With the Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi widens the appeal of its mid-sized all-electric EV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The Q4 e-tron is an important model for Audi, so important that Ingolstadt feels the need to create two distinct variants, this Q4 Sportback e-tron derivative being the more dynamic-looking one. Like its standard counterpart, it's built on the Volkswagen Group MEB chassis for volume all-electric cars, but pushes the boundaries of that platform in terms of the premium prices being charged here for the size of car delivered. Still, you certainly get a very up-market feel that'll help ease you into your new electrified phase of motoring ownership. Two years into its production life, it was usefully updated to create the car we're going to look at here.

Background

Audi's all-electric e-tron range continues to widen as more is revealed of the company's capabilities when it comes to EV technology. The e-tron sub-brand once designated PHEVs. Then it was set aside for all-electric models, the first three of those being the e-tron large SUV, the e-tron Sportback large five-door GT and the e-tron GT quattro sports saloon. But these were merely preludes to the BEV model that really matters to Ingolstadt, the Q4 e-tron, offered with a choice of body shapes, this Q4 Sportback e-tron obviously being the sportier one. It was launched back in 2021, then improved in Autumn 2023 in an update coinciding with the movement of part of production to Audi's dedicated EV factory in Brussels (which previously had only made the larger Q8 e-tron). Where the standard Q4 e-tron takes on the plushest versions of boxy compact EV crossovers like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Q4 Sportback e-tron takes aim more directly at sportier contenders in this class like the Volkswagen ID.5 and the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe. Actually, all the engineering bits that matter are common between these five cars, namely the MEB platform and the battery tech. Yet Audi claims to have put its own stamp on the way this car drives and feels. Let's see.

Driving Experience

With its Q3 and Q5 Sportback models, Audi slightly differentiates the suspension feel compared to the standard SUV variants but there's none of that here, so the Q4 Sportback e-tron drives in the same way as the conventional Q4 e-tron model. For both rear-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions of this updated Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi has installed a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) on the rear axle. The update is supposed to release higher efficiency and greater power but with the base rear-driven Q4 40 Sportback e-tron, it doesn't quite work out like that. With 204PS on tap and an EV range for the Sportback of 258 miles, this base variant has no more power and 66 miles less range than the pre-facelift Q4 40 Sportback e-tron model we tested at launch back in 2021, though to be fair, that car had a larger 76.7kWh battery; the current Q4 40 Sportback e-tron's battery is just 63kWh in size. Most Q4 Sportback e-tron customers are going to need Audi's larger 77kWh battery - for which they'll usually be stretching to one of the two Q4 45 Sportback e-tron models, which both offer 286PS and are available with either rear wheel drive (with a 351 mile range) or quattro 4WD (with a 327 mile range). Also using that battery is the flagship Q4 e-tron 55 quattro, which has 340PS and a 327 mile range. Performance in the base Q4 40 Sportback e-tron isn't especially rapid (0-62mph in 8.1s en route to 99mph), but if you stretch to one of the 45 models, an owner of an earlier model would find that performance is noticeably perkier; rest to 62mph takes 6.7s and the top speed is 112mph. In the Q4 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro, 62mph sprint can be dispatched in just 5.4s. That 2024 facelift saw Audi re-tune the chassis across the range for greater driver involvement. As part of this, the steering's sharper. The engineers also tinkered with the suspension, aiming for greater comfort and stability; as before it's a MacPherson strut front and five-link rear arrangement, with sports suspension available (which lowers ride height by 15mm) and adaptive damping offered further up the range. Audi's also created what it calls a new 'character sound', which is offered as an option and emitted via two exterior speakers at the rear and two interior speakers in the rear doors. This 'soundscape' varies according to load and speed. There's now a camera drive assist feature too, which allows assisted lane changes above 56mph. Otherwise, things are as they always have been with this model. The Q4's pretty straightforward to get to grips with behind the wheel. You select drive using a slider-type shifter situated on the centre console and once underway, there's the kind of instant throttle response you'd usually get from an EV of this sort.

Design and Build

The Q4 Sportback e-tron is definitely a sleeker thing than its standard-shape counterpart - and not just visually - the drag coefficient drops from 0.28 to 0.26Cd. This sportier variant's more sharply swept back silhouette culminates in a roof spoiler that sits much lower on the split and steeply raked rear window, and as the area in which the air swirls as it comes off the vehicle is restricted to the zone beneath the spoiler, that area is significantly smaller than in the ordinary Q4 e-tron. This not only highlights the more unique design of this SUV coupe, but also enhances its range by around 7 miles, while also reducing the lift on the rear. Behind the wheel, everything on the upper level is angular, with none of the elements appearing to blend very harmoniously with each other, but it all kind of works in a contemporary, minimalistic sort of way. There's an unusual jutting lower console trimmed in smudge-worthy piano black for the neat little gear selector slider. And, just above, the silver trimmed central fascia section incorporates horizontal vents and the 11.6-inch MMI Navigation Plus central display, with a sweep across the cabin that gets interrupted by a beady-browed instrument binnacle with a 10.25-inch 'Virtual cockpit' screen. Futuristic? You'd say so. Premium? Possibly, but only really if you spend some cash on a more up-market level of trim. In the rear, there aren't too many headroom compromises to go with the swept-back roof line. To accommodate the battery, the back seat is mounted 70mm higher than the front. Boot space in this Sportback actually rises slightly over the ordinary model - 535-litres rather than 520-litres; but capacity when the 40:20:40-split seatback is lowered falls slightly - 1,460-litres, rather than 1,490-litres.

Market and Model

There's a £1,500 premium to pay for Q4 Sportback e-tron ownership over the price of an ordinary Q4 e-tron. So you'll need to find from around £48,000 for a 40 e-tron model with this sleeker body style. You'll need from around £52,000 for the rear-driven 45 Sportback e-tron, from around £53,500 for the 45 e-tron quattro version and from around £58,000 upwards for the top 55 e-tron quattro 4WD Q4 Sportback model. There are lots of model options if you want to pay more, with variants ranging right the way up to just under the £63,000 price point. Yes, really. There are three main trim levels - 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition'. Base 'Sport' variants get 19-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels, those rims upgraded to 20-inches in size with the mid-level 'S line' trim level most customers will choose. Even base 'Sport' trim includes LED headlights, front sports seats, 3-Zone air conditioning and an 'MMI navigation Plus' media system with an 11.6-inch centre screen. The later includes navigation, a WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. There's also a 10.25-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument screen, an 8-speaker 180-watt sound system, rear parking sensors and cruise control. Across the line-up, there's lots of sophisticated equipment available - much of it optional. Like the Matrix LED headlights with their 16 individually activated LEDs. And the bespoke Sonos sound system upgrade package. We'd also want to look at the optional heat pump, which rapidly heats and cools the interior using the thermal losses from the electric components and the temperature of the outside air. It uses eco-friendly CO2 as a refrigerant, which flows through the circuit at high pressure. The heat pump can reduce losses in range caused by usage of the climate control system, especially in winter. Its strengths come to the fore on long drives.

Cost of Ownership

What about battery replenishment? For DC charging, standard rear-driven models charge at 165kW, while the 55 quattro version can charge at up to 175kW. Under ideal conditions, the battery's state of charge increases from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes when charged at a DC fast-charging station. Up to 96 miles of range can be added to the battery in 10 minutes. Charging times are optimised thanks to the car's intelligent route planner and the automatic battery-preconditioning function connected to it. Drivers who like to plan their charging stops themselves now have the option of manually enabling battery preheating. The manual preconditioning is carried out via the MMI centre screen, which shows how many kilowatt are currently available for fast-charging the high-voltage battery and how much additional charging power is available thanks to the preconditioned battery. Manually preconditioning the battery ensures the best possible charging results at every charging station. As for AC home charging, well all variants have been engineered for charging speeds of up to 11kW. If you're using a conventional 7.4kW garage wallbox, a 77kWh Q4 e-tron can charge 255 miles of range in eight and a quarter hours. Or receive a full charge in eleven and a half hours. However you choose to charge, it's worth noting that in this updated form, the Q4 e-tron now features post-conditioning. With that, the vehicle's thermal management system cools the battery, for example, if it exceeds a fixed temperature threshold after driving or charging. Using the myAudi app, owners can activate charging remotely using a smartphone. The app also provides access to the comfort remote preconditioning system, which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure that the cabin climate is always comfortable well before a journey begins. Not so good is the issue of depreciation; the Q4 e-tron doesn't hold its value anything like the way you would expect an Ingolstadt model to do - a problem afflicting so many EVs just at present. Accessing and paying for electricity while on the road can be easily taken care of using the 'e-tron Charging Service', which provides UK subscribers with one RFID payment card that is accepted at a vast number of charge points operated by 18 suppliers across the UK and Europe, and offers a choice of two fixed price charging tariffs.

Summary

Within the Q3 and Q5 ranges, the Sportback body shape tends to out-sell the conventional SUV version and we expect the same trend to be replicated here. After all, the Q4 Sportback e-tron doesn't cost vastly more than its boxier showroom stablemate, yet makes a significantly more dynamic driveway statement. There's no real penalty for the more slippery shape in terms of either boot space or rear cabin head room either. In this form, the Q4 is more likely to appeal to premium EV customers who might be looking at more stylised rivals like the Polestar 2, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Arguably, this Audi can shade all of these competitors when it comes to cabin ambiance - it has the finish, the luxury and (to some extent) the driving dynamics of an electric crossover from next class up. The kind of thing you'd get from larger EV models like the Jaguar I-PACE. But of course you pay for that. With Audi, it was ever thus.

Body Glass

Heat insulating glass windscreen

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Carpets/Rugs

Black carpets

Front/rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension

Communication

Audi application store

Bluetooth interface

Audi smartphone interface

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Driver Aids

Audi drive select

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter

Progressive steering

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Lane departure warning including emergency assist

Swerve assist and turn assist

Rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate with sensor controlled release

Driver Information

Audi Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" display

MMI Navigation Plus with high resolution 11.6 inch touchscreen colour display

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable/heated/folding/dimming door mirrors with kerb view includes integrated LED indications + kerb view function for passenger side

Body coloured door mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Black dashboard

Aluminium look interior elements

Inlay in anthracite aluminium convergence, accent surfaces on instrument panel and centre console trim in silk paint effect finish, platinum grey

Entertainment

Audi sound system with 8 loudspeakers incl. centre speaker, subwoofer and 6-channel amplifier with total output of 180 watts

DAB Digital radio

2 USB-C ports with charge and data functions

Exterior Body Features

Single frame grille with a structured, closed surface within an octagonal shape

Rear side wing doors

Contrast bumpers in Manhattan grey

Exterior Lights

LED 3rd brake light

Projection light in the exterior mirrors, e-tron logo projected from the underside of the exterior mirror onto the ground

LED rear lights

LED Headlights

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Comfort auxiliary air conditioning

Interior Features

Twin spoke multifunction leather steering wheel with trim in chrome look

Accent surfaces in gloss black - centre console control panel, switch panel and trim on front doors in gloss black

Twin leather/leatherette upholstery with front sport seats with integrated head restraints

Front centre armrest

Steel grey cloth headlining

Front door sill trims with aluminium inlay

Door armrests in leatherette

Rear centre armrest with cupholders

Packs

Ambient lighting package - Q4 E-tron

Gloss styling pack - Q4 E-tron

Non smoking pack - Q4 E-tron

Safety

Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Rear seat occupant reminder for child presence detection

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Convenience key with safelock

i - Size child seat mounting on the front passenger side and i - Size and top tether on the outer rear seats

Seat belt monitoring

Front side airbags with head airbag system and front interaction airbag

Electric child locks

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Driver and front passenger airbag with passenger airbag deactivation

Tyre pressure loss indicator

First aid kit with warning triangle and vests

Seats

Manual seat adjustment for driver and front passenger seats

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40/20/40 split folding rear seat bench

Front sport seats with integrated head reastrains

Rear head restraints

Heated front seats

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Anti theft alarm

Keyless Go

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 type 2 AC charging cable 22kW

AC and DC charging access point positioned on driver's side rear

Control unit with household plug and charging cable, Mode 2, Type 2 / G (10A)

145kW DC charging capability

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 W spoke aero alloy wheels with graphite grey gloss turned finish

Wheels - Spare

Vehicle tool kit with tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1680

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 510

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 330

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 25

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 145

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 55

NEDC Electricity Consumption kWh/100 km: N

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 356

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 356

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 344

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 221

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 214

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 221

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 51.5

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 145

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: F4BAI1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Sport [Leather]

Coin Description: 35

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 66

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 170

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 170

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 125

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 229

Engine Torque - NM: 310

Engine Torque - MKG: 31.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5-W SPOKE AERO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4588

Wheelbase: 2773

Width (including mirrors): 2108

Height: 1622

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1990

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 510

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 535

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1460

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.2

Driver Aids

Park assist plus with parking system

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Panoramic glass sunroof

Metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Packs

Storage pack - Q4 E-tron

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Typhoon grey

Metallic - Geyser blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pebble grey

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Aurora violet

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Trim - Leather

Twin leather/leatherette - Black with rock grey contrast stitching + center panels, side bolsters, centre front/rear armrests in black leatherette