Audi’s Q4 e-tron is a battery-electric compact premium crossover SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s electric MEB platform and the fourth fully electric model in the brand’s e-tron series, writes Trish Whelan. It is offered as an all-rounder and family car and, as the model number suggests, sits between the brand’s smaller Q3 and larger Q5 model. Its length of 4.58m is slightly shorter than that of the Audi Q5 although Audi say it offers comparable interior space.
Two body styles are offered — the SUV version and a Sportback model. Both have the same length and width at 4588mm and 1865mm respectively but the SUV is slightly higher than the Sportback. By comparison the VW ID.5 from the Volkswagen Group is slightly longer but not as wide or as high as the Q4 e-tron but that said, there’s not much difference really. Other cars of a similar size include the Nissan Ariya, Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV, and Skoda Enyaq iV.
The car’s high front is dominated by the big black grill with the brand’s four-ring logo in the centre while colourful side badges show this is an S Line car. The high bonnet doesn’t help when you are driving into a parking space. Rear lights make a powerful statement and demonstrate the car’s width. Sports bumpers are also standard. The car had a black styling package, 20-inch special graphite grey alloy wheels, black roof rails, privacy glass and an air conditioning package as optional extras.
Tall people won’t have to duck their heads to get in or out of the car. There’s good cabin space for five adults including good rear head and leg room.
The very stylish S Line interior is premium all the way from the shape of the dash — the central console is angled towards the driver — to the outcrop section that houses the gear shifter, with storage area beneath. Front sports eats are clad in synthetic leather/cloth upholstery with S line embossing. Front seats have 4-way lumbar support.
The circular MMi touch control button is to the right of the gears. Graphics on the central touch screen and on the driver’s instrumentation are clear and really stand out against black backgrounds. The big screen becomes a high definition reversing camera. Below this are the temperature controls and front seat heater buttons.
Cubbies include a decent glovebox, good door bins, and a good storage area under the front armrest.
The power tailgate opens high to reveal 520 litres of boot space which can extended to 1,490 litres when the second row seats are folded down. Below the boot floor you’ll find a First Aid Kit and high viz jacket. Boot sides reach out over the rear wheels.
While my car was the 50 quattro powered by an 82kWh battery with a combined power output of 295hp and a stated range of 489km, other options include a 35 55kW and a 40 82kW, which are offered with three trims. The S Line is the only option for the 50 quattro 82kW in both guises. The powertrain in linked to a single-speed automatic transmission.
Key features include 20-inch alloys, sports bumpers, sports suspension, the S Line Exterior, stainless steel pedals and footrest, an S line interior with inlays of brushed aluminium, sports suspension, aluminium roof rails, Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, parking system plus, reversing camera, and smartphone interface. But not a very good blind spot alert. Optional equipment includes a panoramic glass sunroof, a Safety Package that includes Audi pre-sense and MMI Navigation.
Q4 e-tron 50 quattro can be charged at a fast charge station with up to 125 kW taking just 38 minutes to charge from 5pc to 80pc.
As with most electric cars, the claimed range is not often achievable by motorists especially in winter months. In this case the rated 481kms full charge didn’t stand up. When we fully charged the car at a motorway services area, the trip computer showed a projected range of 370km, not near what was claimed. However, my drives in the SUV variant impressed me in almost every way in terms of its comfort, build quality and pure drivability.
PRICE: Retail price is €71,095. The onboard options and paint took the total price as tested to €75,445. VERDICT: While expensive, this is a lovely car to drive.
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