Released in the summer of 2021, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a great mid-sized all-electric SUV for families. 10cm longer than the Q3 and a smidge shorter than the Q5, there’s enough space and range to be your everyday family car.

The Q4 e-tron was built in the same factory as Volkswagen’s ID.4 and Skoda’s Enyaq. While the underpinnings are the same, there’s enough difference to justify the bigger price tag. Outside she’s big, but not too big. Inside, the finishes are plush and luxurious. She certainly feels way more classy than her factory friends.

Technical specs for the Audi Q4 e-tron

The Q4 e-tron has three basic models, the 35, 40, and 50 along with three standard different trim levels, Sport, S-line, and Edition 1.

The 35 is the smaller of the three models, as you might expect. This comes with a 52kWh battery, a 208-mile range according to WLTP results, and a 168 BHP motor. The 40 has a 77kWh battery, an extended range of 316 miles, and a 201 bhp motor.

The Q4 e-tron 50, the largest of the set, has the same battery as the 40, but with an extra front motor that gives the SUV 4WD capabilities. This also boosts the bhp from 201 to 295 and drops the WLTP range to 298 miles.

Performance

Although the Q4 e-tron is a mid-sized SUV, she’s easy to drive. The mid-level 40 has rear-wheel drive and plenty of get up and go. She’ll reach 62 mph from a standstill in 8.5 seconds.

The 50 model is faster, but you sacrifice range for the additional speed and traction. Unless you’re a keen 4WD enthusiast or just need more grip, we’d recommend sticking with the 40. She’s stable and comfortable when driving on the motorway and equally balanced and competent on A and B roads.

While the Q4 e-tron is composed and classy, she’s not thrilling to drive. Even in ‘Dynamic’ mode which gives the throttle a sharper response and gutsier acceleration, the Q4 is more about refinement and poise. That’s not a bad thing though, she’s well-suited to everyday driving because of it.

Although the official range for the 35 and 40 are 208 and 316 respectively, you’re more likely to get around 231-miles between charges for the Q4 e-tron 40 and around 3 miles per kWh for the 35 and 50 models.

Interior & exterior styling

As mentioned, three trim levels, Sport, S-line and Edition 1 make up the range. A fourth and ultimate trim level, Vorsprung, completes the set with the finest finishes, biggest screens and most comprehensive tech and style packed in for good measure. You’ll pay a pretty penny for Vorsprung trims.

Audi’s classic massive (and unnecessary) front grille gives the exterior a more rugged look than the softer and rounder styling of the VW ID.4. It’s a somewhat divisive styling choice, some love it, others think it detracts from its looks. If you’re in the latter camp, opt for the Edition 1 trim as the black finish on the grille tends to hide it a little.

Inside expect posh finishes and tactile buttons for the essential controls. There’s plenty of room too. The driver’s position is nice and high. Back seat passengers have plenty of legroom and a flat floor spanning the rear.

The dashboard is uncluttered but not completely free of buttons – which we like. Essential dials such as climate controls are easy to find and use when in motion.

Accessories

If you’ve become accustomed to heated seats in winter, you’ll be pleased to learn they’re standard kit for the 35 and up. 19-inch alloys, powerful LED headlights, rear parking sensors, an automatic tailgate, and three-zone climate controls are also part and parcel of the smaller model.

A panoramic glass sunroof, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a head-up display with AR tech embedded sit at the other end of the trim spectrum for Vorsprung kitted-out models.

Across the range the Q4 e-trons get a 10.1-inch touchscreen to control the infotainment system. The home page can be customised to suit the driver’s preferences and icons are a good size to make menu selections simple.

Of course, the built-in sat nav looks fabulous and uses Google’s ubiquitous satellite graphics. Load times are fairly quick too.

Practicality for family use

The Audi Q4 e-tron is a reasonable-sized electric SUV. Up front, there’s enough head, leg and elbow room to get comfortable without impinging on your neighbour’s space. Storage space for cups, door bins and storing maps or bits and bobs under the dash is generous.

In the back, there are two Isofix points and a top tether point for the middle rear seat. If you needed to squeeze in three car seats side by side, you could. Having kids up front isn’t a problem either, a front passenger Isofix point makes having your little buddy riding shotgun possible. You’ll need to deactivate the front passenger air bag, of course, but this is possible. The exact airbag deactivation process differs depending on the year your Q4 e-tron was manufactured.

The 5-star Euro NCAP rating shows the Q4 e-tron is as safe as houses too.

The boot isn’t cavernous, but it does provide a reasonable 520 litres of space with the seats up and 1,490 litres with them folded.

OWO Verdict

Audi’s Q4 e-tron is a great mid-sized SUV that feels luxurious on the inside and stylish enough outside to warrant the hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable electric family SUV that’s easy to park, the Q4 e-tron won’t disappoint.