- Latest Audi Q4 e-tron road-tested
- Up to 336 miles of claimed range from the larger 82kWh battery
- Improved charging speeds, with up to 185 kW DC rapid charging
- Premium cabin quality with solid fit and finish throughout
- Comfortable and refined on long motorway journeys
- Pricey compared with rivals, especially the closely related Skoda Enyaq
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(Our man Matt with the brand new Audi Q4 e-tron)
We've driven the facelifted new Audi Q4 e-tron in its native Germany - and here's everything you need to know.
The Audi Q4 e-tron has been a popular choice in the UK since arriving in 2021, offering a premium all-electric SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life.
The updated model tested here promises more power, improved efficiency, and extra range, suggesting there's more to this facelift than a tweaked grille and a glossy new brochure.
And, as before you can lease the Audi Q4 e-tron as either the traditionally-shaped SUV or the swooping, coupe-esque Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron.
What's new about the latest Audi Q4 e-tron?
The line-up starts with a rear-wheel-drive model and extends to the range-topping quattro performance variant.
Audi says the quattro models can charge at up to 165kW, reaching 10-80% in around 29 minutes, while the flagship e-tron quattro performance increases that to 185kW, shaving around two minutes off the stop.
Even the entry-level model supports up to 160kW DC charging, completing the same 10-80% sprint in a claimed 27 minutes. Using a 7.4kW home wallbox, a full charge takes around 13 hours.
Naturally, there's only so much you can verify during a one-day media launch. Charging claims are difficult to validate, but range, performance and interior quality are all fair game. And where better to put the Q4 e-tron through its paces than on Germany's roads?
Negotiating the mean stress of Munich in our Audi Q4 e-tron
After touching down in Munich, we were treated to the customary manufacturer presentation, covering everything from brake regeneration to the latest infotainment updates. Thankfully, it didn't outstay its welcome, and before long we were handed the keys.
Audi had planned two routes: a 209-mile, five-hour drive that ventured into Switzerland, or a shorter 155-mile, four-hour loop.
With an evening flight back to Edinburgh looming, the latter was the sensible choice. Before we could stretch the Q4 e-tron's legs on faster roads, though, we first had to negotiate Munich's busy city streets.
Our test car was the entry-level Q4 e-tron Sport SUV, fitted with the smaller 63kWh battery. Audi quotes up to 273 miles of range for the SUV and 280 miles for the sleeker Sportback.
As you'd expect, it's generously equipped with the latest driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, intersection assist, parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Thankfully, unlike some modern cars that seem determined to scold you every few seconds, the Audi's warning systems are relatively unobtrusive. It still bongs and beeps to meet the latest EU safety regulations, but most alerts can be quickly muted via a shortcut on the touchscreen.
As a lover of old Audis, I feel the brand lost its touch in recent years. The Q4 e-tron's interior isn't exactly exciting compared to some cheaper EVs, but the quality feels much improved over some of the brand's latest, more expensive cars.
Audi Q4 e-tron - what's it like on the open road?
With Munich behind us, Germany’s meandering tarmac opened.
And while such roads are Porsche 911 heaven, there was still fun to be had in the Q4 e-tron — I wasn’t sat in the performance vomit comet variant, either; our 201 bhp e-tron Sport felt more than pokey enough when dispatching Deutschland’s sea of two-wheeled rolling roadblocks in neon spandex.
After negotiating steep valleys, underground tunnels, and rugged Alpine peaks, we arrived at our picturesque lunch stop, Käfer Gut Kaltenbrunn, nestled among the peaks around Lake Tegernsee.
Here, local life was conducted loudly over coffee, seafood and wine, while car journos chattered about their Q4 e-tron drives in broad British accents.
Similarly, trees swayed gently against the breeze, as blue skies met the lake’s teal water.
I could’ve easily settled here for the rest of my days, but I had a flight to catch, dogs and a wife to return home to.
Back on the road, we made haste for Munich’s airport. This time, sticking mostly to the autobahn to test the Q4 e-tron’s motorway abilities.
Various BMWs and Audis powered by the Devil’s fuel flew past us on derestricted stretches, while our nature-hugging EV sat at a comfortable 75mph.
There really wasn’t much point in going any quicker, as its top speed is 99mph — and its range would’ve plummeted.
As we parked up at Munich airport, eyes filled with stunning scenery and Audi badging, I couldn’t help but think that while the Q4 e-tron is a fine EV, you might still want to look at the alternatives.
Look at the Skoda Enyaq, for example. The range-topping Enyaq Sportline 85X costs around £49k, whereas the Audi will set you back £59k, reaching £74k when fully specced.
Still, the Audi Q4 e-tron returned 3.8mi/kWh, albeit in sub-20-degree heat, and its range was close to the manufacturer’s claims with 114 miles left to spare.
If you like Audi, then you won’t be disappointed with the Q4 e-tron. Just be ready to pay a little more than most of its rivals and remember to set aside some cash for rear-side airbags and a heat pump, as these are extra.
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