2024 Audi Q4 e-tron

Available as a conventional SUV or with a sleeker Sportback tail, the Q4 e-tron is full of appealing Audi qualities. This model launched for the 2022 model year, so it remains fresh and strong against rival electric vehicles even if some of them have better ranges.

Although it’s a small SUV, it’s still quite roomy inside, thanks to electric drivetrains taking up less space than combustion equivalents. The battery is stored in the floor. The Q4 e-tron could even be an alternative to the Audi Q5 or others of the gasoline-fed compact SUV class, like the BMW X3 or Lexus NX.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance is now standard, along with brake regeneration paddles on the steering column. A remote garage door opener is integrated into the rearview mirror and becomes part of the optional Convenience package offered with Premium trim, or standard in Premium Plus and Prestige versions.

Halfway through this model year, Audi updated the 50 drivetrain and renamed it the 55. There’s greater power, increased range, and suspension tweaks for a more satisfactory driving experience.

Looking at what else is out there, the Tesla Model Y starts at about $45K. The Volvo XC40 Recharge, Genesis GV60 and Polestar 2 kick off in the low-to-mid $50K area. The Lexus RZ 450e and Cadillac Lyriq begin closer to $60K. We know the Kia EV6 doesn’t have the same prestige as an Audi, but we love how it drives, and it begins at around $43K. For those not quite ready to switch to electric, the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 starts in the $46.5K region.

Before buying a new Q4 e-tron electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Projected Audi Q4 e-tron resale values are a little below average for the class. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

We like the way Audis drive, how they plot a well-judged course between the sportiness of a BMW and the smoothness of a Mercedes-Benz. We’ve driven the Q4 e-tron through a comprehensive mix of highways, mountain roads, and suburban traffic. And this electric Audi performed well throughout, bringing enjoyment and involvement no matter the road.

On the stopping front, Audi has managed to make its brakes and accompanying regeneration system feel natural — still something of a feat in EVs. Many of our editors wish the Q4 e-tron offered one-pedal driving, where the EV can come to a complete stop when you lift off the accelerator. We do like using the steering wheel-mounted paddles to adjust brake regeneration on the fly and “downshift” into a corner, for instance. Drive modes, from Comfort to Sport, also change the Q4’s character noticeably.

Compared with the 50 setup, the updated 55 drivetrain makes 40 more horsepower, for a total of 335 horses. It’s a win-win situation, because as well as improving range, it also takes less time to sprint from standstill to 60 mph. Audi claims five seconds, almost a second quicker than the 50 and more competitive against the Tesla Model Y and Genesis GV60. Audi has also enhanced comfort, body control, stability, and steering response in the 55 version.

The Q4 is quiet and compliant, but even with all-wheel drive this luxury electric SUV feels like a sporty rear-drive vehicle. And the suspension tuning is the same whether it’s the more traditional SUV or the Sportback. Let your eyes, heart, and budget guide you on that choice.

Here’s something odd. It would be logical to assume that the sleeker Sportback variant would have less space for rear passengers and cargo. There’s something to this because rear headroom is reduced by 1.3 inches compared with the regular SUV version’s 38.3 inches. However, the rear legroom stays the same (an eminently usable 37.2 inches), and cargo space increases slightly. Behind the SUV’s rear seats is a luggage area of 24.8 cubic feet. The Sportback has 26.1. Fold those seats down, and the SUV’s maximum cargo volume expands to 53.1 cubic feet. The Sportback’s goes to 54.4 cubic feet. To compare, the Tesla Model Y has a maximum cargo area of 76 cubic feet. And a tad more than 40 inches of rear legroom.

Either way, the Q4 e-tron has plenty of space, almost as much as the larger Q5. We also appreciate the wonderfully comfortable and supportive front seats. The overall interior design incorporates a low-clutter approach with refinement and flair — typical Audi, in other words. We’ve found a few things that might take a little getting used to, like the volume control on the steering wheel and the large switch-like gear shifter.

Typical SUV or sleeker Sportback — the Q4 e-tron offers a choice. Sizewise, the Q4 slots between the subcompact Q3 and the compact Q5. So it’s easy to park and maneuver while not taking up too much garage space. The main design elements follow the usual Audi language of attractive understatement. We think that’s a good call, considering most Audi vehicles have weathered the years remarkably well from an aesthetic point of view. Audi now offers 21-inch alloy wheels for the Q4 e-tron 55.

Interesting design touches include the available Matrix-design headlights with digital daytime running lights. In addition to featuring startup animation, these can be customized to have a light signature of your choice.

Squared-off steering wheel
Well, it’s flattened at the top and bottom, which makes it easier for drivers to slide their legs under, and it just looks kind of cool and futuristic. Like an Audi EV should.

Sportback
We’re all for people having choices, so kudos to Audi for providing the SUV-like Q4 e-tron and the arguably more stylish Q4 e-tron Sportback.

All-wheel drive
After the midyear changes, every new Q4 e-tron now has the added grip of all-wheel drive.

Big bottle holder
Audi seems extremely keen on keeping its customers hydrated. A big bottle holder is built into the driver’s door, positioned perfectly for easy reach.

Sonos audio
Sonos built a reputation for making excellent home audio setups and Bluetooth speakers. Now, the company is supplying Audi with systems like the one in the top Prestige trim of the Q4 e-tron.

Augmented reality head-up display
Another feature in the Prestige trim will superimpose arrows on navigation instructions to make life easier for the driver. We’ve found that it doesn’t work so well with polarized sunglasses, though.

Maximum range of the Q4 e-tron 55 is 258 miles, an improvement of 22 miles over the 50 drivetrain. That applies to both the SUV and the Sportback. Among the rivals with all-wheel drive, the Tesla Model Y can run for 310 miles from a full charge, the Cadillac Lyriq manages 307 miles, the Volvo XC40 Recharge does 254 miles, and the Genesis GV60 has a 248-mile range.

Maximum range of the Q4 e-tron 40 — featuring a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive — is 265 miles, achieved by the SUV-only version. The 50 can do either 236 miles in the SUV version or 242 miles in the Sportback.

Audi has optimized the 55’s battery for faster DC charging. It now takes about 28 minutes to go from 10% to 80% capacity, eight minutes quicker than before. Some EVs will perform the same task in around 20 minutes, but 30 minutes is more usual. A 240-volt home charger can perform a full replenishment in about 7.5 hours.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s par for the course among European manufacturers. The battery pack is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The Audi Q4 e-tron has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and took a 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.