Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback (2023 Review)
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
Audi claim that the Q4 e-tron is playing a central role in their electrification strategy here in Ireland providing customers with an attractive point of entry into electric premium mobility. This is something we can’t argue with! The versatile all-rounder has been a hit with Irish drivers with supply outstripping demand since launch. It drives incredibly well and manages battery life as good as can be expected when driven without a lead right foot. Our week-long test drive had us on a variety of roads, surfaces and weather conditions but the Q4 made light work of any challenge. There is plenty to choose from in around this price point but few offer the premium feel and drive that the Audi does. Believe it or not Audi will introduce more than 20 new models by 2025 of which more than 10 of will be electric. Next to be announced will be the Q6 e-tron designed once again in SUV and Sportback body variants. We are at the beginning of the largest model offensive in the history of the brand with the four rings and these are exciting times! To test drive your first electric Q4 be sure to visit one of the many trusted dealers in the network.
The all-new Q4 e-tron 50 quattro is now available and we have been out for a test drive. Customers can choose from two body shapes in the form of the sporty SUV or the super cool Sportback model, which our press car was. This vehicle marks the highest performance Q4 e-tron within the model range and it’s not hard to see why the order books are already filling up fast! With a low coupé-style roofline that leads your eye to the rear where the spoiler sits deep on the two-part window, it looks simply stunning. At 4.59 metres in length it sits low and muscular on the large 20-inch alloy wheels. Our S-Line test car also had the aggressive bumpers, S-Line badging and sports suspension fitted.
Features
Inside the cockpit you get LED lights as standard highlighting the progressive design throughout. The Audi display and virtual cockpit are super easy to use and when switched on, you get an augmented reality head-up display crystal clear and direct in your line of sight. Another new touch is the totally new steering wheel with its seamless touch surfaces designed to help you control the digital instrument cluster with simple swipe movements from the thumb. There’s a feeling of spaciousness also which isn’t just confined to the front seats. Generous legroom awaits passengers in the rear and storage compartments are plentiful with total cabin storage space of around 25 litres. Music lovers will be delighted to hear the Q4 e-tron 50 can be specified with the optional Sonos premium sound system. Ten high-performance loudspeakers turn music into an unforgettable experience. With rich bass from the sub-woofer and crystal clear high and low tones you are in for an audio experience full of intensity!
Power
The 77kWH battery delivers up to 300HP in the Q4 and it will do the standing start from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. Irish drivers will find piece of mind with the all-wheel drive technology that delivers instant response from the electric motor to each axle. Audi have also included state-of-the-art thermal management based around two cooling circuits to ensure energy is used to aid efficiency. The thermal management system aims to get the battery up to the ideal temperature range of around 30 degrees Celsius quickly after it is started and to keep it there until the end of the journey. This ensures that its full power is available on request, even in extremely cold conditions. Some EV’s fade in challenging conditions but Audi’s rigorous battery testing will leave you confident in the Q4’s abilities. It is also worth noting the Q4 e-tron 50 quattro is capable of charging at a fast charge station with up to 125 kW, which takes just 38 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%.
Safety
All Q4 e-tron models get cruise control, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and road-sign recognition. There are some more features are available as part of the optional ‘comfort and sound pack’, ‘assistance package advanced’ and ‘safety package plus’ which include the cross-traffic assistance, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and emergency assistance. Like its Volkswagen and Skoda sister models the Q4 e-tron went through Euro NCAP crash testing in comfortably scoring the same five-star rating as the ID.5 and Enyaq. The rating applies to both the standard Q4 e-tron SUV and the Sportback variant, with individual scores of 93% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection and 80% for safety assistance. You are in safe hands with the Q4.
Costs
Prices for the normal SUV Audi Q4 e-tron start from €41,465, including grants, VRT relief and delivery. Our Sportback Q4 e-tron 50 quattro is available only in S-Line and you can expect to pay €69,220 or more depending on the optional extras fitted. Audi naturally have a suite of PCP and finance options available through their trusted dealer network.
Summary
Audi claim that the Q4 e-tron is playing a central role in their electrification strategy here in Ireland providing customers with an attractive point of entry into electric premium mobility. This is something we can’t argue with! The versatile all-rounder has been a hit with Irish drivers with supply outstripping demand since launch. It drives incredibly well and manages battery life as good as can be expected when driven without a lead right foot. Our weeklong test drive had us on a variety of roads, surfaces and weather conditions but the Q4 made light work of any challenge. There is plenty to choose from in around this price point but few offer the premium feel and drive that the Audi does. Believe it or not Audi will introduce more than 20 new models by 2025 of which more than 10 of will be electric. Next to be announced will be the Q6 e-tron designed once again in SUV and Sportback body variants. We are at the beginning of the largest model offensive in the history of the brand with the four rings and these are exciting times! To test drive your first electric Q4 be sure to visit one of the many trusted dealers in the network.
For
Looks fantastic
Interior comfort
Against
A little expensive with options!
To see our YouTube video review of this Audi, please click here.
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