Audi Q4 e-Tron 50 Quattro Review

Read Caroline’s Audi Q4 e-tron review for everything you need to know about buying Audi’s compact electric SUV in Ireland.

The Audi Q4 e-tron is Audi’s first electric model in the compact segment and is a stylish addition to the range. Priced from €46,900 inclusive of grants, the Q4 occupies an increasingly crowded part of the market for premium electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and BMW iX1.

But there’s strength in those four rings. And the Audi Q4 comes with plenty of choice when it comes to battery size and range.

What’s so special about the Audi Q4?

The Audi Q4 is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy. It has classic Audi styling with refined elegance and fashionable SUV looks that make it very desirable right now. A more coupé-like Sportback version is also available.

There are a range of trim levels – Advance, Sport and S Line. But as always it’s the Q4 S Line that will draw the most admiring glances (from €52,490).

19-inch alloy wheels come as standard while S-Line models stand out with unique 20-inch wheels, sportier styling and S Line badging.

The Audi Q4 e-tron is available with three batteries offering varying levels of power and range. The entry into the range is the Q4 e-tron 35 with a 55kWh battery, 170hp and a range of up to 350 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €46,900.

Next up is the Q4 e-tron 40 with an 82kWh battery, 204hp and a range of up to 518 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €51,780.

On test was the top of the range Q4 e-tron 50 quattro S Line with the same 82kWh battery, 299hp and a range of up to 489 kilometres (WLTP), priced from €71,095.

Inside the Audi Q4

The Q4 has a typical Audi cabin with a minimalist design and lots of glossy digital tech on board. It feels classy and well-built.

Standard equipment includes heated front seats with lumbar support, cruise control, rear parking sensors, digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.

S Line models get sports front seats and some nicer interior trims and ambient lighting. There’s also a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.

The Q4 does score well on interior space having been built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform shared with several other well-known models from the Volkswagen Group.

There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in the back, while a flat floor stretches the width of the rear passenger space. The rear bench is also slightly raised to give passengers a better view of the road. Footwells are large with room for feet to be tucked in under the front seats.

A powered tailgate is also available, with a generous 520 litres of boot space. More than a Volvo XC40 Recharge and just a bit less than a BMW iX1.

Driving the Q4 e-tron

On the road the Q4 offers a smooth and stable drive for an electric SUV. It’s reasonably agile and nifty on the road, though a BMW iX1 or Tesla Model Y are a little more fun to drive.

Still the Q4 offers excellent levels of refinement for cruising on motorways and it’s comfortable too, offering a smooth and supple ride quality for an electric SUV.

S Line models have a sports suspension as standard, which does firm things up a bit but it still rides better than a Model Y.

The Q4 e-tron 50 is the most expensive of the range but it comes with extra grip from standard fit quattro all wheel drive. It’s also the quickest of the range, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds.

It can be charged at home from a 7kW wallbox in 9-13 hours or using the public charging network. Up to 125 kW rapid charging is possible, taking about 38 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%.

Did you like it?

The Audi Q4 is a perfectly sized and styled premium SUV for a market that is ever more receptive to electric vehicles. The Q4 is so modern and quiet on the move that it definitely has appeal over a petrol or diesel powered SUV.

Things are moving quickly in the world of electric vehicles but the Q4’s timeless Audi style and classy drive make it one of the most desirable of its generation.

Model tested: Q4 e-Tron 50 Quattro S-Line
Price: €71,095 
Battery:  82kWh
Range: 489 km (WLTP)
Power: 295hp
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year