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

Join us as we take a closer look at the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron, proving that EVs don’t have to be complicated.

Back in 2022, EVs were still finding their feet. Range figures were modest compared to what we see today, and the market was far less crowded.

The Audi Q4 e-tron arrived as a breath of fresh air – a premium electric SUV that simply blended into Audi's lineup without shouting about its electric credentials.

Since then, Audi's given it a proper facelift. The 2024 update brought improved range (up from 317 to 337 miles WLTP Comb), refreshed styling, and updated tech to keep it competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

But this review focuses on the model we drove: the pre-facelift Q4 e-tron that helped establish Audi's electric credentials.

Competing against the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volkswagen ID.4, and SKODA Enyaq, it held its own remarkably well. No pretentious futuristic design. No overstated EV styling. Just sleek, premium, and utterly Audi.

So, how does this 2022 model stack up? Let's dive in.

What we drove:

Model: Audi Q4 e-tron S Line Launch Edition 40
Body Style: SUV
Power: Electric (150 kW / 204 PS)
Battery: 82 kWh
Transmission: Automatic
Range: Up to 316 miles (WLTP Comb)
Colour: Grey
Price from: £47,355 (OTR)

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Design that doesn't need to shout

Many EVs wear their zero-emission credentials on their sleeve, with futuristic designs that scream for attention.

The Audi Q4 e-tron? It takes a different approach.

This SUV was designed to blend seamlessly into Audi's existing lineup, and it does so brilliantly. No wild body kits. No concept car styling. Just clean, premium Audi design language that happens to be electric.

There's one giveaway though: the false front grille. It's a bit Marmite on Audi's electric cars – you either love it or you don't. But it serves a purpose, maintaining Audi's signature look while optimising aerodynamics.

From every angle, the Q4 e-tron commands presence without shouting about it. The Matrix LED headlights at the front are a worthwhile upgrade, adding both function and visual impact. At the rear, a full-width light bar wraps elegantly across the tailgate, adding character and unmistakable presence at night.

The 20-inch 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels in graphite grey with a gloss-turned finish give it just the right amount of visual weight, while the Typhoon Grey Metallic paint keeps things sophisticated rather than flashy.

It's understated confidence done right – premium quality without the pretense.

Cabin comfort meets German precision

Step inside and it's just as smart, premium, and utterly Audi as the exterior.

The black twin leather interior strikes that perfect balance – genuinely upmarket without feeling unnecessarily expensive. It's premium quality that doesn't need to prove itself with flashy touches or over-the-top materials.

Everything feels thoughtfully put together. Soft-touch surfaces dominate, and the overall cabin quality immediately reassures you that this is a proper premium SUV.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen integrates beautifully into the dashboard, angled slightly towards the driver along with the centre console. This creates a cockpit-like feel – you're tucked in behind the wheel, everything within easy reach and naturally oriented towards you.

It's a properly driver-focused layout, which we absolutely love to see.

The infotainment system itself isn't the flashiest or most modern-looking interface out there – it's a bit blocky compared to some newer systems. But here's the thing: it actually works brilliantly. Everything's well laid out, clearly labelled, and genuinely easy to use on the move without taking your eyes off the road for too long.

Audi's in-house navigation system remains one of the best in the business, offering a genuinely viable alternative to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if you prefer the built-in option.

The driver's display is informative without being overwhelming, feeding you useful information and even displaying navigation directions when needed.

One standout feature on our Launch Edition was the upgraded Sonos sound system. Fire up your favourite playlist and the cabin transforms into your personal concert hall with crystal-clear audio that does justice to whatever you're listening to.

Connectivity is sorted with four USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin and two 12V ports for older devices.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel (an optional extra on S Line trim) adds an athletic, dynamic touch without needing to upgrade to the most expensive spec.

It's slightly smaller than a conventional wheel though, so you'll want to be mindful not to accidentally brush the buttons – something that happens more often than you'd think until you get used to it.

There's buckets of space throughout the Q4 e-tron. Rear passengers can properly stretch out with generous head and legroom – even taller adults will be comfortable back there.

The flat floor means fitting three across the back seats is genuinely achievable rather than a squeeze, and the tri-zone climate control is a thoughtful touch for keeping everyone comfortable.

Further back, you've got a genuinely impressive 520 litres of boot space – that's around 200 litres more than you'll find in a Mercedes-Benz EQA.

That’s plenty of room for the weekly shop, sports kit, or a cheeky Ikea trip.

The flexible boot floor is particularly clever, creating hidden storage underneath that's perfect for keeping charging cables out of sight and your boot looking tidy.

Overall, the Q4 e-tron's interior delivers exactly what you'd expect from Audi: quality materials, thoughtful design, and technology that prioritises usability over gimmicks.

Smooth, refined, and utterly composed

With 204 PS on tap, the Q4 e-tron delivers ample power for a family SUV. It's not going to set your hair on fire, but it doesn't need to.

We had Sport Suspension fitted on our Q4 e-tron, promising more direct road contact and a sportier driving experience. The reality? Dynamic wouldn't be the first word we'd use to describe it.

Instead, the Q4 e-tron is far more about composure and control.

For a vehicle of this size, it glides along with a reassuring calmness that prioritises comfort over thrills. There's no burning desire to attack corners or push on at speed – and that's absolutely fine. This is a family SUV that knows exactly what it is.

Pull away from a standstill and you'll hear that characteristic electric hum – a robotic whir that announces you're driving something with zero emissions. It's not loud by any means and quickly fades into the background, but it's definitely noticeable the first few times you drive it (as with any EV!).

At motorway speeds, wind noise becomes more apparent than you'd find in some rivals.

It's possibly amplified by the lack of storage under the bonnet, but it's far from intrusive.

Otherwise, noise levels are very competitive for this class; the cabin stays refined and relaxed.

Different driving modes will dictate how much range you actually get. Stick to the more relaxed settings and you'll stretch those miles further. Push into Dynamic and you'll burn through battery more quickly.

But the regenerative braking system works efficiently to claw back range, improving efficiency.

Fair warning though: it takes a few drives to get accustomed to.

Until you master the technique, you might find yourself and your passengers doing the occasional head-bob when coming to a stop. Persevere though – once you've got the feel for it, it becomes second nature.

The Q4 e-tron handles predictably and competently. That flat-bottomed steering wheel gives it a more athletic feel than you'd expect from a family SUV, even if the driving experience itself leans more towards comfort than corner-carving.

It's a composed, confident cruiser that excels at what most people actually need: relaxed motorway miles, comfortable school runs, and stress-free daily driving.

Range that works for real life

The Audi Q4 e-tron's 82kWh battery delivers a claimed range of up to 316 miles (WLTP Comb) – more than enough for most people's daily driving needs.

But here's the thing: what you actually get will depend on how you drive it.

Stick to the more relaxed driving modes and you'll comfortably achieve something close to that headline figure. But lean on Dynamic mode too often and you'll watch that range deplete considerably faster.

The regenerative braking system does an impressive job of clawing back energy that would otherwise be lost. Every time you lift off the accelerator or brake, it's feeding power back into the battery and stretching your range further. It's essentially free miles – and keeping more money in your wallet where it belongs.

When you do need to top up, the Q4 e-tron supports ultra-rapid DC charging, managing 5-80% in just 38 minutes at a rapid public charger.

For day-to-day charging though, home is where it's at. A full charge takes around 8 hours using a standard home wallbox – perfect for overnight charging. Simply plug in when you get home, and you'll wake up to a full battery ready for the day ahead.

And here's the real kicker: home charging is significantly cheaper than public rapid charging. For most EV drivers doing typical daily mileage, you'll rarely need to use public chargers at all. Charge overnight at home electricity rates, and your running costs drop dramatically compared to filling up with petrol or diesel.

The 316-mile range means you're looking at several days of typical commuting between charges, or comfortable longer journeys without range anxiety creeping in.

EVs are constantly improving though. Just look at today's Q4 e-tron – the updated model now offers 337 miles (WLTP Comb), a solid improvement that makes an already practical car even better.

What's good, and what's not

The Audi Q4 e-tron delivers a lot of what matters in a premium electric SUV, though it's not without a few quirks worth knowing about.

The good bits:

• Understated premium design: Blends seamlessly into Audi's lineup without shouting about being electric
• High-quality interior: Genuinely premium materials and build quality that justifies the price tag
• Excellent boot space: 520 litres beats most rivals, with flexible floor for hiding charging cables
• Strong range and fast charging: 316 miles (WLTP Comb) with 5-80% charge in 38 minutes
• Composed, comfortable drive: Refined and relaxed cruiser that excels at daily duties

The not-so-good bits:

• Wind noise at motorway speeds: More noticeable than some rivals, possibly due to lack of front storage
• Regenerative braking learning curve: Takes a few drives to master without the head-bobbing stops
• Not particularly dynamic: Despite Sport Suspension, it's a comfort-focused cruiser rather than corner-carver
• EV motor whirring: Noticeable robotic hum when pulling away, though it fades into background
• Smaller steering wheel: Easy to accidentally brush buttons until you get used to it

What's the verdict?

Overall Rating: 8/10

So, how does this 2022 model stack up?

Pretty impressively, actually.

The Audi Q4 e-tron proves that EVs really don't need to be complicated.

It's a well-executed electric SUV that gets the fundamentals right: strong 316-mile range (WLTP Comb), fast charging, excellent interior quality, and genuinely practical space – all wrapped in an understated Audi design.

It's not perfect (what is?).

Wind noise is noticeable at speed, the regenerative braking needs mastering, and despite Sport Suspension it's definitely a comfort-focused cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car.

But for families seeking a premium electric SUV that prioritises quality and usability over gimmicks, the Q4 e-tron delivers exactly what matters.

It's sleek, premium, and utterly Audi – exactly what you’d expect from this German stalwart.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Audi Q4 e-tron

1. Understated premium design
2. Impressive interior quality
3. Strong range and fast charging
4. Excellent space and practicality
5. Refined, comfortable driving experience

Would we recommend leasing an Audi Q4 e-tron?

Absolutely – especially considering how much better it's gotten since our 2022 test car.

The current Q4 e-tron has benefited from Audi's 2024 facelift, bringing improved range (now up to 337 miles WLTP Comb), updated styling, and refined technology.

If our 2022 model impressed us with its premium quality and practical approach to electric driving, the latest version can only be better.

It's a sensible, well-executed package that does everything most people need from an electric car, just with that reassuring Audi badge and build quality.

EVs are constantly evolving, and the Q4 e-tron is proof of that. What was already a solid choice in 2022 has only improved with age.