Audi Q4 e-tron
The smallest electric Audi offers compact dimensions but plenty of space. Does it have the talent to compete?
MODEL TESTED: Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro S line
PRICE: £53,470 POWER: 2x electric motors, 295bhp
WE’VE already tested the Audi Q4 e-tron in rear-wheel-drive configuration, but here we’re trying a version with the famous quattro badge on the bootlid. The 50 e-tron packs two electric motors for four-wheel drive, and the S line model we’ve lined up here starts from £53,470, although our test car came with around £10,000 worth of options.
Design & engineering
THE Audi Q4 e-tron is smaller than the Model Y in every direction apart from height, and it certainly looks more compact and stockier than its American rival. The bluff front end and angular Audi design cues contribute to this, while the addition of a fake grille up front links the Q4 with Audi’s combustion-engined offerings.
Under the skin you’ll find the MEB platform that’s shared with the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV and a host of other electric models from the VW Group. This set-up is designed to suit a variety of wheelbases and drive configurations, and the Q4 is available with rear-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive. The latter only comes with the most powerful
50 e-tron model, which has 295bhp.
The platform’s battery layout means there’s plenty of space inside, but while sister brands such as VW have taken the opportunity to rethink their cabin designs, the Q4 sticks with switchgear and an appearance that will be familiar to most modern Audi owners. The only real design quirks are the centre console protrusion where the starter button, drive selector and audio controls are located, and the twin air vents for the front-seat passenger.
The dashboard layout is entirely conventional, with climate controls separate from the touchscreen, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dials and a multifunction steering wheel. We did find that the touch-sensitive buttons on the wheel were easy to
e-tron,ȑ activate accidentally when turning, though. Driving WHILE you need to press the button on the keyfob to unlock the Q4 once you get behind the wheel the car can be started simply by depressing the brake, which sees the dashboard illuminate and Audi’s familiar “bing bong” alert tell you that the vehicle is running. Toggle the selector into Drive, and you’re away.
While the Q4 e-tron has to give second best to the Model Y for outright acceleration, it’s still more than quick enough for everyday use. There’s no hesitation in its linear power delivery, the car builds speed without fuss and it’s as responsive at higher speeds as it is from a standstill. Refinement is good, too, with very low wind and road noise once you’ve passed the threshold where the car’s automatic sound generator deactivates.
Go for an S line model and you get lower and stiffer suspension fitted as standard. The Audi does roll a bit more than the even stiffer Tesla in corners, but it’s still relatively poised, considering the 2.1-tonne kerbweight it’s hauling around.
This softer edge to the Q4 e-tron’s set-up means it has a smoother ride than the Model Y. It’s better at ironing out bumps, especially at low speeds, but does feel firmer the quicker you go. The stiff