Overview

The Audi Q4 E-Tron is the firm’s cheapest, or as Audi would like to call it, ‘most attainable’, electric car. But don’t think that means it’s in bargain basement territory. The tech, sheen and plushness you’d expect from something with four rings on its nose is all present and it feels every bit an Audi product.

As well as being available as a regular SUV, you can also specify a coupe-like Sportback version, which is reviewed separately. Rivals? There are a few, including the Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID.4 plus the BMW iX3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Interestingly, two cars from that list, the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, are both based on the same platform. As you’d expect from less upmarket badges, both are cheaper despite offering the same range of motors and batteries to allow you to prioritise range or performance.

There are three variants of Q4 E-Tron: the 35, 40 and 50 Quattro. As you may have already guessed, the 50 Quattro features all-wheel drive as standard – the 35 and 40 versions are rear-wheel drive only. You can also choose from two battery capacities – a 52kWh pack, which comes in the more affordable 35 model, or a larger 77kWh pack, which comes in the 40 and 50 quattro versions. With the bigger pack, your range stretches to more than 300 miles (officially, more on that later) for the most efficient versions.

Style-wise, the Q4 is slightly odd looking. It receives a massive Audi grille, in spite of not actually needing it, but the long body and short bonnet look make it appear slightly as if it’s been smacked in the mouth with a shovel. The Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.4. arguably have more appealing styling, but for most people the allure of the Audi four rings will be enough to overlook that.

The market for mid-sized electric SUVs is really starting to heat up. Does the Q4 have what it takes to stay in the kitchen with that kind of heat? Over the next few pages we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Audi Q4 E-Tron and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run.