1. Introduction
a. Briefly introduce the electric vehicle you’re reviewing
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback from Audi are the latest additions to the automaker’s electric vehicle sub-brand. These models offer more affordable starting prices and the same Audi-ness that drivers expect from the popular Q5 gasoline-powered crossover. The base models feature rear-wheel drive and 201 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive, dual-motor models offer a more powerful 295 horsepower. All models come with a 77.0-kWh battery pack that provides a maximum range of 265 miles per charge, making it more efficient than the Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge but not quite as impressive as the Tesla Model Y in the same price range.
b. Explain the context or significance of the vehicle in the EV market
The Q4 e-tron is a crucial part of Audi’s electrification strategy in a particularly popular market segment. It offered customers a wide range of options for lower starting prices, accelerating the shift to electric vehicles.
2. New Features in 2023
The Audi Q4 e-tron lineup introduces rear-wheel drive 40 models for 2023. The 40 models come with a single, rear-mounted electric motor that generates 201 horsepower. The 77.0-kWh battery pack from the 50 models is used in the 40s, but the range is higher at 265 miles per charge. The 40 powertrain is available only on base Premium and mid-range Premium Plus trims and not on the Sportback.
In addition, the Q4 e-tron now features a larger 11.6-inch infotainment display, replacing the previous 10.1-inch display. Navigation is now standard on the Premium Plus trim, and all models equipped with the more powerful 50 powertrain come with the S Line appearance package. The S Line appearance package adds unique wheels, additional exterior brightwork, and special badging.
3. Design and Aesthetics:
a. Exterior design and style
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron boasts a “fresh, modern expression of Audi luxury.” It features a more sculpted front and rear design and well-defined side panel lines.
It also has alu-optic detailing, elegant headlights, and tail lights that significantly enhance its appeal.
Other exterior features include:
- Full LED headlights or matrix-design LED headlights with animation
- Headlamp washer system
- LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal ― with or without animation
- 19-in. five-W-spoke-aero design wheels with graphite gray finish
- All-season tires
- Aluminum roof rails
- Electrically adjustable heated and power-folding exterior mirrors with or without auto-dimming
- Power tailgate
b. Interior design and materials
The Q4 e-tron’s interior is a technological showcase with the latest gadgets from Audi. It features a squared-off steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls.
Other interior features include:
- LED interior lighting
- Digital instrument cluster or Audi virtual cockpit plus
- SONOS® premium audio system
- MMI® Navigation plus multimedia interface
- Augmented reality head-up display
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with digital compass
- Three-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- Leatherette armrests
- Leather, multifunction steering wheel with regeneration paddles
c. Build quality and fit and finish
The Q4 e-tron undoubtedly has an impressive interior design. However, it still has some low-budget materials, like the plastic on the center console and wood trim elements.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
It offers a fair level of comfort throughout the board. It also has a quiet cabin with an extra sound-reducing window.
However, the ride quality may disappoint some as the front seats have no lateral support.
The Q4 e-tron also has no seat ventilation. Nonetheless, its climate control is easy to navigate and effectively manages temperature inside the cabin.
It has a generous cabin space with a plentiful headroom that can support even 6-footer people. It has a flat floor that offers more legroom.
e. Cargo space and storage
The passenger space is similar to the gas-powered Q5, but the cargo space is less generous. It offers 24.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat.
The car also has a sizable rubberized spot for personal effects right underneath the gear selector. Its square-shaped center armrest bin is also deep. The doors also have bottle holders.
4. Performance and Driving Dynamics:
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
| Q4 40 e-tron (RWD) | Q4 50 e-tron quattro | Q4 Sportback 50 quattro | |
| Electric Motor Type (Rear/Front) | Permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) | Permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) / asynchronous motor (ASM) | Permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) / asynchronous motor (ASM) |
| Max Power in SAE HP | 201 | 295 | 295 |
| Battery Type | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Battery size (kWh) | 82 | 82 | 82 |
b. Acceleration and top speed
| Q4 40 e-tron (RWD) | Q4 50 e-tron quattro | Q4 Sportback 50 quattro | |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 7.9 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Top Speed | 99 | 112 | 112 |
The 2023 Q4 e-tron can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. It also has a top speed of 99 mph in the base variant 40 e-tron RWD.
c. Handling and ride quality
The Audi Q4 e-tron has tidy and responsive handling. It also boasts a tight turning radius, making it easier to park or turn.
d. Braking performance
The Q4 e-tron is easy to maneuver, but it has numb steering and a rigid ride. Nonetheless, it has an impressive tight turning radius.
e. Regenerative braking
The Audi Q4 e-tron does not feature strong regenerative braking to compete with its peers. It seems lighter than one may expect. It also has no full one-pedal driving, which may disappoint some drivers.
5. Range, Charging, and Efficiency:
a. Estimated range and real-world range
| Q4 40 e-tron (RWD) | Q4 50 e-tron quattro | Q4 Sportback 50 quattro | |
| Manufacturer q4 e-tron real world range Range (miles) | 265 | 236 | 242 |
| Real-World Range | 236 | 236 | 242 |
b. Charging options and infrastructure
| Q4 40 e-tron (RWD) | Q4 50 e-tron quattro | Q4 Sportback 50 quattro | |
| Charging Time (9.6 kW, 240V, 40A) | 9 hours (standard equipment) | 9 hours (standard equipment) | 9 hours (standard equipment) |
| Charging time (11.5 kW, 240V, 48A) | 7.5 hours (3rd party wall box) | 7.5 hours (3rd party wall box) | 7.5 hours (3rd party wall box) |
| DC fast charging time (150 kW) | 36 minutes (5% -80% charge) | 36 minutes (5% -80% charge) | 36 minutes (5% -80% charge) |
c. Energy consumption and efficiency
The Q4 e-tron 50 models, both the Squareback and the Sportback, have earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe in the city and 89 MPGe on the highway, comparable to other luxury electric crossovers. Our test drive with the Q4 e-tron 50 returned a combined efficiency rating of 93 MPGe. As for the Q4 e-tron 40, its fuel efficiency rating has not yet been released by the government, but since it comes with a single motor setup, it should be slightly more efficient than the 50 models.
6. Infotainment and Connectivity:
a. Dashboard and instrument cluster
The 2023 Q4 e-tron has a digital instrument cluster or Audi virtual cockpit plus. It has an angular layout with an 11.6″ touchscreen infotainment system. Its climate controls are placed below the touchscreen.
The dashboard also features the start button and the shifter. It also has one button for both the Park and electronic park brake. It also has a large storage shelf at the center stack’s base, a wireless charging pad, and 2 USB-C outlets.
b. Infotainment system and features
The Audi Q4 e-tron features the latest version of Audi’s MMI system. Standard equipment includes a 10.3-inch digital gauge display.
The infotainment system comes with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen that is angled toward the driver for easy access to its menus and features.
Audi also offers an optional head-up display with an augmented reality feature. The head-up display can project information such as navigation instructions or driver-assistance warnings in the driver’s eye line.
c. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
It supports both Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
e. Over-the-air software updates
All Q4 e-trons built in 2023 and beyond have OTA software update capability.
7. Safety and Driver Assistance:
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
The Q4 e-tron models come equipped with a plethora of driver-assistance technology features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Key safety features include:
* Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
* Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
* Available adaptive cruise control
8. Reliability, Maintenance, and Warranty:
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
The Q4 e-tron undoubtedly has an impressive interior design. However, it still has some low-budget materials, like the plastic on the center console and wood trim elements.
b. Maintenance and service requirements
| Brake System | Checked with annual service. |
| Connected Box Battery | Check state of health at 10,000 miles or 1 year. Thereafter, every 20,000 miles or 2 years. |
| Charging Socket | Check for contamination and damage every 20,000 miles or 2 years, whichever occurs first. |
| Tires | Checked with annual service. |
| Wiper Blades | Check and replace if necessary at every 10,000 miles or every year. |
| Dust & Pollen Filter | Replace every 20,000 miles or 2 years, whichever occurs first. |
c. Warranty coverage and options
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback will come with the same limited powertrain warranty as the larger e-tron SUV. Refer to the information below:
* Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
* Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
* Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
* No complimentary scheduled maintenance
d. Insurance costs and considerations
| Audi Q4 Trim Level | Annual Policy | Per Month |
| 40 e-tron Premium | $1,982 | $165 |
| 50 e-tron Premium | $2,072 | $173 |
| 40 e-tron Premium Plus | $2,080 | $173 |
| Sportback 50 e-tron Premium | $2,112 | $176 |
| 50 e-tron Premium Plus | $2,154 | $180 |
| 50 e-tron Prestige | $2,172 | $181 |
| Sportback 50 e-tron Premium Plus | $2,188 | $182 |
| Sportback 50 e-tron Prestige | $2,204 | $184 |
e. Resale value and depreciation
| Years Old | Depreciation | Residual Value | Resale Value |
| 1 | $5,428 | 92.93% | $71,342 |
| 2 | $11,462 | 85.07% | $65,308 |
| 3 | $17,504 | 77.20% | $59,266 |
| 4 | $23,538 | 69.34% | $53,232 |
| 5 | $31,245 | 59.30% | $45,525 |
| 6 | $35,107 | 54.27% | $41,663 |
| 7 | $40,826 | 46.82% | $35,944 |
| 8 | $46,937 | 38.86% | $29,833 |
| 9 | $51,190 | 33.32% | $25,580 |
| 10 | $53,086 | 30.85% | $23,684 |
9. Comparison to Competitors:
a. Compare the reviewed EV to its key competitors in terms of performance, range, and pricing
| 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 | 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron | |
| Pricing (Starting MSRP) | $65,850 | $49,800 |
| Engine power | 429 hp | 201 hp |
| Engine torque | 516 lb-ft | 229 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | Rear wheel drive |
| EPA Electricity Range | 236 mi. | 265 mi. |
| Time To Charge Battery (At 240V) | 7.9 hr. | 9 hr |
| Cargo Space | 28.9 cu. ft. | 24.8 cu. ft. |
b. Discuss the unique selling points and drawbacks of the reviewed EV compared to its competitors
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron has a longer EPA-estimated range of 265 miles than the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, as you can see in the comparison above. Its starting MSRP price is also lower at $49,800 than the Genesis’ $65,850. However, its engine power is lower at 201 hp than Genesis’ 429 hp.
10. Variants and Pricing:
a. List the available trim levels, options, and pricing
| Model | Price |
| Premium 40 | $50,995 |
| Premium 50 | $54,995 |
| Premium Plus 40 | $57,195 |
| Sportback Premium 50 | $59,395 |
| Premium Plus 50 | $61,595 |
| Prestige 50 | $64,095 |
| Sportback Premium Plus 50 | $65,595 |
| Sportback Prestige 50 | $67,095 |
b. Discuss the value proposition and whether the vehicle is worth the investment
The single-motor Q4 e-tron offers a lower entry cost compared to its other premium competition. It also has an appealing interior design that enhances the feel and appearance of the car.
11. Conclusion:
a. Summarize your overall impressions of the electric vehicle
The Audi Q4 e-tron is an impressive electric car with abundant technologies, convenience features, and attractive design. However, it is not the fastest, most efficient, or most comfortable in the class.
b. Provide a recommendation for potential buyers
The choice between the regular squareback and the Sportback body styles of the Q4 e-tron is subjective, but we suggest considering the Premium Plus trim for both. This mid-level trim comes with desirable features such as a power-operated liftgate, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, keyless entry, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. We recommend upgrading to the all-wheel-drive 50 powertrain, which generates 94 more horsepower than the standard setup. However, if you prioritize range over power, the base propulsion system might be the better choice for you.
