The Audi Q4 e-tron made its debut in 2021, as the German brand’s upmarket yet compact electric SUV. Competing with rivals such as the BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Volkswagen ID.4, the Q4 e-tron adds Audi’s hallowed refinement and build quality to the versatility and sustainability of electric motoring. Its appeal is enhanced by a sophisticated, minimalist interior and a driving experience that feels every bit as polished as Audi’s petrol-powered alternatives.
The Q4 e-tron is a well-executed electric SUV, combining Audi’s hallmarks of comfort, technology and style with EV efficiency. It’s a practical family car with a premium edge, making it an appealing, upmarket choice for those looking to make the switch to electric motoring.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioA brand-new Audi Q4 e-tron starts from £46,610 for the entry-level 35 e-tron Sport, rising to £62,690 for the range-topping Q4 55 e-tron Vorsprung. All trims offer a generous standard specification. Used examples are available on AA Cars from just under £18,000 for an early example, meaning initial depreciation has been quite steep – but this is changing quickly as electric-car uptake continues.
The Q4 e-tron is offered in both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, powered by either a 52kWh or 77kWh battery. The entry-level Q4 35 e-tron delivers 168 bhp and 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds, while the Q4 40 e-tron ups power to 201 bhp and a 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds with extended range. The Q4 50 e-tron quattro features dual motors, 295 bhp, and sprints from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds. The official range (WLTP) varies from 208 miles (Q4 35 e-tron) to up to 323 miles (Q4 40 e-tron). Rapid charging capability allows replenishment from 10-80% in around 30 minutes at a 125kW charger.
The Q4 e-tron offers a civilised, luxurious and serene driving experience. Its electric motors deliver instant torque for smooth acceleration, while light steering and a tight turning circle make urban driving relatively stress-free. On faster roads, the Q4 e-tron remains composed and comfortable, with good suppression of wind and road noise. While not as sporty as some rivals, its handling is secure and confident and it’s a great long-distance cruiser.
Comfort and a civilised nature are the Q4 e-tron’s key strengths. Its suspension is tuned for a smooth ride in most environments, though S line models with larger wheels can feel a bit firm and jiggly over rough surfaces. The steering is responsive and predictable, but not as sharp as in some rivals, while body control is excellent – it handles more like a car than an SUV. You can feel that it’s quite a heavy car if you push on, but a low centre of gravity means it always feels stable. Interior and Features
Inside, the Q4 e-tron has a real sense of wellbeing, with a minimalist yet luxurious cabin that’s beautifully detailed and designed. Materials are high-quality throughout, with soft-touch surfaces in all of the important areas, recycled plastics and ambient lighting. Audi’s fully digitised Virtual Cockpit comes as standard, alongside a large infotainment touchscreen and advanced connectivity. Space is ample for both front and rear passengers; not class-leading in any respect, but still perfectly adequate, with a flat floor improving comfort in the back. Two Isofix mounts are present on the back seats.
With a boot capacity of 520 litres, which rises to 1,490 litres with seats folded, the Q4 e-tron offers generous room for luggage and is among the most spacious models in its class. The rear seats fold almost flat, and there’s a powered tailgate across the range. Cabin storage is more than adequate, including cupholders, large door bins, and a spacious centre console.
All models are well equipped, with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, satellite navigation, smartphone integration, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver assistance systems as standard. Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, head-up display, and enhanced tech features. Over-the-air updates should keep software up to date. All Q4s come with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – a cutting-edge digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional analogue dials with a high-resolution 10.25-inch display directly behind the steering wheel. The interface is customisable, allowing drivers to switch between classically styled dials, navigation maps, media information, and other driving data at the touch of a button. Graphics are crisp and animations are smooth, making vital information easy to read when travelling at speed.
The Q4 e-tron line-up includes Sport, S line, Edition 1, and Vorsprung trims, each offering a different level of equipment, styling and comfort features. Sport models serve as the entry point to the Q4 e-tron line-up. These are still very generously equipped, with LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, dual digital screens provide a modern cockpit experience, with one dedicated to the digital instrument cluster and the other serving as the infotainment display. The safety package is comprehensive, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. S line models build upon the Sport specification with a sportier character.
Exterior upgrades include larger alloy wheels—typically 20-inch—along with privacy glass for rear passengers and distinctive S line styling cues such as sharper bumpers and side skirts. The interior receives a lift with upgraded upholstery, featuring more premium materials. Ambient interior lighting and stainless-steel pedals add to the dynamic atmosphere. The S line also benefits from enhanced technology, with wireless smartphone charging and additional USB ports. Vorsprung sits at the top of the range, and features a panoramic sunroof and a high-end Bang&Olufsen audio system.
The Vorsprung also gets further advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, a head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen, and a 360-degree camera for effortless parking and manoeuvring. Heated rear seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and exclusive interior finishes further lift its sense of luxury – but it’s not cheap. Externally, Vorsprung models get distinctive design elements, larger alloy wheels, and additional chrome accents.
Colour options range from Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Mythos Black, and Aurora Violet, allowing personalisation to suit individual tastes.
The Q4 e-tron has secured a five-star Euro NCAP rating, having been tested in 2021. It achieved strong percentages across all categories: 93% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 66% for vulnerable road users, and 80% for safety assist features. Standard safety kit includes multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and intelligent speed assist. Early reports indicate solid reliability, backed by Audi’s reputation and warranty coverage.
The Q4 e-tron is entirely electric, meaning zero tailpipe emissions. Efficiency varies from 3.1-3.8 miles per kWh, equating to real-world ranges of 190-290 miles, depending on conditions. Home charging takes around 11 hours with a 7kW wall box. The Q4 e-tron qualifies for the lowest first-year VED (£10), but all models currently attract the Expensive Car Supplement, so at current rates it will cost £620 a year to tax in years two to six. Insurance groups range from 30 to 40, so are about average for the class, while servicing is typically every two years or 18,600 miles. Audi’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty covers the car and the high-voltage battery, with options to extend for added reassurance.
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