We Test the New Audi Q4 e-tron: Audi’s Cheapest EV Is Comfortable and Lets You Charge an E-Bike, but Could Improve

A considerable amount of time has passed since we tested the first Audi e-tron SUV from the German brand, and since then the evolution has been dizzying: the e-tron lineup spans from compact SUVs for daily use (Q4, Q6, Q8) to high-performance sedans such as the brutal e-tron GT.

Now the four-ring brand has refreshed the Audi Q4 e-tron, its best-selling electric model: it arrives with 592 km of range (30 more than the previous version), a new interior and, for the first time in the brand, the Q4 e-tron can power electric devices such as, for example, an electric bike. And although it is the cheapest Audi electric model you can find, everything has a price.

Updates in the new Audi Q4 e-tron

The design of the new Audi e-tron — a compact SUV 4.6 meters long — brings some updates to look more like models such as the Q6: the Singleframe grille, now the same color as the body, incorporates a new rear spoiler and a redesigned diffuser. When it comes to towing capacity, it reaches 1,400 kg in the quattro version, and the trunk of 515 liters can reach 1,487 liters with the rear seats folded. Oh, and it also features new wheels ranging from 19 inches to 21.

It arrives in three versions: e-tron (204 HP and 59 kWh battery), e-tron performance (286 HP and 77 kWh) and e-tron quattro (with all-wheel drive, 299 HP and 77 kWh). It is also offered in three power outputs: 150 kW / 204 HP, 210 kW / 286 HP and 220 kW / 299 HP, which combine with the two net batteries of 59 kWh and 77 kWh.

Inside the Audi Q4 e-tron we find a panoramic display with a 30.2 cm (11.9 inches) instrument cluster and an MMI touchscreen of 32.5 cm (12.8 inches) that keeps everything in view. The setup is completed with the optional 30.5 cm (12 inches) passenger display, which features a customizable standby design.

Does it see a lot of use? Probably not, but it’s one of those extras that more and more cars are equipped with.

The Q4 e-tron is Audi’s first model to support bidirectional charging

Audi offers the Q4 e-tron in both SUV and Sportback body styles, each with two battery sizes to choose from: 63 kWh and 82 kWh gross capacity (59 kWh and 77 kWh net, respectively). And it is indeed the first model from the four-ring brand with bidirectional Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging, which allows the car to power electrical devices directly. It does this via a household outlet located in the luggage area that provides a continuous power of 2.3 kW at 230 V, or via an optional adapter at the side charging port with a household outlet (2.3 kW).

It is also prepared for the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) function, where the high-voltage battery acts as supplementary home energy storage, for example in combination with a photovoltaic system.

Charging times and power

The DC charging power of the 82 kWh battery of the Audi Q4 e-tron Performance and e-tron quattro is up to 165 kW, allowing 10-80% charging at a fast charging station in under 30 minutes. In 10 minutes you can add up to 185 km of range.

The Plug & Charge function, included as standard, is also a novelty: at compatible charging stations the car automatically authenticates with an Audi charging contract when the cable is connected, starts the charging process and automatically manages billing when the session ends.

Behind the wheel of the new Audi Q4 e-tron in its SUV body

As anticipated, the Q4 e-tron is available with two battery sizes: 63 kWh and 82 kWh. In our case we tested the SUV bodystyle equipped with a 63 kWh battery, delivering up to 440 km of range.

Once inside we notice the differences with the previous generation: there is less hard plastic, softer and more pleasant-to-the-touch surfaces, but also fewer buttons. The interior space is more than adequate for both front and rear occupants, where two adults can travel comfortably.

This electric SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h, and although it weighs around two tons, it doesn’t feel heavy at all. It accelerates briskly and quietly—the cabin’s sound insulation is spectacular—although Audi has prioritized making the Q4 e-tron a more family-oriented car than a sports car, with tuning geared toward comfort rather than dynamism.

The steering is very smooth and precise (in any chosen driving mode), especially on the highway. In spirited driving you must account for inertia and body movements because it tends to widen the trajectory.

But undoubtedly Audi’s masterstroke has been keeping the paddles behind the steering wheel to regulate the levels of regenerative braking. In this sense, the new generation of the SUV carries over the same trait as its predecessor: the brake pedal feel (drum-type) lacks bite and its travel can seem endless at times. Therefore, you have to adapt to the feel, to how it decelerates and anticipates braking, or otherwise use the paddles and take advantage of the efficient automatic regenerative braking system.

On the other hand, head-up display systems with augmented reality are for those who prefer to have the maximum amount of information at the wheel. In my view these technologies feel invasive and excessive when considering that the navigation already serves its purpose. Added to that is the absence of physical buttons, which makes it much harder to operate basic functions such as the climate control.

Regarding consumption, it is homologated at 16.5 kWh/100 km, which at a moderate pace, on mountain roads and with typical Asturian weather (24 degrees in July), can drop to about 15 kWh.

Prices of the Audi Q4 e-tron

In Spain, the Audi Q4 SUV e-tron with the 63 kWh battery has a starting price of 49,970 euros and the performance version with the 82 kWh battery starts from 55,570 euros, not counting the subsidies of the Auto+ Plan (up to 4,500 euros). The premium for the Sportback bodystyles is 2,100 euros.