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C/D | 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron / Q4 e-tron Sportback

895 views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  JNealCox  
#1 · (Edited)
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7.5/10
C/D Rating
C/D RATING


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James Lipman | Car and Driver


MSRP
$51,095–$66,095



At a glance

HIGHS
  • Poised road manners, generous driver-assist features, the most powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain sacrifices little range.
LOWS
  • Mid-pack charging speed, seats should be plusher, not much fun to drive.

VERDICT
  • Practical and handsome, Audi’s Q4 e-tron lineup is a safe bet, especially for those who like their luxury EV SUVs with a side
  • dish of flashy tech.


By Kristin Shaw


Overview

If you're shopping for a compact luxury EV SUV with a long driving range, the 2025 Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback won't
be your first choice; they don't lead the segment in that aspect.

They do, however, deliver on Audi's tech-focused ethos and the brand's typical good looks outside and in.

Rear-wheel-drive 45 models are poky by EV standards but provide the longest driving range; the all-wheel-drive 55 improves
performance significantly and sacrifices very little range.

The Q4 e-tron recharges reasonably quickly on a DC fast-charging charging connection.

The main problem for the Q4 e-tron is that the competition is a step ahead in two key areas: rivals like the Tesla Model Y
and the Volvo EX40 offer more range and even faster charging.

That said, Audi’s advantage has always been technical aptitude, like the high school kid voted Most Likely to Succeed.
The 2025 Q4 e-tron looks sleek and smart, like it’s wearing a designer three-piece suit.

The interior is well-appointed and there's plenty of cargo room.

Devotees to the German brand will appreciate the effort Audi put into differentiating the Q4 e-tron from its platform-mate,
the Volkswagen ID.4, but its ability to win hearts is hampered given its middle-of-the-road range and performance.



Where This Vehicle Ranks

Porsche Macan EV
1
Porsche Macan EV
STARTING AT: $77,295


Genesis Electrified GV70
2
Genesis Electrified GV70
STARTING AT: $68,400


Audi SQ6 e-tron
3
Audi SQ6 e-tron
STARTING AT: $74,195


Genesis GV60
4
Genesis GV60
STARTING AT: $53,800


Polestar Polestar 3
5
Polestar Polestar 3
STARTING AT: $68,900


Audi Q4 e-tron
9
Audi Q4 e-tron

STARTING AT: $51,095


What's New for 2025?

Midway through the 2024 model year, Audi replaced the Q4 50 e-tron model with the new 55 versions that feature revised electric
motors that are both more powerful and more efficient. The new powertrain makes a combined 335 horsepower, and 55 models
boast a maximum estimated range of 258 miles.

The rear-wheel-drive Q4 e-tron 40 model is replaced by a more powerful rear-wheel-drive Q4 45 with 282 horsepower. A set of
sportier 21-inch wheels wrapped in staggered all-season tires is now available, and Audi has tweaked the suspension and steering.



Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron starts at $51,095 and goes up to $66,095 depending on the trim and options.

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We'll let you decide if the regular squareback or the sleeker 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.

The RWD 45 is the model to go for if you want the most driving range, but we'd choose the AWD 55 for its extra power.



Want to compare the 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron to other vehicles you’re interested in?

Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice.


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James Lipman | Car and Driver

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Q4 e-tron’s 77.0-kWh battery pack provides up to an EPA-rated 288 miles per charge when paired with the standard single-
motor 45 powertrain, and up to 258 miles per charge in the all-wheel-drive Q4 e-tron 55. In our 75-mph real-world highway range
test, the Q4 e-tron Sportback 55 achieved 220 miles. All models now support fast charging at up to 175 kW and, according to Audi,
can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes.

This is slower than the class-leading Genesis GV60, which is capable of charging to the same level in just 18 minutes, according
to Genesis. In our testing, the Q4 charged from 10 percent to 90 percent in 36 minutes.



Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The rear-wheel drive Q4 e-tron 45 is rated for 125 MPGe city and 104 MPGe highway; the all-wheel drive 55 model is rated lower
at 107 MPGe and 92 MPGe.

The Q4 55 e-tron Sportback we tested achieved a result of 95 MPGe on our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test.

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. It incorporates a
few unique features, including as a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Both the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron
Sportback offer seating for five, although we think the seats could use a bit more cushioning.

The interior's passenger space is about the same as in the slightly larger, gas-powered Q5, and cargo space is similarly handy:
we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the Q4 e-tron's rear seat and 22 in total with the seat backs folded.


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James Lipman | Car and Driver


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 line of sight.



Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


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Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

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 offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger Q8 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

Specifications

2024 Audi Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron Quattro

Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,395/$68,445

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 107 hp, 99 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 281 hp, 402 lb-ft
Combined Power: 335 hp
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 175 kW (188 kW observed)
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in vented disc/11.0-in drum
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
F: 235/45R-21 101H Extra Load M+S R0
R: 255/40R-21 102H Extra Load M+S R0

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 180.6 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 63.5 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/44 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 54/26 ft3
Curb Weight: 4984 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.7 sec @ 97 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.8 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 99 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 95 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 220 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 112 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 36 min

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 100/107/92 MPGe
Range: 258 mi


C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
True, but if I had to choose between Q4 and a Macan, for the same cost, it would be a very easy choice. Genesis GV60 vs Q4 is a more meaningful comparison IMO, or the growing herd of GM products.
Likewise, I would choose the Macan for the same price, too, even a bare-bones one. It would be interesting to see a comparison test of EVs in the $50-70K price range by C&D.

or the growing herd of GM products.
:LOL:(y)

"Beloved" or otherwise, I would never claim Q4 is a perfect vehicle, and technology marches on. Having said that, I still prefer "conventional" buttons and switches on the dashboard
No, mine isn't perfect either by any stretch of the imagination. But it has been a reliable machine, so far. The button-less infotainment system doesn't bother me so much, but at least it has rocker switches for the HVAC, below the infotainment screen. One thing I wish for is the OTA. An eng. collegeau at the office teases me and wants to trade his M3 for my OTA-less Q4. He knows I'm jealous of his OTA-equipped M3, and he's tired and embarrassed by EM's relentless politics.

and a squared off tail that provides the option of loading bulky cargo, not to mention some hope of being able to see out the back. ( Although as noted above, for a Porsche I might compromise on the latter :love: ).
We have the same taste.