Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Premium Compact Electric SUV |
| Body Style | 5-Door SUV |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | Q4 50 e-tron quattro (also available in Q4 40 e-tron RWD) |
Key Specifications
| Motor(s) | Dual electric motors (front + rear for quattro model) |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Power Output | 295 hp (Q4 50) / 201 hp (Q4 40) |
| Torque | 460 Nm (Q4 50) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (Q4 50 quattro) / RWD (Q4 40) |
| Dimensions | 4,588 mm (L) × 1,865 mm (W) × 1,632 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,764 mm |
| Weight | ~2,135 kg (Q4 50 e-tron) |
| Battery | 77 kWh usable capacity (82 kWh gross) |
| Range | Up to 520 km WLTP (Q4 40); ~388 km WLTP (Q4 50 quattro) |
| Boot Space | 520 L (seats up), up to ~1,490 L (seats folded) |
Exterior Design
Audi’s modern design language with bold lines and dynamic proportions
Octagonal singleframe closed grille and aggressive LED matrix headlights
Strong shoulder lines, coupe-like rear slope (in Sportback version)
Alloy wheel options range from 19" to 21" depending on variant
Available in vibrant and premium shades including Navarra Blue, Glacier White, and Pebble Grey
Sportback version offers enhanced aerodynamics (Cd 0.26)
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Minimalist yet premium cabin design; floating dashboard layout
High-grade recycled materials and optional leather-free interior
Spacious cabin with excellent rear legroom and headroom for the class
40:20:40 split rear seats, multi-level floor cargo area
Ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and optional panoramic sunroof
Quiet cabin with strong NVH insulation, typical of Audi refinement
Features & Infotainment
10.1" MMI touchscreen with haptic feedback (optional 11.6" display in later models)
Audi Virtual Cockpit (10.25” digital instrument cluster) standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display (optional)
Voice command, navigation with real-time traffic, and natural language recognition
Premium Sonos or Bang & Olufsen sound system depending on trim
Safety & Ratings
Standard safety systems include
Forward collision warning, emergency braking
Lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
Rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors
Multiple airbags, ISOFIX anchor points
Crash Ratings
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (5-Star Safety Rating, 2021) |
High marks for adult and child occupant safety
| Optional safety | Surround view camera, lane centering, and pre-sense assist |
Driving Performance & Handling
| Q4 50 quattro | 0–100 km/h in ~6.2 seconds; smooth, instant torque delivery |
Balanced and comfortable ride, tuned more for comfort than sportiness
Confident AWD traction, suitable for light off-road or inclement weather
Light steering for city driving, firm enough at highway speeds
Suspension absorbs road imperfections well, especially with optional adaptive dampers
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
| Q4 40 RWD Range | Up to 520 km (WLTP) |
| Q4 50 AWD Range | ~388–460 km (WLTP depending on wheels/load) |
| Real-World Range | ~400–470 km (Q4 40); ~350–410 km (Q4 50) |
Charging
| AC | 11 kW (0–100% in ~7.5 hours) |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 125 kW (10–80% in ~36 minutes) |
Regenerative braking with driver-adjustable modes
Practicality & Everyday Usability
520 L boot capacity + underfloor storage
Flat floor rear seats, generous interior width for three passengers
Wide-opening rear doors for child seat access
Tight turning radius for its class (~10.2 m)
Standard rear camera and optional 360° camera system
Charging network access via Audi’s Charging Service (incl. Ionity support in Europe)
Warranty & Maintenance
| Standard Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles (USA); varies by region |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km (whichever comes first) |
Scheduled maintenance recommended every 2 years or 30,000 km
AudiCare prepaid service plans available in most markets
On-Road Price & Value for Money
| Starting Price (MSRP in USA) | ~$43,900 (Q4 40) / ~$51,000 (Q4 50 quattro) |
| Europe (Germany) | Starts ~€41,900 |
Competitive pricing versus rivals with premium interior and tech
Eligible for government EV incentives in many regions
Audi branding, EV range, and interior quality justify the price tag
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power | Range (WLTP) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q4 e-tron 50 | 295 hp | ~388 km | ~$51,000 |
| BMW iX1 | 313 hp | ~440 km | ~$55,000 |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 402 hp | ~418 km | ~$53,000 |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | 295 hp | ~455 km | ~$47,000 |
| Q4 e-tron stands out for | Build quality, quiet cabin, AR HUD |
| Lags slightly in | Performance vs. Tesla and Volvo |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Premium, quiet cabin with strong materials
Excellent ride comfort and Audi refinement
Solid real-world range with fast charging
Augmented Reality head-up display (segment-leading)
Audi brand cachet with compact urban practicality
Cons
Slower charging than some newer EVs
Top trims can get pricey with options
Performance lags behind Tesla and Volvo EVs
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.3 / 5) |
Excellent choice for premium EV SUV buyers prioritizing comfort and style over raw speed.
Final Verdict
The 2021 Audi Q4 e-tron is an ideal pick for buyers wanting a luxury EV experience in a compact SUV form. It's well-suited to urban families, eco-conscious professionals, and Audi loyalists looking for modern tech, refinement, and real-world range.
While not the fastest or flashiest EV on the market, its interior quality, comfort, and advanced features make it one of the most balanced entries in the compact luxury EV space.
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Pros & cons
- Smooth and quiet electric driving character
- Potentially low home-charging costs for regular commuters
- Premium badge appeal and refined cabin ambience
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
- Public charging costs and winter range need checking before purchase
Final verdict
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting quiet electric running and low local emissions, premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Electric |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.