[Krumplihámozo]

The brakes on the Q4 are absolute garbage!!!
As per the previous quote, they are inconsistent and at times so soft that I honestly feel I'm driving a Lada or Trabant (if anyone knows what those are).
Shame on Audi to have such a crap design, though it matches the MMI (the designer must have taken some acid) and the interior material quality matching a Yugo.

 

[the flyin scotsman]

without regen I too dislike the Q4 braking........we have wide open hwys here where much of my driving is on cruise control in Drive and Efficiency mode..........when required to slow down or stop I generally knock the cruise off, depress the paddle to engage regen level 2 slowing down before needing any braking. On occasion when I dont get the paddle step completed and rely solely on the brake pedal I often feel the force required is far greater than an other car I drive, at times very surprised by lack of decelleration.
my other german cars are Porsche so hard to compare.........by a long shot!

 

[getmoving]

Well, back in the day German cars were known for very high effort controls. As I recall, there were a bunch of unintended acceleration incidents with the Audi 5000 in the 1980’s and it was concluded that the accelerator pedal was so hard to depress that drivers were stomping it to the floor thinking it was the brake pedal.

My mom had one of those and she’s a petite little thing. You guys need to man up! 😈

But BS/trolling aside, it’s possible that efficiency mode biases toward regen rather than engaging the friction brakes. I never use it. It’s also possible the brake pads suck. They certainly like to squeal!

 

[the flyin scotsman]

............ it’s possible that efficiency mode biases toward regen rather than engaging the friction brakes. I never use it. It’s also possible the brake pads suck. They certainly like to squeal!

True, my '88 928 S4 is very heavy effort controls.......but it is essentially a 170mph autobahn high speed GT and the brakes work superb.

not sure how much the other modes affect regen; the rear brakes being drums using shoes do suck, no doubt.

 

[getmoving]

Yeah, I haven’t thought about drum brakes for decades so I had to remind myself what’s not so good about them. I guess susceptibility to fade, relatively gradual engagement, and relatively long pedal travel top the list.

Kinda sounds like the complaints here, but I think fade can probably be avoided with generous use of regen. There’s a big electric motor back there, and maybe that’s why VAG thought they could get by with rear drums. Dunno. Strange choice for an allegedly premium car in this century.

But if you want to experience true terror, descend a steep hill on a bicycle with cantilever brakes! 😱

 

[Mirka]

It sounds like some people need to take longer test drives and stop comparing a car that starts at 45k to a car that starts at 69k (Q4 vs Q8 in UK).

Surely any sensible person would realise that a mid size MEB based car (Q4) is not meant to be competing with a luxury large car (Q8). Full air suspension and much larger body means greater ride comfort. However, it also means much worse efficiency, and for all its greater external dimension, interior passenger space is not much different. Perhaps those who are complaining about the Q4 should have stumped up for a Q8...

I really have no idea what you are experiencing with t your cars' brakes as after my previous cars (A6, A8, Q7) the brakes of the Q4 are exactly as would be expected from a car that uses regen initially and then transfer to friction brakes. It appears that buyers remorse is strong in this thread.

As for the use of rear drum brakes, that has been covered many, many times. In an EV the rear brakes are so rarely used that they are essentially not needed for normal driving. I would say that if you are regularly using the rear brakes then your driving skills need looking at. By using a sealed rear drum system you avoid the issues of premature disc replacement caused by rust and subsequent pitting due to lack of use of the rear discs. Look how many cars need their discs replaced due to lack of use in the ICE world (Honda, I am looking at you).

 

[Krumplihámozo]

Hi Mirka,
Instead of bashing the intelligence of new Q4 owners, the reality is that this product is GARBAGE and under no circumstance should be allowed to sold as an Audi. I strongly believe anyone buying this vehicle with previous Audi experience, this is my 6th, should be able to expect similar level of driving pleasure and finish quality.

I'm not sure where you got your numbers, but this vehicle in Canada costs $80,000.00, eighty-thousand, that is outclassed in every aspect by many other makes costing 1/3 less.

My 2019 E-tron was a world class vehicle in every aspect. Not near as "cute" as the Q4 E-tron sportback, but a vehicle that was a pleasure to drive and was a REAL Audi with quality and no shortcuts.

Respectfully,
Krumplihamozo

 

[Oenonee]

It sounds like some people need to take longer test drives and stop comparing a car that starts at 45k to a car that starts at 69k (Q4 vs Q8 in UK).

I think the biggest takeaway is test drive other brands. I've test driven a lot over the past three years and the Q4 is still over-priced for its fit and finish, equipment and technology. To be fair so are a lot of other German EV's 😜

 

[Mirka]

Hi Mirka,
Instead of bashing the intelligence of new Q4 owners, the reality is that this product is GARBAGE and under no circumstance should be allowed to sold as an Audi. I strongly believe anyone buying this vehicle with previous Audi experience, this is my 6th, should be able to expect similar level of driving pleasure and finish quality.

I'm not sure where you got your numbers, but this vehicle in Canada costs $80,000.00, eighty-thousand, that is outclassed in every aspect by many other makes costing 1/3 less.

My 2019 E-tron was a world class vehicle in every aspect. Not near as "cute" as the Q4 E-tron sportback, but a vehicle that was a pleasure to drive and was a REAL Audi with quality and no shortcuts.

Respectfully,
Krumplihamozo

The figures are, as I said, relatable to the class of the vehicle. Audi canada have the Q4 starting at 63000 canadian dollars and the Q8 starting at 96000 canadian dollars. That immediately gives you an idea as to the relative markets that these cars are aimed at.

 

[getmoving]

The rear brakes are used all the time. They just don’t get as much force applied to them as the front brakes. If you don’t believe this, roll down your window at a drive-thru window. The darn things squeal.

The basic principles of automotive engineering don’t get abandoned just because a vehicle happens to have an electric drive system.

The crux of the issue is that Q4 shares most of its engineering with ID.4 and it was introduced at a very mainstream price point. But then the price was raised into the luxury class. This isn’t unique to Q4. $60,000 Kias? Really?

There is a fundamental dissonance between our expectations of a particular price class and what Q4 and most other EVs deliver. Cuz batteries are freaking expensive!

 

[mwreiser]

I have had my Q4 Sportback since June 2023. I love the exterior look of it. Overall, I think the car is just fine. But that’s the problem, it should be more. I had a 2018 Q5 and felt it was extraordinary. Here are my disappointments:

• The range:
• I understand that it’s a battery limitation, but it annoys me that the manufacturer states a battery range, but recommends that you only use 80% of it. My car rarely estimates a range above 200 miles, even after a night of charging.
• Cold weather dramatically dropped the car’s range. Down by 30 – 40%. Audi deleted the heat pump because of supply change issues. Going from a manufacturer’s advertised 250+ range to an actual 135 miles is tough.
• The software:
• The MMI screen initially seemed fine, even impressive. But it always feels like there are a few bugs that haven’t been resolved. The car often doesn’t recognize me as the driver. And then there’s the times that it takes a few minutes to initialize. My Q5 always “remembered” the previous radio and HVAC settings. This car rarely does
• The app is ridiculous. Rarely can I do a remote start of the climate control. The range rarely matches the car’s stated range. And the lack of previous functionality like being able to remote unlock the car is inexcusable.
• The car does not allow CarPlay to integrate with the software. The heads up display will not work while using CarPlay, and does not communicate battery information with Apple maps.
• The interior:
• The interior does not look or feel like it belongs in a luxury car.
• Lack of integrated garage door controls
• Lack of cooled seats
• Charging:
• I have never seen the car charge above 100 kW, even when the charger has a faster rating
• The charge port is not illuminated. Almost every other EV that I see has either illumination or the port surrounded by light.

To be fair, I do have some positives. My Audi dealership has been outstanding. I had one experience when the car was dead. The dealership arranged a ride for me and had the car charged. They gave me a loaner while they looked at the car. Unfortunately they couldn’t see any issues, and thankfully this has been a single incident.

I have a 3 year lease. I’m hoping that battery technology and charging will be substantially different at that time. But I’m no longer a guaranteed to buy Audi for my next car. The Q4 is just fine. But there are several cars that are so much better. We will see in 2026.

 

[Canucker]

Set to charge to 100% on the MMI if you want the longer range. Normally, I just charge to the default 80% but there’s no harm if you don’t let the car sit too long at 100%. The main downside is that last 20% takes longer to charge so it’s not worth it when driving on a long trip between fast chargers. The app is awful but does seem to work for me (remote climate, etc). Audi had supply issues with the heat pump and we were given a $1000 credit but then were given theoption of adding it back, which we did. Might be a Canadian market thing. Range does drop in winter - around 25% in my experience - enough to make trip planning way too important.

 

[mwreiser]

I got Audi involved with the app issues, but they were not able to give me a solution. I haven't heard that adding the heat pump was an option. It would be worth it. Thanks.

 

[mikeoleary1]

Having owned my 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron Premium Plus 50 with Black Optic Package including Sonos sound system, I am sharing my thoughts and insights. Overall I am extremely happy with it and it has met my high expectations. I am an architect so that colors my perspective.

In its class it has the most beautiful exterior design. It is still class leading in the regard today in my opinion. It has the elegant, timeless Audi exterior design and it looks impressive and expensive.

The interior has examplary dimensions and feels spacious. The interior design is light years better than the spartan design aesthetic of competing Tesla and VW products in its class. However the design is less elegant and less refined than what one comes to expect from Audi. It is good but not great. The seats are comfortable and well sized, but much of the interior design is too frugal for a car in the this class. Overall the interior is fine but not great. The infotainment system software is solid and works well but the design is not leading edge and is slightly stale. The Sonos sound is likewise solid but inferior to high end audio options found in BMWs.

The car drives well but I wish that the suspension was slightly more firm. Steering is direct and fine for my taste in sport mode. Power is adequate but not great. Range is adequate, but not great. However it works fine for me.

The Audi rated range understates the range. In the summer time the car gets approximately 275 to 290 miles. In comparing it Tesla, my experience has been that Tesla overstates the range of its BEVs while Audi understates it.

My Q4 has been extremely dependable and problem free. Areas for improvement: more power, more range, offer a Harmon Karden Audio option, charger plug release is finicky. I would like to see better wheel offerings.

Compared to my 2020 Tesla Model 3 the charger port needs improvement. It is too prone to get stuck and release without a bunch of fiddling around that wastes time. The emergency plug release is to hard to get to and doesn’t always work. It takes to much pressure to use.

In summary I am extremely happy the Q4 overall and I have no regrets about buying it. Audi itself is a minor disappointment. They just don’t treat its customers as well as BMW. I’ll keep the Q4 for 5 to 7 years given how much I like car.

Not impressed at all........I've had my q4 s line 45 for 6 months now, I'm very disappointed with the build quality of the EV, the drivers seat is creaking constantly, i waited for months to get it booked in for the repair, it went to a main dealer (swansea audi) who were totally useless and didn't attempt to fix it and then ignored my calls. Arranged to go in next month for a second booking to resolve the issue. I've only done 1900 miles due to frustrating noise issue, its more enjoyable to drive our second car (vw polo) !!!!

 

[JNealCox]

Worst vehicle by Audi. We bought this car 6 months before for lease, the tire got blowed twice, even for the small stones. luckily we got escaped from accident. The car weight is too high but they have not put the right tier to manage the heavy weight. Please don't buy this vehicle as it's very risk of your life when you drive on the road.

Sorry, but this is not unique to Audi. Flat tires on EV's from driving over gravel roads, etc., has been a well-known problem going back to early Tesla days. This is a general EV problem, not Audi specific.