Audi Q4 e-tron review: A compelling EV for luxury car buyers

Audi’s Q4 e-tron represents the brand’s entry-level electric vehicle within its expanding EV portfolio, positioned below the larger Q6 and Q8 e-tron SUVs and the high-performance e-tron GT. Despite being the smallest Audi electric SUV, the Q4 e-tron is still a mid-size vehicle, comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y. Pricing starts at around $84,900 before on-road costs, placing it firmly in the premium segment. This makes it a compelling option for traditional luxury car buyers looking to transition to electric, rather than a budget-friendly choice for the wider market. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Q4 e-tron shares its architecture with several other electric models across the group, including the Cupra Born and Skoda Enyaq. The range comprises four variants: two rear-wheel-drive Q4 45 versions available as either a standard SUV or a Sportback coupé-style SUV, and two more powerful all-wheel-drive Q4 55 models that offer enhanced performance and additional interior features at a roughly $20,000 premium. Interestingly, the Sportback, despite its sloping roofline, offers marginally more boot space than the SUV, though rear headroom is compromised, making the SUV a better choice for taller passengers. The Q4 e-tron impresses with its sleek exterior design and a premium-feeling interior, although some hard plastics on door panels slightly detract from the overall quality. The cabin is driver-focused, featuring an angled central touchscreen and tactile physical controls for climate settings. Comfort is a strong point, with well-cushioned leather-appointed seats praised for long-distance support, especially when equipped with the optional comfort package that adds electronic adjustments and memory functions. However, ventilation in the seats remains absent, a feature that some less expensive competitors now offer as standard. Driving dynamics and ride quality stand out as key strengths of the Q4 e-tron, combining Audi’s extensive automotive expertise to deliver a vehicle that feels both sporty and comfortable. The handling is confident and composed through corners, while the suspension soaks up road imperfections effectively, earning positive feedback from all passengers. Performance varies between models, with the single-motor Q4 45 accelerating to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and the dual-motor Q4 55 shaving that time down to 5.4 seconds. The cabin is notably quiet, with road noise only becoming apparent on rough surfaces, and efficiency figures are respectable, providing a real-world highway range of around 450 km. Despite the many positives, the Q4 e-tron is not without flaws. The built-in navigation system feels outdated, relying on a robotic text-to-speech voice that detracts from the user experience. While wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer a workaround, connectivity issues were occasionally noted, including Bluetooth audio glitches and intermittent Android Auto failures. Navigation prompts appear on the instrument cluster but not on the head-up display, which may be