Drive with us: Audi Q4 e-tron Review (2022)

EVs don’t have to be complicated, the Q4 e-tron is the perfect example of a modern-day electric car.

As manufacturers battle to stand out in the rapidly growing sector, the Audi Q4 e-tron represents what an electric SUV should stand for.

It has a competitive range and a premium look that means it doesn’t stand out with an overly pretentious, futuristic design, instead simply blending into the Audi line up with minimal effort. 

The Audi Q4 e-tron is competing with your Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volkswagen ID.4 or Skoda Enyaqs of this world and to put it bluntly, it does a very good job at it too. 

To see how well it stacks up against some of its rivals, we’ve been reviewing this Launch edition. Its specification was very much what is the current S Line spec, with a few added extras like an improved Sonos Sound System among other things. This is how we got on.

What did we drive? 

Model: Launch Special Edition 150kW 40

Transmission: Automatic

Power: Electric (204 PS)

Colour: Typhoon Grey Metallic

Wheels: 20" 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels, graphite grey, gloss turned finish 

OTR from: £47,355

Price of model driven: £53,075

*Prices correct at the time of publication and based on current model specifications available

Price

The best price for an Audi Q4 e-tron lease deal through Carparison at the time of writing is £397 per month, ex VAT. If you want something German, you could opt for a Mercedes-Benz EQA lease and make a small monthly saving, with prices starting from £390 per month, ex VAT. 

If you’re looking to save some more, consider the spacious Skoda Enyaq, which offers the same level of practicality for £350 per month, ex VAT.

Batteries and Power Units

The Audi Q4 e-tron has three different models, the 35, 40 and the 50. The first two are powered by two single electric motors, while the 50 is fitted with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. 

We were testing the 40 edition which offers the best claimed range out of the three. Depending on which model you lease, your power and range will vary, as outlined below. 

35 e-tron - 52kWh battery – 168hp – 208 mile range 

40 e-tron – 77kWh battery - 201hp – 316 mile range

50 e-tron Quattro - 77kWh battery – 295hp (AWD) – 298 mile range

Electric Range and Charging

This edition of the Q4 e-tron had a claimed range of 301 miles. The conditions for our review were far from optimum and, as a result, we found the real-world range to be around 260 miles. 

Model dependent, it can come with an extra 16 miles of range, taking its potential claimed range up to 317. 

Throughout our time with the Q4 e-tron, it was instantly noticeable how hard it was working to maximise its range. Efficient use of its regenerative braking allowed us to restore a respectable percentage of the mileage we had already used. 

The time you spend in the different driving modes will dictate how much of that range you see. The Dynamic mode did deplete it quicker – which is where the aforementioned regenerative braking came in handy. 

The Q4 e-tron supports ultra-rapid DC charging and can go from 5-80% in just 38 minutes. If you plan to use a more traditional home charging station, this extends to around eight hours.

Drive

With just over 200 HP, this edition of the Q4 e-tron has ample amounts of power for a suitable family SUV. Audi dangles the carrot of more power if you want it with the beefy Vorsprung edition – which packs an improved 295 HP.

This Q4 e-tron came fitted with a Sport Suspension, which promises more direct contact with the road, to provide a more dynamic, sportier drive. 

Dynamic wouldn’t be the first word I would use to describe it. For a vehicle of this size, it was far more controlled and composed, coasting along in a calming manner. Specifically in this 40 edition, there's no great desire to push on at any speed, instead enjoying the welcoming comfort levels it provides.  

Being an electric vehicle of this size, you could naturally hear more wind noise passing through the cabin as you reach motorway speeds – something that is perhaps enhanced by the lack of storage under the bonnet - but otherwise, the noise levels are very competitive for this class.

As you pull away, you’re met with what can only be described as your typical robotic, electrical hum. It’s not that loud and it does soon fade into the background, but it’s something you can’t help but recognise the first time you drive it. 

Design & Interior

The Q4 e-tron was designed to look at home within the wider Audi line-up and what a fantastic job the German brand has done.

Aside from the (quite large) false front grille, there isn’t anything overtly ‘electric’ on the vehicle. 

Some manufacturers are looking for a more in-your-face design, much like what you may have witnessed in our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review, and for some that works, but the design of the Q4 e-tron provides an element of calm and class to your everyday drive.

From all angles, the Q4 e-tron offers presence on the road. The Matrix LED headlights make for a worthwhile upgrade at the front of the vehicle, while the long bar strip that runs across the rear adds character and style.

The interior is just as smart. If you’re someone who loves to feel tucked in behind the wheel, you will enjoy the way the infotainment system and the centre console has been angled towards you.

The 10.1'' touchscreen has been integrated into the dashboard beautifully and the overall feel of the cabin is one of high quality. 

The flat top and bottom steering wheel (an optional extra for S Line trim) adds an athletic and dynamic element to the Q4 e-tron, without the need to upgrade the most expensive spec.

You do have to be wary that you don’t accidentally touch the buttons on what is a slightly smaller wheel, but otherwise, it is an SUV that handles well. 

Featuring the black interior twin leather design, our Q4 e-tron was smart and well presented. It balanced an array of premium touches without feeling unnecessarily expensive.

Space & Practicality

The Q4 e-tron offers some of, if not the best, space in its class. The boot space is vast at 520 litres – meaning you will have plenty of room for luggage, shopping or other weekend activities. 

You could argue that Audi have missed a trick by not making use of the space under the bonnet for additional storage. However, with a flexible boot floor, you can hide your cables out of sight quite easily. 

For context, the Q4 e-tron’s boot space is around 200 litres more than what you’ll find in a Mercedes-Benz EQA. 

It delivers on boot practicality without compromising on cabin space for rear passengers. Both head and legroom is competitive for this class, even if you’re over six foot tall. A flat floor means carrying three in the rear is achievable and the tri-zone climate control is a nice touch for those in the back.

Sharing many components with the ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, all three vehicles offer a similar amount of space for rear passengers.  

Storage elsewhere in the vehicle is competitive, without being class-leading, making it a suitable family vehicle. 

Technology

The Audi infotainment system, for me, draws similarities to what you find in rival BMWs. Like its fellow German manufacturer, the system isn’t the most modern out there in terms of its design, but it does work very well from a usability perspective.

The blocky nature of the design makes it very easy to use on the move. Everything is well laid out and clearly labelled. The overall usability of the BMW system means it pips Audi on this occasion, but the latter provides a very good alternative.

Audi’s in-house navigation system remains one of the best in the business and offers a viable alternative to popular smartphone apps, should you need it. 

The informative driver’s display feeds you a huge amount of useful information and can be used to display the navigation system. 

Four USB C ports are dotted throughout the vehicle and two 12V ports. 

Safety

The Audi Q4 e-tron is one of the safest cars to lease in 2022. It secured top marks in its Euro NCAP testing, with a 93 per cent score for adult occupants. 

It also comes packed with useful safety assistance systems that will help keep you and your loved ones safe while you’re on the move.

Rear Parking Sensors, a reversing camera and privacy glass were all included as standard. 

On top of that, you also have a useful Acoustic vehicle alerting system. This produces an audible warning outside of the vehicle when travelling at low speeds to increase the safety and awareness of pedestrians and cyclists.

Model Lines & Equipment

Sport

• 19" x 8.0J 5-W-spoke 'aero' alloy wheels, Graphite grey, gloss turned finish
• LED headlights with LED daytime running light, LED rear lights
• Contrast bumpers in Manhattan grey paint finish
• Front Sport seats in Routine cloth with integrated head restraints
• MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1" touch screen display
• Audi Virtual Cockpit
• 3 zone automatic air conditioning with remote preconditioning

S Line 

(In addition or replacement to Sport)

• 20" x 8.0J (front) 9.0 J (rear) 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels
• S line exterior styling with Privacy glass
• Front sport seats with 'S' embossed logo in Pulse cloth/leatherette with integrated head restraints
• Ambient lighting package

Edition 1

(In addition or replacement to S line)

• 20" x 8.0J (front) 9.0J (rear) 5-V-spoke polygon style Audi Sport alloy wheels, matt Titanium grey, gloss turned finish
• Audi Matrix LED headlights with digital light signatures, dynamic light sequencing and dynamic indicators
• Full-body colour paint finish
• Black styling pack
• Front sport seats with 'S' embossed logo in Twin leather with integrated head restraint
• Electrically adjustable seats with memory function for driver seat and exterior mirrors
• Flat top and bottomed twin-spoke leather steering wheel

Vorsprung

(In addition or replacement to Edition 1)

• 21" 8.5J (front) 9.0J (rear) 5 arm rotor 'evo' Audi Sport alloys wheels, matt titanium grey, gloss turned
• Contrast bumpers in Manhattan grey paint finish
• Front Sport seats with 'S' embossed logo in Fine Nappa leather with integrated headrests and contrast stitching in a rhombus pattern
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• SONOS Premium Sound System
• Augmented reality head-up display

*Model lines correct at the time of publication

Verdict

The Audi Q4 e-tron presents a compelling car lease if you’re looking for a fully electric SUV that gives you premium quality without breaking the bank. With competitive Audi lease deals, you can take advantage of the wide range of model choices and trim levels for a cost-effective and affordable experience.

The space and practicality that the Q4 e-tron offers are among the best in its class, while the range, technology and drive are all competitive factors when compared to some of its rivals.