2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Review
Audi’s electric vehicle lineup currently consists of two SUVs and a sports car, each available in a variety of flavors. From a price perspective, it all starts with this Q4 e-tron, here as the coupe-styled Sportback.
Unlike the four other Q-named SUVs Audi sells, the midsize Q4 is the only one that’s sold exclusively as an EV. With a starting MSRP of just under $50,000, it is the gateway to Audi’s all-electric e-tron lineup. But if you prefer the look of a sloping rear roofline with a small spoiler in the back – a style Audi refers to as Sportback – it’s going to cost a lot more. Unlike the regular Q4 which can be spec’d with rear-wheel drive, the Sportback is quattro only increasing the base price to $57,995. But, at over $17,000 less than the slightly larger e-tron Sportback – yes, Audi’s EV nomenclature is quite confusing – choosing this Q4 makes a ton of sense for most buyers. It’s not as powerful nor does it fast-charge quite as quickly, but the Q4 provides more range and accommodates nearly as much cargo without sacrificing much in the way of passenger room. Only if you need the big e-tron’s additional 1,350 pounds of towing capacity would it really be worth a look.
The Q4 – Sportback or not – really hits the electric SUV sweet spot. This range-topping Prestige trim checks in at $66,690 but it is loaded, luxurious and likeable in most every way. Not only is it attractively styled including a big grille done right, but the angular dashboard and efficient use of space infuse the Q4 with an advanced persona; the kind you’d expect in an Audi EV. This Navarra Blue – a $595 option – compliments the muscular, S line exterior quite nicely. No doubt about it; the Q4 Sportback is one sharp-looking SUV.
Using 2 motors – one on the rear axle that always drives the vehicle and one on the front that is asynchronous, meaning it only comes to life when needed – the Q4’s 82 kWh battery helps generate 295 horsepower and produces a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Now, that’s not terribly quick for an EV but because of the immediate torque delivery afforded by the electric motors the Q4 never feels weak. I know I sound like a broken record but if you’ve yet to drive an EV it’s the burst of acceleration that’ll leave the most lasting impression. The Q4’s driving range of 242 miles on a full charge is a little shy of my personal 250-mile minimum benchmark for all-wheel drive EVs – the Q4’s only true shortcoming.
The Q4 is quiet, too; one of the quietest cabins I can recall. It’s got a little Range Rover to its vault-like environment. The driver sits tall in the seat, there’s a theater-sized windshield and projected onto it is a huge, 3D, augmented reality head-up display that appears as though its floating 30 feet out ahead. And this is a first – an automotive application of a Sonos sound system, one Audi hopes resonates with its younger Q4 buyers who already know the brand from their homes. It delivers a lot of emotion through its 19 speakers; I like its zone-specific controls, too.
Audi is also a brand that knows the allure of LED lighting so its created various headlight signatures that can be chosen from the touchscreen. The taillight animations and welcome mat are also sexy elements.
I love the design both inside and out. Audi has really nailed the e-tron look. And even though this top-level Prestige trim stickers for nearly $67,000 it looks and feels every bit the price. It drives like an upper premium SUV, as well with strong, immediate acceleration. I also love the VW group’s signature big windshield for excellent visibility.
The Q4 does not accept 350 kW charge rates like the e-tron GT sports car– those are the fastest plugs – but its battery can be recharged from 5%-80% capacity in 36 minutes at 150 kW…not bad, at all. Audi provides Q4 owners charge credits good for 250 kWh of juice at Electrify America for 2 years from date of sale…good for about 3 full sessions. Charging at home takes 7.5 hours at 240V and a couple of days when plugged into a standard outlet.
Comfortable yet sporty, Audi Drive Select offers 3 pre-programmed modes, an automatic setting and one for individual customization orchestrating drive controls and suspension tuning. As for braking, Audi uses paddle shifters to either increase or decrease the level of regeneration employed by simply lifting off the accelerator. Though not a true one-pedal drive system, in its most aggressive setting it’s close. There’s also an automatic mode that uses camera and navigation data to determine when to go full regen. The only driver control I really don’t care for is the shifter – I’m sure I’d get used to it but the button arrangement seems illogical to me causing me to occasionally grab the wrong gear. There’s also no 360-degree camera, even on the Prestige…a safety feature I’d expect at this price.
Otherwise, the Q4 is easy to use…you don’t even need to start it. Once you sit in the driver’s seat it’s good to go. The steering wheel controls are real buttons too…so much better than haptic touch. Audi’s touchscreen is very user-friendly and incorporates one of my favorite features – satellite mapping, also displayed in front of the driver in the various configurations offered there. And the VW Group has been all over wireless phone projection for years so all is good there, as well. There’s lot of clever storage too, for oversized water bottles for instance.
Because of its dedicated EV platform, the fixed rear seats are really spacious and there’s no impediment in the floor to prevent 3-across seating. With the slightly elevated vantage point, panoramic roof, climate controls and 2 USB-C ports this is the perfect space for adult-friendly travel. The cargo room is only a tick less than what the larger e-tron offers including a movable load floor but no hands-free operation for the tailgate. But if you want all the “green” feels in here you might be disappointed to see real leather and no mention of recycled materials though the plant in Germany where the Q4 is assembled is on pace to be net carbon-neutral.
Officially known as the Q4 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro, Audi’s entry-level EV is spot on and would only be better with another 10 miles of range or so.
Unlike the four other Q-named SUVs Audi sells, the midsize Q4 is the only one that’s sold exclusively as an EV. With a starting MSRP of just under $50,000, it is the gateway to Audi’s all-electric e-tron lineup. But if you prefer the look of a sloping rear roofline with a small spoiler in the back – a style Audi refers to as Sportback – it’s going to cost a lot more. Unlike the regular Q4 which can be spec’d with rear-wheel drive, the Sportback is quattro only increasing the base price to $57,995. But, at over $17,000 less than the slightly larger e-tron Sportback – yes, Audi’s EV nomenclature is quite confusing – choosing this Q4 makes a ton of sense for most buyers. It’s not as powerful nor does it fast-charge quite as quickly, but the Q4 provides more range and accommodates nearly as much cargo without sacrificing much in the way of passenger room. Only if you need the big e-tron’s additional 1,350 pounds of towing capacity would it really be worth a look.
The Q4 – Sportback or not – really hits the electric SUV sweet spot. This range-topping Prestige trim checks in at $66,690 but it is loaded, luxurious and likeable in most every way. Not only is it attractively styled including a big grille done right, but the angular dashboard and efficient use of space infuse the Q4 with an advanced persona; the kind you’d expect in an Audi EV. This Navarra Blue – a $595 option – compliments the muscular, S line exterior quite nicely. No doubt about it; the Q4 Sportback is one sharp-looking SUV.
Using 2 motors – one on the rear axle that always drives the vehicle and one on the front that is asynchronous, meaning it only comes to life when needed – the Q4’s 82 kWh battery helps generate 295 horsepower and produces a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Now, that’s not terribly quick for an EV but because of the immediate torque delivery afforded by the electric motors the Q4 never feels weak. I know I sound like a broken record but if you’ve yet to drive an EV it’s the burst of acceleration that’ll leave the most lasting impression. The Q4’s driving range of 242 miles on a full charge is a little shy of my personal 250-mile minimum benchmark for all-wheel drive EVs – the Q4’s only true shortcoming.
The Q4 is quiet, too; one of the quietest cabins I can recall. It’s got a little Range Rover to its vault-like environment. The driver sits tall in the seat, there’s a theater-sized windshield and projected onto it is a huge, 3D, augmented reality head-up display that appears as though its floating 30 feet out ahead. And this is a first – an automotive application of a Sonos sound system, one Audi hopes resonates with its younger Q4 buyers who already know the brand from their homes. It delivers a lot of emotion through its 19 speakers; I like its zone-specific controls, too.
Audi is also a brand that knows the allure of LED lighting so its created various headlight signatures that can be chosen from the touchscreen. The taillight animations and welcome mat are also sexy elements.
I love the design both inside and out. Audi has really nailed the e-tron look. And even though this top-level Prestige trim stickers for nearly $67,000 it looks and feels every bit the price. It drives like an upper premium SUV, as well with strong, immediate acceleration. I also love the VW group’s signature big windshield for excellent visibility.
The Q4 does not accept 350 kW charge rates like the e-tron GT sports car– those are the fastest plugs – but its battery can be recharged from 5%-80% capacity in 36 minutes at 150 kW…not bad, at all. Audi provides Q4 owners charge credits good for 250 kWh of juice at Electrify America for 2 years from date of sale…good for about 3 full sessions. Charging at home takes 7.5 hours at 240V and a couple of days when plugged into a standard outlet.
Comfortable yet sporty, Audi Drive Select offers 3 pre-programmed modes, an automatic setting and one for individual customization orchestrating drive controls and suspension tuning. As for braking, Audi uses paddle shifters to either increase or decrease the level of regeneration employed by simply lifting off the accelerator. Though not a true one-pedal drive system, in its most aggressive setting it’s close. There’s also an automatic mode that uses camera and navigation data to determine when to go full regen. The only driver control I really don’t care for is the shifter – I’m sure I’d get used to it but the button arrangement seems illogical to me causing me to occasionally grab the wrong gear. There’s also no 360-degree camera, even on the Prestige…a safety feature I’d expect at this price.
Otherwise, the Q4 is easy to use…you don’t even need to start it. Once you sit in the driver’s seat it’s good to go. The steering wheel controls are real buttons too…so much better than haptic touch. Audi’s touchscreen is very user-friendly and incorporates one of my favorite features – satellite mapping, also displayed in front of the driver in the various configurations offered there. And the VW Group has been all over wireless phone projection for years so all is good there, as well. There’s lot of clever storage too, for oversized water bottles for instance.
Because of its dedicated EV platform, the fixed rear seats are really spacious and there’s no impediment in the floor to prevent 3-across seating. With the slightly elevated vantage point, panoramic roof, climate controls and 2 USB-C ports this is the perfect space for adult-friendly travel. The cargo room is only a tick less than what the larger e-tron offers including a movable load floor but no hands-free operation for the tailgate. But if you want all the “green” feels in here you might be disappointed to see real leather and no mention of recycled materials though the plant in Germany where the Q4 is assembled is on pace to be net carbon-neutral.
Officially known as the Q4 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro, Audi’s entry-level EV is spot on and would only be better with another 10 miles of range or so.