Audi Q4 e-tron Review (2022)

The Audi Q4 e-tron, the brand’s first compact electric SUV, has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale now priced from €41,465 on the road, including grants and VRT relief. Caroline was at the press launch in Dublin to find out more about the new Q4 e-tron and bring it for a first drive on Irish roads.

Audi’s range of electric vehicles is growing in the right direction, which is into the sweet spot of the market. Following the launch of the Audi e-tron electric SUV series and the high performance Audi e-tron GT, the new Audi Q4 e-tron brings a full Audi battery electric vehicle to the mid-size SUV segment. The new Audi Q4 e-tron comes to market in Ireland with two battery capacities offering varying levels of power and range – the Audi Q4 e-tron 35 and the Audi Q4 e-tron 40.

Audi Ireland has confirmed that the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback – designed with sportier, coupé-like styling – will arrive later in 2021, with pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch. We can also expect a quattro all wheel drive model.

Styling

This new electric SUV from Audi stands out for its premium design features and prestigious presence bestowed upon it through alignment with Audi’s e-tron electrified brand. It looks fantastic in the metal, a scaled down version of the larger Audi e-tron SUV, but more friendly and compact. The wheels are pushed forwards to the front of the car giving it a strong, unique look with short overhangs. The Audi Singleframe grille is closed, distinctly Audi – but electrified. The single bar light strip the width of the tailgate is another design connection to the flagship e-tron SUV. There’s a range of trendy colour options including the gloriously chic Pebble Grey.

Interior

Inside there is plenty of familiar Audi switchgear. A new steering wheel design takes centre stage, backed by a full digital instrument panel. To the driver’s left, the infotainment screen tilts towards you offering a range of connectivity and services to accompany you on the move. A floating centre console reveals a neat storage cubby underneath. It all feels very family friendly in here but with a very slick, high quality finish.

Practicality

The electric vehicle platform has been designed to maximise interior space for occupants. A flat transmission tunnel yields a flat floor in the rear. The rear bench offers good width and is slightly raised, to give occupants a good view of the road. Footwells are large with room for feet to be tucked in under the front seats. A powered tailgate is available, opening to reveal a good size boot (up to 520 litres), ideal for a family car.

Battery, performance and range

Models at launch are rear wheel drive. The entry level Q4 e-tron 35 uses a 55 kWh battery and produces 170 hp. It has a WLTP combined range of up to 335 km on a single charge. The Audi Q4 e-tron 40 uses a 82 kWh battery with 204 hp and is capable of returning up to 511 km on a single charge (WLTP).

Driving it

The high-voltage battery of the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback lies between the axles, which ensures a low center of gravity and a balanced distribution of weight. The car feels agile despite its considerable weight and changes direction very well. It’s not a sporty handler but performs similarly to any of its similar SUV cousins. The cabin is well insulated, it’s premium and predictable. While it wasn’t a complete test of range, we did notice how the Q4 e-tron seemed to gain kilmometres of range, rather than use them over our 1 hour test drive! Regenerative braking can be set to three different levels.

Charging 

The Audi Q4 e-tron can be charged at home from a wallbox (takes 9-13 hours with 7.2 kW wallbox, depending on model) or using the public charging network. 110 kW and 125 kW rapid charging is available depending on model, the latter which takes just 38 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%.

Pricing

Priced from €41,465 inclusive of grants, rebates and delivery for the Q4 e-tron 35 with a range up to 335 km. The Audi Q4 e-tron 40 is priced from €51,850 with a range up to 511 km.

Equipment

The new Audi Q4 e-tron is offered in three trim lines: Advance, Sport and S line. Standard equipment includes 19″ alloys, LED headlights, roof rails, heated seats, Audi drive select, rear parking sensors, MMI, Audi Smartphone interface and cruise control.

Sport models add adaptive cruise control, rear parking camera, and some cosmetic update inside and out. It’s expected to make up the bulk of sales.

S line models add 20″ wheels, S line styling and interior, ambient lighting, sports suspension and sports seats.

Rear seating in the Audi Q4 e-tron

Summary

Audi is stepping up a gear with the launch of the new Audi Q4 e-tron all-electric, midsize SUV. Pricing is on point for the premium SUV segment – indeed premium car buyers in general – yet offering an electric powertrain with a very competitive range for today’s market.

This is a generously sized SUV inside, yet compact and sleek on the outside.

The fit and finish of the vehicle is beautiful with a fantastic design and alignment with the prestige of the other e-tron models in the Audi electrified range.

Things are getting very interesting indeed in the mid-size premium SUV segment. We look forward to bringing you a more detailed review of the new Audi Q4 e-tron later in the year!