The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback are two new electric vehicles that offer a package that’s good for reducing range anxieties. However, neither are class leaders in this metric. In this article, we will discuss the features, specifications, and performance of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback.
Overview
If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, driving range is likely at the top of your list of concerns. While the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback both offer a package that’s good for reducing those range anxieties, neither are class leaders in this metric. The rear-wheel drive 40 is rated for up to 265 miles per charge, which is more than most drivers will do in a day’s worth of commuting and errand running. And the Q4 e-tron is capable of mastering such tasks, thanks to a practical cabin that offers similar cargo space as the gas-powered Q5; buyers of the sleeker-looking Q4 e-tron Sportback will give up some cargo area in the name of fashion. Rivals such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Tesla Model Y offer similar packages, though, and both offer more driving range, leaving the Audi with its tech-filled cabin and handsome styling as its core selling points.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback are new electric vehicles that have not yet been ranked by automotive experts. However, based on their features and specifications, they are likely to compete with other luxury-branded EV crossovers such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Tesla Model Y.
What’s New for 2024?
Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature is newly standard on all Q4 e-tron models for 2024. The SUV’s steering wheel also gains paddle shifters that allow for quick adjustments of the regenerative braking levels. Premium models with the Convenience package now include a programmable garage door opener; this feature is now standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback come in several trims with different prices. The following is a list of the trims and their prices:
– Premium 40: $50,995
– Premium Plus 40: $55,695
– Premium 50: $56,395
– Sportback Premium 50: $59,395
– Premium Plus 50: $61,095
– Prestige 50: $63,395
– Sportback Premium Plus 50: $64,095
– Sportback Prestige 50: $66,395
We recommend the Premium Plus trim for either body style. 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. We’d spring for the all-wheel drive 50 powertrain because it makes 94 more horsepower than the standard setup. But if you value the extra range of the base propulsion system, you know what to do.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The entry-level Q4 e-tron 40 comes with a single 201-hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels. With an electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel-drive Q4 e-tron 50 and Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 models make 295 horsepower. During testing, the Q4 e-tron 50 sprang to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Around town, the Q4 e-tron 50’s powertrain feels like more than enough even if its initial shove is more muted than rival SUVs such as the Model Y and the XC40. At higher speeds though, such as when passing on the highway, the powertrain feels more lethargic. The Q4 e-tron’s road manners are polite; the ride is smooth and the Audi feels reasonably maneuverable thanks to a tight turning radius. We’d stop short of calling it fun, though, as it feels heavy in corners and its steering feedback feels artificial.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Q4 e-tron’s 77.0-kWh battery pack provides up to 265 miles per charge when paired with the standard single-motor 40 powertrain. The all-wheel drive 50 powertrain isn’t as efficient, with an estimated range of 236 miles for the squareback model and 242 miles for the Sportback. The Q4 e-tron 50 we tested on our 75-mph highway route achieved 190 miles of driving range. All models support fast charging at up to 150-kW and, according to Audi, can be charged from five to 80 percent in just 36 minutes. This is slower charging than the Genesis GV60, which is capable of charging to the same level in just 18 minutes. The Q4 e-tron 50 we tested charged from 10 to 90 percent in 44 minutes, with an average DC Fast-Charge rate of 87 kW.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Both body styles of the Q4 e-tron 50 are rated for 100 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway, which is similar to other luxury-branded EV crossovers. During our drive with the Q4 e-tron 50, it returned a 93 MPGe combined rating. The Q4 e-tron 40 has not yet been rated by the government agency but should provide slightly higher efficiency due to its single-motor setup.
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 but it incorporates a few unique features such as a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Although the Q4 e-tron concept was shown strictly as a four-seater, the production version offers seating for five. The interior’s passenger space is about the same as the gas-powered Q5’s but cargo space isn’t as generous.
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 eye line.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
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.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV. Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Conclusion
The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback are new electric vehicles that offer a package that’s good for reducing range anxieties. However, neither are class leaders in this metric. The Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback offer a practical cabin that offers similar cargo space as the gas-powered Q5. The Q4 e-tron’s road manners are polite, and the ride is smooth. The Q4 e-tron has the latest version of Audi’s MMI system. 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. The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV.
