The luxury EV SUV market is rapidly expanding, and one of the newest combatants in the segment comes from Audi in the form of the Q4 e-tron, the automaker’s new compact crossover that comes with a more obtainable price and smaller dimensions versus its larger siblings, the e-tron SUV and the upcoming, 2024 Q8 e-tron. The Q4 e-tron debuted for the 2022 model year as the more upscale version of its corporate cousin, the Volkswagen ID.4.
The Audi Q4 e-tron may not rise head-and-shoulders above its competition, though it’s an overall solid choice in its segment with Audi putting a premium on attractiveness, an upscale cabin, and plenty of top-tier features. The EV SUV also offers a range of drivetrains, trims and optional extras, plus a choice of two body styles, to tailor it to specific needs — and as such, it comes in a wide range of prices — while delivering driving ranges, charge times, and overall performance that will fit the desires of most buyers.
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron
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- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Augmented Reality Navigation
- 11.6-Inch Touchscreen
- Three-Zone Climate Control
- Leather Upholstery
- Sonos Sound System
- Model: 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron
- Engine:: Single/Dual Electric Motors
- Power Output: 201-295 HP
- Torque: 229-339 LB.-FT.
- Range: 236-265 Miles
- Transmission: Single Speed
- Driveline: RWD/AWD
- MSRP: $50,995
- Low Starting Price For Its Segment
- More Practical Than Some Competitors
- Handsome Design
- Unimpressive Driving Range
- Less Power Than Many Rivals
- Average Driving Dynamics
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron Performance And Capability
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron is available in a range of trims, including:
- Premium 40
- Premium 50
- Premium Plus 40
- Premium Plus 50
- Prestige 50
- Sportback Premium 50
- Sportback Premium Plus 50
- Sportback Prestige 50
As is the case with many Audi models, the Q4 e-tron can either be had with a traditional, gently-sloping roofline or the sportier-looking Sportback “coupe SUV” body style. The Sportback models are only offered with a powerful dual-electric motor setup. Though 2023 marks just the second year of Q4 e-tron production, the lineup has expanded with the new entry-level “40” models entering the fray.
The Q4 e-tron 40 is powered by a single electric motor powering the rear wheels to the tune of 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque good enough for an Audi-claimed 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Those performance figures aren’t particularly impressive among EV SUVs, but the 40 models offer the best driving range of the Q4 e-tron bunch with an EPA-rated range of 265 miles on a single charge.
Those wanting a step up in power — and price — can opt for the “50” models. The Q4 e-tron 50 is powered by dual electric motors, and therefore all-wheel drive, with a maximum output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The extra power cuts the maximum driving range to 236 miles but decreases the Q4 e-tron’s 0-60 mph time to 5.8 seconds, according to Audi. All models are fitted with a single-speed transmission.
No matter the trim, the Q4 e-tron is equipped with a 77kWh battery pack. According to Audi, the Q4 e-tron will fully re-juice its batteries in nine hours from a standard 240V source, and with standard DC fast charging, it will go from a five- to 80-percent charge in 36 minutes at 150kW. The Audi doesn’t offer a one-pedal driving mode, a feature most of its peers deliver as standard. The all-wheel drive electric Q4 has was noted by Edmunds for its responsive handling and sprightly personality around the bends, but it faulted the EV for its lack of power from both its electric drivetrain and regenerative braking system.
Exterior Design
The Q4 e-tron is far from the most radically styled EV crossover on the market, but that could earn it points among those who appreciate simplistic styling over other EVs that are purposefully designed to look futuristic. The Q4 e-tron can either sport a handsome but more traditional look, or in the Sportback, like a racier and edgier compact EV SUV. In either guise the e-tron is attractive with its enclosed and sizeable grille, sculpted bodywork, short front overhang and large tires.
Matrix-design LED headlights and unique, customizable daytime running light signatures add to the attractiveness. And it’s not all just for show. Aerodynamics play a crucial role in driving range, so the standard Q4 e-tron has a drag coefficient of 0.28 while the Sportback cuts that figure to 0.26.
Exterior Colors |
|---|
Pebble Gray |
Navarra Blue |
Glacier White |
Mythos Black |
Length | 180.7 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 83 in. |
Height | 64.7 in. |
Wheelbase | 108.7 in. |
Ground Clearance | 6.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 4,674 lbs. |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Q4’s cabin is a nice place to be with dramatic yet still understated styling that presents an overall attractive package. The dash is highlighted by its driver-focused controls and 11.6-inch touchscreen with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Some notable standard interior features include a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Available features and those standard on upper trims include a hand-free liftgate, keyless entry, acoustic glass front windows, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and a Sonos sound system. Audi’s available Virtual Cockpit includes handy features like an augmented-reality head-up display (similar to Mercedes’ system that works through the center display) that shows turn-by-turn navigation prompts directly onto the windshield.
The electric Q4’s cabin also provides respectable practicality for its size. Overall, it offers nearly the same amount of passenger space as the ICE Q5 with slightly less room for stuff in the back. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats is 24.8 cubic feet and 53 cubic feet behind the front seats. Rear passengers are also well accommodated with 38 inches of headroom and 37 inches of legroom.
Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 38.5 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 38.3 in. |
Legroom (front) | 41.2 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 37.2 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 56.7 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 55.1 in. |
Cargo Room | 24.8 cubic feet |
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron Pricing And Availability
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron is available now with prices starting at $50,995 with destination with the top model commanding $67,095. Opting for the AWD “50” models commands a $4,000 increase.
Build your 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron here.
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
Premium 40 | $50,995 |
Premium 50 | $54,995 |
Premium Plus 40 | $57,195 |
Sportback Premium 50 | $59,395 |
Premium Plus 50 | $61,595 |
Prestige 50 | $64,095 |
Sportback Premium Plus 50 | $65,595 |
Sportback Prestige 50 | $67,905 |
**Above prices include $1,195 Destination Charge
Safety
The Q4 e-tron is fitted with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and automatic parking are offered as standard in the top two trims. The 2023 Q4 e-tron received a 5/5 star overall crash test rating by the NHTSA
Main Competition
The introduction of the Q4 e-tron 40 models makes the Audi more appealing with its lower asking price, but overall, the EV crossover faces stiff competition in its segment. The compact EV crossover segment has swollen in recent years with the Lexus RZ, Volvo C40/XC40 Recharge, Genesis GV60, Cadillac Lyriq, and the BMW iX joining the leader of the sales pack, the Tesla Model Y.
Against this competition, the Q4 e-tron has a cheaper starting price at just over $50,000, but most rivals offer more power and a better driving range. For instance, the iX is far more expensive than the Audi, but it offered a max driving range of 324 miles. The XC40 Recharge is only rated for 223 miles, but it has over 400-horsepower and all-wheel drive as standard while starting under $55,000. Still, the Audi beats out the Lexus RZ in range, charge times and price, but the RZ offers over 100 horsepower more.
Things get more muddled outside of price and power. The Audi is less spacious for stuff than the Model Y, but its more than you’ll get in some other rivals. The Q4 e-tron’s charging rates are also average for its segment — it’s faster at re-energizing its battery than the RZ but slower than the Model Y or GV60.
Overall, the 2023 Q4 e-tron is a good compact EV crossover, but it falls short of truly standing out in any category. Therefore, it will be most appealing to those who want an well-rounded overall option in the segment, and its relatively low asking price could certainly help attract buyers to Audi dealers and help them overlook its shortcomings.