Audi and Volvo enjoy status as prestigious European luxury brands. That competition is only heating up as each company shifts toward electrification. The two companies battle head-to-head with the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Each is among the top choices in the compact SUV segment for premium EVs.
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
2024 Audi Q4 e-tron
The Audi Q4 e-tron aims to provide its owners with a comfortable and practical driving experience heavy on technology. Fortunately, the design team also remembered to make it visually appealing. The compact electric SUV sports an athletic, nimble-looking exterior.
Once inside the cabin, you’ll find an impressive array of technology, most of it routed through an 11.5-inch touchscreen. Also in the offering is an impressive head-up display providing directional cues from the navigation system in addition to the usual information.
The base 2024 Q4 e-tron features a single motor layout that provides 201 horsepower and rear-wheel drive (RWD), although all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. The e-tron 40 travels an estimated 236 miles on a full charge of its 82-kWh battery. Models with “50” in the name make 295 horsepower; halfway through the model year, they were renamed 55, and power was bumped up to 335-hp. Prices start at $50,995, including destination charges. The 2024 Audi 55 Q4 e-tron starts at $56,395. Also available is the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, with a coupe-like roof.
Audi Q4 e-tron Highlights
Superior Sound: Sonos built a reputation for making excellent home audio setups and Bluetooth speakers. Now the company is supplying Audi with crisp and well-defined systems.
Quick charge: The Q4 e-tron can charge from 10% to 80% of its capacity in as little as 28 minutes using DC fast charging. That can get you back on the open road in less time.
Square-ish steering wheel: The Q4 e-tron steering wheel sports a flattened at the top and bottom, making it easier for drivers to slide their legs under. It looks cool and futuristic — like an Audi EV should.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q4 e-tron models near you.
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo’s long been known for the safety of its vehicles, but now it’s leading the charge for renewable luxury. The XC40 Recharge offers vegan leather and other eco-friendly materials inside. On its Ultimate trim vehicles, Volvo also offers tailored wool blend upholstery.
The SUV is motivated by a single electric motor that puts out 248 hp; however, buyers can upgrade to a dual-motor setup that pushes that to 402 hp with a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The XC40 offers ample room inside, although our test driver noted the rear legroom is a bit tight. Overall, the look and feel of the XC40 Recharge is pure Volvo: simple, clean, and cluttered. Prices start at $53,745, including destination charges. The standard, gasoline-powered sibling to the Recharge is simply called the Volvo XC40.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Highlights
Google built-in: Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system enjoys full access to the Googleverse, starting with using Google Maps for its navigation system. Others in the vehicle can access the Google Play store to keep entertained. Apple CarPlay is also available.
Going and going: The XC40 in single motor mode provides plenty of range to get around town and home again. In fact, it’ll travel an estimated 293 miles on a single charge. However, if you’re traveling farther than that, you can charge from 10% to 80% in just less than 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.
One-pedal driving Drivers can use just the accelerator to modulate both going and stopping (the XC40 also has a traditional brake pedal). The Q4 e-tron has regenerative braking, too, but not to the point of one-pedal driving like the Volvo.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Volvo XC40 Recharge models near you.
Similarities
With appealing exteriors, seating for five, and impressive safety and convenience technology, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge offer buyers a great pair of premium EVs to choose from. Also, they’re both available in single- and dual-motor configurations.
Conclusion
The Audi Q4 e-tron is roomier and more affordable. However, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is both more powerful, slightly more efficient, and has a longer max range. In the end, the differences between these electric SUVs are pretty small. The right EV for you depends largely on your needs and personal tastes.
| 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron | 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge | |
| Starting Price | $50,995 | $53,745 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Single AC electric motor | Single electric motor |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed automatic/RWD | 1-speed direct drive/RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 112 city/94 highway/103 combined MPGe | 118 city/95 hwy/106 combined MPGe |
| Also Available | Dual motor/AWD | Dual-motor/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 inches | 106.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.7 inches | 174.8 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 75.2 inches |
| Height | 64.7 inches | 65.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 33.5 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.7 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.8 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
