Welcome to our Audi Q4 e-tron EV review! The Audi Q4 e-tron is a stylish and eco-friendly compact electric luxury crossover SUV, based on the MEB platform by Volkswagen Group, and generally more compact than other vehicles in its class. The Q4 is the third model in Audi’s popular e-tron series of fully electric vehicles available in the US, alongside the Audi e-tron and e-tron GT, and was first shown as a concept car at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Audi Q4 e-tron US Market
The Audi Q4 e-tron is available in three models in the US, including the entry-level Q4 40 e-tron and higher-end Q4 45 and 50 quattro. The powertrain is the primary difference between these models. Demo vehicles arrived at US dealerships in late August 2022, with a starting MSRP of $49,800, excluding destination fees, rebates, and tax credits. As an all-electric vehicle, the Q4 e-tron may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, and additional purchase incentives may also be available based on your geographic region.
Audi Q4 e-tron Trim Levels
The Q4 e-tron’s base trim (or “Premium” trim) is a popular choice among buyers looking for a 5-door SUV with a drag coefficient of 0.28 and a trunk space of 18.4 cubic feet (cf), which can expand to 52.6 cf when you fold down the second-row seats into a 40/20/40 split. This trim level also features 19-inch wheels, which is a favorite feature among many Audi enthusiasts. For those looking for more luxury, the Q4 e-tron’s mid-level trim, the “Premium Plus,” starts at around $56,000. Finally, the top-level trim, the “Prestige,” starting at $62,900, attracts buyers who want the best of the best. Additionally, four-wheel drive versions are available in the base and mid-level trims (known as the “Quattro” system), and the Prestige trim comes standard with the Quattro system.
Audi Q4 e-tron EVU Hot Take:
Pros:
- Quality tech and convenience features
- Upscale interior
- Adequate range
Cons:
- Numb steering
- Could use faster charging
Audi Q4 e-tron Exterior
The Q4 e-tron’s exterior was designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, featuring spoilers in front of the wheel arches and a rear spoiler below the headlights. This electric SUV shares the same EV styling as other Audi models but is the smallest entry-level model in the lineup. Measuring at 180 inches, the Q4 is slightly shorter than the Q5 crossover, but its interior space is comparable due to the elimination of the transmission tunnel, resulting in a flat cabin floor that increases legroom. With a front overhang of only 34 inches, the Q4’s wheelbase measures 109 inches. These design elements make the Q4 e-tron a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers who want style and functionality in one vehicle.
Audi Q4 e-tron Interior
Audi made its expected move to a glass cockpit for the Q4, including an option for a flat top-and-bottom steering wheel. It offers touch-sensitive controls, with hands-on detection for semi-autonomous driving aids.
A 10.1-inch multimedia interface and augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) controlled with voice commands are some of the options available on the Q4. The interface faces the driver with a floating panel under it with the electronic shifter. The gauge cluster is 10.25 inches wide, which you can upgrade to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. This display provides additional functionality like full-screen navigation. The Q4 uses the Sonos premium sound system, marking the first time Audi has made its own audio system for one of its vehicles.
The HUD projects an image on the windshield that appears to be 30 feet in front of the vehicle, reducing the time the driver spends looking away from the road. It provides information like speed, navigation and other driver assistance features. The HUD also interacts with external elements such as lane lines and other vehicles. Additional driving features of the Q4 include a complete complement of semi-autonomous driving aids, such as Audi Pre-sense, high-beam headlight assist, lane assist and side assist. It also has adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and lane keeping.
Audi Q4 e-tron Powertrain
The Volkswagen Group Components plant in Salzgitter, Germany produces the rotors and stators for the Audi Q4 e-tron, a popular electric SUV. These components get assembled into motors in Kassel, where the one-speed transmission is also built. This transmission has a fixed gear ratio of 13:1 and typically has an operating efficiency greater than 90 percent, making it a popular topic among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
The Q4 40 e-tron has rear-wheel drive (RWD) and is equipped with a brushless, water-cooled synchronous motor along the rear axle. It generates up to 201 horsepower (hp) of power and 230 pound-feet (lb⋅ft) of torque, with a maximum rotation rate of 16,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). RWD models can recover up to 0.15 g of energy during braking, equivalent to about 194 hp, providing impressive regenerative braking capabilities.
The all-wheel drive (AWD) Q4 45 and 50 quattro models come with an additional asynchronous motor at the front axle, providing additional power of up to 60 and 100 hp at 14,000 rpm, respectively. The maximum torque for these motors checks in at 314 lb⋅ft and 340 lb⋅ft, respectively, making them even more powerful than the RWD model.
However, the front motor for the AWD models doesn’t activate during normal driving, which increases electrical efficiency. The 1-speed transmission for the front motor on AWD models is fixed at a ratio of 10:1, while the rear motor has a fixed ratio of 11.5:1. AWD models are set to coast by default, which allows the recuperation of up to 0.15 g of energy during braking, providing excellent energy-saving capabilities. When not in coast mode, they can recuperate up to 0.3 g of energy during braking, making them a popular choice for those who want both power and efficiency.
Audi Q4 e-tron Performance
The Q4 e-tron can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph. It boasts a maximum range of 260 miles, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
One of the major advantages of electric motors is that they deliver torque instantly, unlike fueled engines that require a delay between the time you press the throttle and when the additional power reaches the wheels. As a result, the acceleration in the Q4 e-tron is smoother and more responsive. Additionally, the forward thrust doesn’t drop off at higher speeds as it does with fueled engines, providing a seamless driving experience.
Audi Q4 e-tron Braking
The Q4 e-tron has regenerative braking, which is a system that recovers energy when you brake or coast, and it redirects that power back into the battery. This feature improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle and helps to extend its range.
There are four different types of regenerative braking modes available on the Q4, and drivers can select the mode they prefer via the downshift paddle when lifting off the throttle. However, the selected mode isn’t retained when you accelerate, and the default mode is restored. B mode, which is the third highest, is preferred by drivers who are already familiar with regenerative braking. Additionally, transitioning from electronic to friction braking isn’t immediately apparent, and you may need to press the brake pedal harder than you think you need to when stopping quickly.
Audi Q4 e-tron Battery
The Q4’s battery pack is a crucial component of its electric powertrain. The Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery cells are supplied by major players in the industry such as CATL and LG Energy Solution. Volkswagen Group plants assemble these cells into the complete battery system. The battery pack in a Q4 comes in two variants, 10 or 12 liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries, contained within an aluminum casing.
The US version of the Q4 uses a 12-battery pack that can hold up to 82 kWh, while the standard 10-battery pack used in models sold outside the US weighs 770 pounds and holds up to 55 kilo-watt hours (kWh) of energy. However, a maximum of 52 kWh is available for use in the 10-battery pack, while in the 12-battery pack, a maximum of 77 kWh is available for use.
Charging the battery pack via a public DC fast charger under ideal conditions can charge at the rate of 125 kW per hour. This allows an 82 kWh battery pack to achieve an 80 percent charge in about 40 minutes. The Q4 also allows recharging via an 11-kilowatt AC circuit. The battery pack’s charging capacity and range are significant factors for electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Audi Q4 e-tron Handling
The Q4’s McPherson struts on the front axle and five-link suspension in the rear are designed for optimal ride comfort and handling. The drive mode selection system, with its pre-defined driving profiles and customizable options, is a popular feature among Audi enthusiasts. Drivers can choose from profiles such as Comfort, Dynamic, and Efficiency to enhance the driving experience. Additionally, the Q4’s suspension and drive modes work together to provide a smooth and responsive ride, making it a top choice for those seeking a comfortable and engaging driving experience.
Audi Q4 e-tron Environmental Factors
Audi’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness shows in its production of the Q4. The company sources only ecologically friendly electricity for the production of the Q4, and ensures that its suppliers follow the same requirement. Audi claims that unavoidable carbon emissions during production are offset by the carbon offsets that it purchases, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions for the production of the Q4.
The Q4’s interior upholstery is also environmentally conscious, with 45 percent recycled materials used in Dinamica microfiber and 50 percent in Puls fabric. Audi’s sustainable practices appeal to eco-conscious consumers searching for environmentally friendly options.
Audi Q4 e-tron Warranty Review
The Q4 has several warranties for its buyers, including a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers the powertrain. Additionally, the Q4 has a corrosion warranty that lasts for 12 years with no mileage limits. A maintenance warranty covers the first year or 10,000 miles, while the battery is under warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles. The Q4 also offers roadside assistance for four years with no mileage limit. These warranties provide peace of mind for Q4 buyers.
Sources
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/start-of-production-for-audi-q4-e-tron-13864
https://www.motor1.com/news/501007/2022-audi-q4-etron-sportback/
https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/models/q4/q4-e-tron/2023/overview.html#
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