Audi Q4 e-tron: what it’s like and how the electric SUV from the Four Rings has changed

Interior: space, ergonomics and the new Audi Digital Stage

The most noticeable change is in the cabin, which has been completely redesigned with a more high-tech and refined look. The dashboard centres on the now familiar Audi Digital Stage, a solution derived from the brand’s top-of-the-range models, which can incorporate up to three screens: the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12.8-inch central touchscreen and the 12-inch passenger display.

The materials and finishes enhance the perception of quality, with enveloping surfaces and a new, raised centre console with a sporty feel. Ergonomics have also been improved, with more intuitive controls and plenty of space for all passengers. Its compact dimensions compared to other electric SUVs make the Q4 e-tron easy to handle, even for everyday driving.

On-board technologies: artificial intelligence and advanced driver assistance

Digitalisation is one of the key features of the new Q4 e-tron. The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS and incorporates an intelligent voice assistant with learning capabilities and artificial intelligence support via ChatGPT. Various vehicle functions can be controlled via voice commands, whilst the Audi App Store allows third-party apps to be installed directly onto the MMI without the need for a smartphone.

The specification also includes the Sonos premium audio system and a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, featuring predictive functions and machine learning technologies.

How it drives

The car offers advanced safety and comfort features, including driver-assistance systems, lane-keeping assistance and predictive functions. For our test, we chose the Q4 e-tron quattro performance SUV version, fitted with quattro electric all-wheel drive, an 82 kWh battery and a maximum power output of 340 cv. Torque reaches 545 Nm at the rear motor and 134 Nm at the front motor, figures that enable a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.

On the road, the electric motor’s response is immediate, with power available right from the very first metres and very smooth acceleration. Despite its SUV ride height, the suspension effectively limits body roll and allows you to tackle bends with confidence, striking a good balance between comfort and driving pleasure.

The feel of the brake pedal is also impressive, with consistent feedback throughout its full travel: the pedal feels quite firm and provides a sensation closer to that of a traditional petrol or diesel car than that of many electric vehicles.

Its compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and use on a day-to-day basis, whilst on the Sportback version the more raked rear window slightly reduces visibility in certain situations, although the driver assistance systems go some way towards compensating for this. For the quattro performance configuration, Audi states energy consumption of between 16.2 and 18.9 kWh/100 km, zero CO₂ emissions and a range of between 462 and 541 km.

Engines and charging: up to 340 CV and a range of 592 km

The range comprises three electric powertrain configurations with power outputs ranging from 204 to 340 cv and two battery capacities, 63 and 82 kWh. The entry-level Q4 e-tron features rear-wheel drive, a 63 kWh battery and 204 cv, whilst the e-tron performance variant combines an 82 kWh battery with 286 cv. At the top of the range is the e-tron quattro performance with quattro electric all-wheel drive, 340 cv and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds.

Among the key technical innovations is a new permanent-magnet synchronous motor, which improves efficiency by 10% compared with the previous model. This upgrade, together with optimisations to the energy management system and transmission, increases both range and performance. The long-range version achieves up to 577 km for the Q4 e-tron and up to 592 km for the Q4 Sportback e-tron in the WLTP cycle.

Charge at up to 185 kW

The charging system has also been updated. The new Q4 e-tron supports DC charging power of up to 185 kW, allowing you to regain around 185 km of range in 10 minutes and charge the battery from 10% to 80% in under 28 minutes. The Plug & Charge function is also making its debut, allowing the charging process to start automatically without the need for an app or a card.

The most significant new feature, however, is bidirectional charging – a first for Audi: the battery can power external devices via the Vehicle-to-Load function and, in future, will be able to function as a home energy storage system thanks to Vehicle-to-Home technology.