Living with the Q4 e-tron
Review by Toni
Muhtar Kent, former CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, once said, “A brand is a promise. A good brand is a promise kept.” This rings true, as we tend to return to brands that consistently satisfy us and deliver on their promises. Take Audi, for instance—when someone says, “I drive an Audi,” it’s typically perceived as a premium choice. But what if it’s not just any Audi, but the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron, S line 55 e-tron quattro 250 kW? Does it live up to Audi’s promise: “The AUDI AG stands for sporty vehicles, high build quality, and progressive design—'Vorsprung durch Technik'” The Audi Group is among the world’s leading producers of premium cars.”? Does it meet the expectations set by one of the world’s leading premium car manufacturers?
At first glance, the Q4 e-tron certainly delivers on its promise. The exterior design is a balanced blend of tastefulness and sportiness for a compact, midsize electric SUV. In Mythos Black metallic, coupled with striking 21-inch matte bronze-colored alloy wheels, the Q4 e-tron stands out in any crowd. Its design language is unmistakably Audi—recognizable instantly as a sibling to the Q6 and Q8. With a chunky, upright front grille and expressive rear, enhanced by the S line Edition’s sportier bumpers, it exemplifies Audi’s signature look. The Q4 e-tron even offers a choice of four distinct daytime running light signatures, a testament to Audi’s leadership in lighting technology. The rear is equally impressive, with a light strip spanning the entire width of the car and playful light sequences that activate when you exit the vehicle.
As Audi’s smallest electric vehicle, the Q4 e-tron still measures over 4.5 meters in length—specifically, 4588 mm, placing it in the same category as the Volkswagen ID.4. Built on Volkswagen Group's modular MEB platform, like the Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Tavascan, the Q4 e-tron may share its bones with others, but its premium Audi essence sets it apart from both the group rivals, and other competitors in the market.
The premium touches extend to the interior. Thanks to its 18 cm ground clearance and SUV-like design, the Q4 e-tron offers a higher driving and seating position. The dashboard’s sharp, angular design divides the driver and passenger areas, making for a bold and unique layout that, while unconventional, feels distinctly Audi. The infotainment screen impresses with its brightness and clarity, tilted toward the driver for convenience, but still easily visible to the passenger. Thankfully, Audi retains physical buttons for essential controls, such as air conditioning—refreshingly practical in an era of touchscreens. However, the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel are a different story. Made of piano-black plastic, they tend to look perpetually smudged and creak when pressed. Audi’s intent was for drivers to slide their fingers across the buttons for a more sophisticated interaction, but this feature doesn’t work as well in practice. Worse still is the call button under the right thumb, which is all too easy to accidentally press, sometimes resulting in an unintended redial.
Despite these minor annoyances, the Q4 e-tron’s interior is largely a triumph. Practicality reigns with a wireless charging unit smartly placed under the drive selector, large door bins, cupholders, and plenty of legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The 520-liter boot is spacious enough for most needs, although a large suitcase might require lowering the backseats, expanding the cargo space to 1490 liters. At night, the interior truly shines with the ambient lighting package, called interior lightning package plus in the world of Audi, offering 30 customizable colours to highlight the cabin’s contours.
Starting the Q4 e-tron is a breeze—simply enter the vehicle, press the brake, and you’re ready to go. Keyless entry, of course, comes standard. The steering is precise and responsive, contributing to a smooth ride, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The slightly elevated driving position enhances visibility from the front, although rear visibility is slightly compromised by the small rear window and thick pillars. Thankfully, the standard rear-view camera helps, and opting for the 360-degree camera makes parking even easier. Overall, the ride can be summed up in one word: smooth. Acceleration in the 55 model is swift, going from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, but it feels more refined than explosive. The braking is equally gentle yet effective. The car is quiet, too—though the optional e-tron Sport sound system can generate some artificial noise that some may find unnecessary. When discussing sounds, it is worth mentioning that the Q4 e-tron is equipped with the SONOS premium sound system.
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system in the 55 version enhances traction and control, while the 45 version even offers a rear-wheel-drive option for those seeking something different. As of 2025, only the 55 version will be available, as Audi is planning to refine their offering. For a slightly different exterior look, Audi also offers the Q4 e-tron Sportback. Sportback features a swoopier roofline, though it comes with slightly less headroom. The driving experience is enjoyable and effortless, with everything working so seamlessly that driving the Q4 e-tron feels almost second nature. Some features that are standard in many cars today, such as Audi’s Pre Sense Basic collision-avoidance system, lane assist, emergency assist, and a 360-degree camera, come as optional extras in the Q4 e-tron. But once chosen, these features perform exceptionally well.
Small details elevate the premium experience further—like the car reminding you to take your phone when exiting or automatically lowering the music volume when the lane assistant detects an issue. These thoughtful touches enhance the sense that the Q4 e-tron is as much about intelligent design as it is about premium.
Despite being Audi’s compact electric SUV, the Q4 e-tron doesn’t shy away from offering a true Audi experience. Both the 45 and 55 models share a 82.0 / 77.0 kWh battery, with the 55 quattro model capable of fast charging at 175 kW. Recharging from 10% to 80% takes about 28 minutes, and the WLTP range for the 55 model is an impressive 505 kilometers, making it practical for longer journeys.
Audi’s commitment to quality materials, stylish design, and cutting-edge technology is evident throughout. The Q4 e-tron may be compact, but it delivers the sporty, premium feel Audi promises. In this case, the brand’s promise is most certainly kept.
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