Audi Q4 e-tron first drive – Its been some 15 months since we first had a sneak preview and took its time in coming, but the wait is worth it. The Audi Q4 sits in the small to mid sized SUV segment. It crosses segment boundaries between the Q3 and Q5.
We get the revised suspension, battery and motor updates on the original model.
I had my first drive of the Q4 e-tron and I have to say – first impressions are extremely favorable.
Quick recap on the product highlights
There are a lot of details in this article below, but a quick update is as follows
- There are two body shapes. The SUV And Sportback
- There are two power ratings, a 45 and 55
- The 45 e-tron comes in rear wheel drive only in both body shapes.
- The 55 e-tron comes again in both body shapes but with the famous Audi quattro system.
The pricing for the Model Year 2025 (MY25) Q4 e-tron are as follows, along with indicative range^^ for each variant;
- Q4 45 e-tron: Priced at $84,900*, with a combined EV range of up to 524 km.
- Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron: Priced at $86,500*, with a combined EV range of up to 540 km.
- Q4 55 e-tron quattro: Priced at $105,900*, with a combined EV range of up to 488 km.
- Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro: Priced at $107,500*, with a combined EV range of up to 503 km.
- *MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
AnyAutoTV Video
What does the Q4 e-tron look like
Well the style winner is definitely the Sportback version. Audi seems to get this type of vehicle just right. Its sleek, balanced and turns heads.
Having said that the SUV looks much better in the flesh and grows on you.
The 55 versions come with S-Line exterior styling for that extra touch of class.
LED headlights, DRLs are appreciated. However the clever Matrix headlights only come on the 55 models which means a price over $100,000
Wheels are 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels on the 45 models and 20 or 21 inch on the 55 Quattro models.
Overall the Q4 gets double ticks for each body style.
What is the Q4 e-tron like inside ?
Typically Audi is the immediate answer. Audi have forgone the choice to make the e-tron vehicles different to their usual models and that is a good thing.
Overall ambiance is premium, but there are a few hard plastic touches that betray that.
In front of the driver is a large screen for the Audi virtual cockpit. This is framed by a thick rimmed leather wheel in the 45. The 55 quattro models have a stylish and practical flat top and bottom sports wheel, that I love.
Front seats in the 45 models are comfortable and supportive, the 55 S-Line models more so and are more sports orientated.
One thing that is slightly different is the central screen stack. The usual Audi style is a double stack, with the lower screen for Air conditioner controls. On the Q4 they have reverted to manual controls, which have better functionality.
This is primarily because of the ‘floating’ transmission controls. There is a simple slide control for the transmission and sports mode selections.
Underneath there is a large storage area as well as some USB ports. Its a little difficult to access though. In the centre are two cup holders, but the surprise is the bottle holder in the door sill. Its clever and practical.
Im a fan of the wide A/C outlets, especially when it was 42 degrees on the drive day around Adelaide.
Rear seats are best for two people, but my 190 cm frame that is larger than the average bear will fit comfortably. Plenty of head room as well.
Boot space is what you would expect. The interior space is close or feels slightly larger than a Q5.
Audi Q4 electric motors and drivetrain
Both models come with a 82 kWh battery pack (with a 77 kWh usable capacity) that can charge at up to 175kW speeds on a DC fast charger.
The Q4 e-tron 45 comes with rear wheel drive and a single, rear-mount electric motor. Power is 210kW and torque is 545Nm. There is up to 540km of driving range based on WLTP testing. This has a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds.
Q4 55 e-tron comes with quattro drive and dual electric motors outputting a combined 250 kW of power and 679 Nm of torque. This has a claimed 0-100 km/h of 5.4 seconds. WLTP range is up to 503 km.
Both models allow for three stage regenerative braking, but not full one pedal driving, which is good.
What is the Q4 e-tron like to drive?
Our drive program took us through the suburban traffic of Adelaide out the the Mclaren Vale wineries, along motorways and back to Adelaide again. The typical type of drive owners may expect to do in the Q4.
Lets start by saying the Q4 weighs around 2200 kg. That’s a hefty beast for sure. However when driving it doesn’t feel that heavy. Its definitely sporty, not outright fast. But the instant torque allows responsive and engaging driving.
The 45 models provide enough fun for most drivers. And being rear wheel drive can be driven enthusiastically. However if you are after more performance, then the quattro 55 model is the weapon of choice.
Each model is great in a straight line and will hunker down around corners. You don’t feel the weight transfer too much unless you are really pushing it. More like it allows and encourages spirited and fun driving.
The brakes can be a touch light under pressure, that’s why its better to drive with stage three regeneration mostly. Better battery charging, better control over the vehicle and simply more fun.
I absolutely love the S-Line steering wheel on the 55 models. It feels just right in the hands and well weighted. Some may say its too light, but it suits me.
Q4 e-tron drive modes
Like many Audi’s there is a choice of multiple driving modes, however being inherently lazy, I just leave it on Auto and it does the work for me. Unlike many sport models there is no standard adaptive damping control, so for the purists, the only factors that are tweaked between modes is the steering weight and accelerator responsiveness. That’s why I leave it to Auto.
With the standard suspension, the Q4 remains composed over all the surfaces we drove on. It hung on around mid corner bumps and turned in with the slightest guidance.
Economy was difficult to determine, given we swapped between cars so much, but I did see around 15 kWh on the 45 model and that’s pretty good.
Overall the Audi Q4 e-tron is fun to drive
Quick Q4 E-tron model details
Readers can find the full model specifications for the Q4 e-tron HERE – Audi Q4 e-tron Specification Guide_MY25
Q4 45 e-tron
The Q4 45 e-tron and Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron
- comes with 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque
- rear wheel drive
- acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds
- Battery is 82 kWh (gross) 77 kWh (net)
- DC Charging of 135kW.
- LED headlights
- Metallic paint
- Electric tailgate
- Audi virtual cockpit with two display options
- Leather appointed upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 3-zone climate control
Q4 55 Sportback e-tron
- comes with 250kW of power and 679Nm of torque
- Quattro drive
- acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds
- Battery is 82 kWh (gross) 77 kWh (net)
- DC Charging of 175kW.
- Matrix LED headlights with digital light
signatures - S line exterior styling
- Progressive steering
- Sport front seats with S embossing
- Audi virtual cockpit plus with three display
options - Colour ambient interior lighting
Style package: $1500-$1950 (Q4 45 e-tron), $800-$1040 (Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron)*
- 20-inch alloy wheels in five Y-spoke design – graphite grey
- Privacy glass
- Colour ambient interior lighting
*Upper price threshold indicates RRP inclusive of LCT
Comfort package: $2200-$2860 (Q4 45 e-tron), $2200-$2860 (Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron)*
- Electric front seats
- 360-degree cameras
- Adaptive cruise assist
- Park assist
- Memory function – driver seat, mirrors
*Upper price threshold indicates RRP inclusive of LCT
S line interior package: $NCO (45 e-tron)
- Front sports seats, S embossing
- Combination fabric, artificial leather upholstery
- Headlining in black cloth
- Inlays in matte brushed aluminium
- Pedals in stainless steel
- Front scuff plates in aluminium – illuminated
- Multifunction sports leather steering wheel – flattened
Premium plus package: $4700 (55 e-tron)
- Privacy glass
- Sonos premium sound system
- Black exterior styling package
- Black exterior mirrors
- Black roof rails – Q4 SUV
- Augmented reality head-up display
Audi Q4 |
|
Model |
Q4 55 e-tron Sportback |
| Model Price | $107,500 MLP* |
| Engine | Twin motor , One rear one front. |
| Drivetrain | Two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear – Quattro |
| Battery Capacity / type | 82 kWh / Lithium Ion |
| Voltage / Capacity | 400 Volts |
| Power | 250 kW |
| Torque | 135 Nm front / 545 Nm rear – combined 679 Nm |
| Range (WLTP) / ADR | 503 km max / |
| Economy / efficiency | 17.5 kWh/100 km claimed |
| Fast Charge**/ Home | DC Fast charge 10-80% 175 kW charger 28 mins |
| Safety | TBC |
| CO2 Emissions | Zero driving emissions |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 5.4 secs / 180 km/h governed |
| Servicing | 24 mth / 30,000 km Capped price service plan |
| Warranty | 5 yr/ Unlimited km 160,000 km/ 8 years high voltage components |
| Roadside Assist | 6 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
86/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Style / Appeal | 9 |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions |
|
| Overall Length | 4591 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2771 mm |
| Width | 1865 mm |
| Height | 1622 mm |
| Wheels | 9.0 J x 21 – 21-inch Alloys |
| Tyres | 255 / 40 R 21 |
| Max ground clearance | TBC |
| Wading Depth | N/A |
| Approach | TBC |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | TBC |
| Turning Circle KTK | 11.5 m |
| Boot Min | 535 L |
| Boot Max | TBC |
| Kerb Weight | 2235 kg |
| Battery weight | TBC |
| Payload (kg) | TBC |
| GVM (kg) | TBC |
| GCM | TBC |
| Towing Capacity | 1200 kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 75 kg |
Audi Q4 e-tron ahead of Australian arrival – update Au
Overall Rating
-
Rating - 8.6/108.6/10
