Audi EVs in the coming years and for now, that seems to be true. The Q4 e-tron was released back in 2021 and is based on the VAG MEB platform which means that the Q4 shares many of its parts with other members of its family. So, is Audi Q4 e-tron a good car?
The Audi Q4 e-tron is indeed a really good car because it is better than the original e-tron yet it does not cost like some other similarly equipped EVs. The Q4 comes in a few different battery sizes which also offer different engine outputs and maximum range. The Q4 supports fast charging which can replenish the battery in no time.
The design of the Q4 is a mixture between the Audi Q5 Sportback and the Audi Q8. This means that the car looks stylish and sleek both inside and out. It may be a heavy car but it manages to drive better than it should. Reliability also seems to be decent, but there are some issues worth talking about.
Value-wise, the Q4 seems to be holding up nicely, but it is a brand-new car and we are not sure if that is going to change in the coming years. Practicality is also good, not as good as in the Q5, but good enough for most people.
Audi Q4 e-tron – The powertrain
The Audi Q4 e-tron comes in two different battery size options, a 55kWh battery or a larger 82kWh battery. The entry-level Q4 is the 35 model that offers a 55kWh battery, 170hp, and a maximum range of 212 miles. The next in line is the Audi Q4 40 which offers the larger 82kWh battery, 204hp, and a maximum range of 323 miles.
The mid-level Q4 e-tron 45 offers the 82kWh battery, but the power is raised to 265hp while the maximum range is lowered to 305 miles. The Q4 50 model is the most powerful one with a power output of 300hp and a maximum range of 303 miles with the same 82kWh battery.
The 55kWh model can be recharged using a fast DC charger in about 30 minutes while the larger battery models can do it in about 40 minutes. Charging both of these through a slow charger takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on the charger, the conditions, and the battery size and preconditioning.
Audi Q4 e-tron – Design and chassis
The Audi Q4 e-tron looks futuristic and it resembles concept cars more than it does regular everyday cars. Its design of a mixture between the Audi Q5 and the Q8 with even sharper lines and more emphasis on the future. The interior of the Q4 is no different as it offers sharp lines, large screens, and a bunch of features throughout the cabin.
The Q4 drives better than it should as it is a 4200lbs car because most of that weight is situated down low. This means that Audi had to stiffen up the suspension, but the overall damping is still good enough for the Q4 to feel like a true luxury car.
Audi Q4 e-tron – Reliability and common issues
The Audi Q4 e-tron seems to be a decently reliable car as most MEB-based cars are, but the Q4 is also an almost brand-new model and it is impossible to say how well the car will do in the coming years. We all know by now that EVs are inherently more reliable than ICE cars and that they should last longer in comparison.
The most common Q4 issues are related to the powertrain, the infotainment system, the airbags, issues related to cold weather, and the Audi phone app.
Audi Q4 e-tron – Value and practicality
The Q4 e-tron starts at $45,000 without any options and options are plentiful. This means that the Q4 is cheaper than the Q5, but the price differences are easily negated by expensive optional packages. Either way, the Q4 is still a well-priced car as many people believe it offers a better experience than some more expensive and larger EVs do.
Practicality-wise, the Q4 is not as spacious as the Q5, but it does not come with a large central tunnel that eats into the rear middle seat foot space. This means that the second row of seats is completely unobstructed which surely is a good thing to have if you are often transporting multiple rear passengers.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Audi Q4 e-tron?
If you are after a luxurious EV that does not come with an astronomical price tag, yet offers everything a major luxury brand can offer, the Q4 might be just up your street. There are some places where the Q4 is not the best such as some build quality materials, but overall, the car is going to satisfy even the most demanding German executive car enthusiasts.
The Q4 offers enough range for most people and it also offers decently powerful engines. Audi is likely going to offer an RS version at some point which will offer upwards of 400hp. All in all, the Q4 seems to be a good buy, but if you want a faster EV, you will have to wait a bit longer for the RS model.
Is the Audi Q4 e-tron a safe car?
According to the world’s most credible crash testing organizations, the Q4 earns a stellar 5-star safety rating for both adult and child protection. This comes as no surprise as most 2020 and on cars are 5-star rated but the German luxury trio is always trying to make their cars safer.
The Q4 is available with loads of driver assistance features that increase the car’s safety a lot. However, most of these are optional equipment and they cost a lot of money if you want them fitted to your Q4. All in all, the Q4 is safe both with and without these features.
Is the Audi Q4 better than the Audi e-tron?
The Q4 e-tron is smaller than the regular e-tron, but it is newer which means that it is a lot more efficient and packed with the latest features Audi can give you. Therefore, the Q4 is the better car, but the e-tron is due for a replacement or a mid-cycle refresh in the coming months.
As such, you should wait before the refreshed/new e-tron comes out before you make a decision.
