Audi Q4 e-tron SUV - Electric motor, drive & performance
Performance is brisk and the Q4 feels composed
Based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, the Q4 e-tron is quick without matching the eye-watering performance of the Tesla Model Y. It does score highly for composure because the low centre of gravity helps reduce body lean in corners.
Versions with paddles behind the steering wheel also feature adjustable battery regeneration, so the driver can quickly adjust the braking effect without having to take their attention off the road. This is very handy when approaching a busy junction or roundabout but it's also possible to let the car decide which setting is best.
On our S line test car, switching to the Comfort mode seemed to make little difference to the firmness of the suspension. It was occasionally unsettled by harsh potholes, but most of the time you’ll merely notice the state of the road you’re driving on more than you would in some rivals.
With adaptive suspension fitted (costing just over £900), the Q4 e-tron is also less affected by the poor surfaces of some British roads than the Tesla. Bumps are dealt with calmly, leaving occupants unruffled.
Electric powertrains
The Q4 35 and 40 e-tron are both rear-wheel drive, with a single motor making 168bhp and 201bhp respectively. This provides 0-62mph acceleration times of 9.0 and 8.5 seconds, putting the electric SUV roughly on par with a 2.0-litre diesel model. Of course, there are no gear changes, so the e-tron picks up speed smoothly and top speed is limited to 99mph.
The Q4 50 e-tron gains a front motor, increasing power to 295bhp and adding four-wheel drive, which reduces the 0-62mph time noticeably to 6.2 seconds. The front motor is switched off when full power isn’t in use to improve range. Top speed is limited to 112mph.
Which Is Best?
Cheapest
- Name125kW 35 55.52kWh Sport 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£41,825
Most Economical
- Name150kW 40 82.77kWh Sport 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£46,065
Fastest
- Name220kW 50 Quattro 82.77kWh Sport 5dr Auto
- Gearbox typeAuto
- Price£52,445