2024 Audi Q4 e-tron / Q4 e-tron Sportback Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

If you're shopping for an electric vehicle, driving range is likely at the top of your list of concerns. While the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback both offer a package that's good for reducing those range anxieties, neither are class leaders in this metric. The rear-wheel drive 40 is rated for up to 265 miles per charge, which is more than most drivers will do in a day's worth of commuting and errand running. And the Q4 e-tron is capable of mastering such tasks, thanks to a practical cabin that offers similar cargo space as the gas-powered Q5; buyers of the sleeker-looking Q4 e-tron Sportback will give up some cargo area in the name of fashion. Rivals such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Tesla Model Y offer similar packages, though, and both offer more driving range, leaving the Audi with its tech-filled cabin and handsome styling as its core selling points.

What's New for 2024?

Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature is newly standard on all Q4 e-tron models for 2024. The SUV's steering wheel also gains paddle shifters that allow for quick adjustments of the regenerative braking levels. Premium models with the Convenience package now include a programmable garage door opener; this feature is now standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Midway through the model year, Audi replaced the Q4 e-tron 50 models with new 55 models that feature revised electric motors that are both more powerful and more efficient. The 55 powertrain makes a combined 335 horsepower and boasts a maximum estimated range of 258 miles, improvements of 40 hp and 22 miles over the 50 models. The 55 powertrain enters production soon and is slated to appear in Audi showrooms in spring 2024.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'll let you decide if the regular squareback or the swoopier Sportback body style is right for you, but with either one, we'd recommend the Premium Plus trim. This mid-range trim adds a power-operated liftgate, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charging pad, keyless entry, and more. We’d spring for the all-wheel drive 55 powertrain because makes a lot more horsepower than the standard setup.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The entry-level Q4 e-tron 40 comes with a single 201-hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels. We haven’t had a chance to drive the Q4 e-tron with this setup yet but weren’t impressed with it in the mechanically similar Volkswagen ID.4 With an electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel-drive Q4 e-tron 50 and Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 models make 295 horsepower while the 55 models make 335. The Q4 e-tron's road manners are polite; the ride is smooth and the Audi feels reasonably maneuverable thanks to a tight turning radius. We'd stop short of calling it fun, though, as it feels heavy in corners and its steering feedback feels artificial.

0–60-MPH Times

During testing, the Q4 e-tron 50 sprang to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That is far more satisfying than the 7.9-second estimate for the 40 but still not as quick as the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 SUV. Around town, the Q4 e-tron 50's powertrain feels like more than enough even if its initial shove is more muted than rival SUVs such as the Model Y and the XC40. At higher speeds though, such as when passing on the highway, the powertrain feels more lethargic. The new-for-2024 55 models should deliver quicker acceleration results, so we'll update this story when we get a chance to test that new powertrain.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Q4 e-tron’s 77.0-kWh battery pack provides up to 265 miles per charge when paired with the standard single-motor 40 powertrain. The all-wheel drive 50 powertrain isn’t as efficient, with an estimated range of 236 miles for the squareback model and 242 miles for the Sportback. The Q4 e-tron 55, which appeared midway through the 2024 model year, features more efficient electric motors and a maximum estimated driving range of 258 miles per charge. The Q4 e-tron 50 we tested on our 75-mph highway route achieved 190 miles of driving range. All models support fast charging at up to 150-kW and, according to Audi, can be charged from five to 80 percent in just 36 minutes. This is slower charging than the Genesis GV60, which is capable of charging to the same level in just 18 minutes. The Q4 e-tron 50 we tested charged from 10 to 90 percent in 44 minutes, with an average DC Fast-Charge rate of 87 kW.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Q4 e-tron 40 earns the highest fuel efficiency ratings from the EPA, with results of 112 MPGe city and 94 MPGe highway. Both body styles of the Q4 e-tron 50 are rated for 100 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway, which is similar to other luxury-branded EV crossovers. The 55 models have not yet been rated. During our drive with the Q4 e-tron 50, it returned a 93 MPGe combined rating. For more information about the Q4 e-tron's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like other Audi models, the Q4 e-tron's cabin is a technological showcase for Audi's latest and greatest gadgets but it incorporates a few unique features such as a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Although the Q4 e-tron concept was shown strictly as a four-seater, the production version offers seating for five. The interior's passenger space is about the same as the gas-powered Q5's but cargo space isn't as generous.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Q4 e-tron has the latest version of Audi’s MMI system. A 10.3-inch digital gauge display is standard, and a large 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is angled toward the driver for easier access to its various menus and features. Audi also offers a head-up display with an augmented reality feature that can project information such as navigation instructions or driver-assistance warnings in the driver's eye line.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Q4 e-tron models are stocked with plenty of driver-assistance technology features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Q4 e-tron's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs