Battery size: 59-77kWh
Miles per kWh: 4.1
E-Rating™: A
Max charge rate: 175 kW
Range: 243-347 miles
Introduction & history
We’ll let you into a secret….. The Audi Q4 e-tron is basically the same underneath as a Volkswagen ID.4 and even a Skoda Enyaq. They’ve got the same batteries and motors and lots of other bits too. So why would you pay (quite a lot) more for an Audi? There’s the image to factor in of course, but the main reasons will be the increased technology and the improved quality - especially on the inside.
The Q4 is available with two body styles, with the Sportback version offering a more coupe-like profile than the standard model. In addition to looking a little sleeker than the SUV version, it’s also more aero-friendly and slightly more efficient as a result.
Whichever one you choose, it’s a practical car. The Sportback has the same boot capacity under the parcel shelf, and it’s only the overall space which is compromised by the swoopier back. It’s worth bearing in mind if you have big dogs or wardrobes to carry about though.
There’s tonnes of passenger space too. The rear legroom is on par with an Audi Q7 – that’s Audi’s largest SUV, remember. All of this in a car that’s relatively compact; it’s worth pointing out that in terms of size the Q4 does actually sit between the non-electric Q3 and Q5 SUVs.
What’s the real-world range of a used Audi Q4?
The Q4 has been offered with a 77kWh battery pack, but for some time there was also the choice of a smaller 58kWh pack. This was deleted in 2023, but for 2025 Audi reintroduced a different small battery, rated at 59kWh.
The most efficient models are the rear-wheel drive 45 versions with a WLTP figure of 342 miles when they were new, which equated to around 290-310 miles in real world driving. That will shrink by between one and two percent for every year and 10,000 miles as a rule of thumb.
The least efficient, unsurprisingly, are the 55 quattro models. However, even these came with WLTP figures that exceeded the magic 300 miles benchmark when they were new.
The smaller battery models also have a lower range, predictably. The Q4 35 e-tron had an official figure of 215 miles, but only bank on 175 miles.
How long will the battery on the Audi Q4 last?
All EV batteries lose some capacity over years of use due to chemistry and charge cycles. This is normal, in the same way that engines wear over time. But the way the car has been driven, stored and charged will affect the battery state-of-health (SOH) scores.
This seems to be especially true of the Q4, although none of the cars we checked had dipped below the 90% mark - even one which had covered just over 100,000 miles in five years. However, a similar age Q4 with 41,000 miles showed 93% capacity, suggesting that regular - but careful - use is more important than miles. Try and find a dealer which can show you the battery health score for your peace of mind too.
How reliable is a used Audi Q4 and what are the common problems?
Generally the Q4 is a reliable car, with the problems listed in the owners’ forums falling under the ‘annoying’ category rather than being catastrophic failures.
The most predictable is the infotainment system, which is better than most of the other VW Group electric cars of this era, but still has the potential to annoy and irritate. It’s almost certain that the software updates will have been done by now, but still check everything works and it will connect to your phone reliably.
A fault we have experienced ourselves on a long term Q4 is the charging flap not opening and the cable not releasing. There is an emergency release, but sometimes this doesn’t work either. Make sure it works on any car you are viewing.
Other than this, just check the interior trim. The quality of the plastic surfaces is not quite what you might expect from an Audi in places, especially on the bottom of the door panels and it can scratch easily and look scruffy.
Which is the best version to buy?
Buckle up, because this is so confusing that even Audi dealers get befuddled with the trim levels - and that’s before you factor in the updates Audi has been quietly introducing since launching the Q4 in 2021.
First, you need to get your head around the numbers, which don’t relate to anything much. The 35 is the smaller battery on early cars. Then there is the 40 and 50 used on older cars too. The 45 and 55 badges are used on the newer models which had powertrain improvements.
Then there are the names. You might come across Sport, S-Line, Edition 1 (that’s the launch edition which was loaded with kit), and Vorsprung.
Sport is the base spec but is still well-equipped, while S-Line added bigger wheels, slightly lowered suspension and some other butch styling bits. The Edition 1 had matrix LED headlamps and other kit, but was an odd mixture of equipment as the early cars didn’t have the full tech ready in time. The Vorsprung is the top spec with a panoramic roof, extra driver assists, adaptive dampers and a head-up display.
The 2022 model year cars had updates including 135kW charging capability and a larger 11.6-inch infotainment display across the range. There was also a new cheaper model, slashing the Q4 e-tron's starting price by over £5,000. This was on top of some tech changes too.
Then in 2023 Audi recalibrated the suspension, added more efficient motors, and boosted the standard equipment levels.
Bear in mind that the options ordered when the car was new can matter as much as trim though, with extras in the Technology Pack, Technology Pack Pro and Comfort Pack adding thousands of pounds to the original bill. Don’t pay more than you want for options you’ll never use, but look out for cars which might have some nice kit which is thrown in for free when the car is used.
How long is the warranty?
The Q4 e-tron is covered by a three-year/60,000 warranty which is fine but it seems a bit light compared to other electric car makers. Kia, for instance, offers a seven-year warranty on its EV6.
There’s also an 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery degradation warranty, with a minimum of 70% minimum energy content guaranteed. This only means Audi will repair the pack if the SOH falls below 70% within that period. That’s not likely to happen unless something is drastically wrong. It is also only obliged to get the figure back above 70% rather than give you a whole new pack.
What are the ownership and running costs of an Audi Q4?
Audi recommends a service is needed every two years or 18,000 miles, which will save a few quid compared to rivals which need to see a workshop every year. The insurance is good value too, at group 26, while a three-year/60,000-mile warranty is on par for the class, but nothing spectacular. Budget for an extended policy if you are concerned about big bills.
All Q4 models cost over £40,000 when new, but be wary of cars which have a list price of more than £50,000 including any extras and were registered after April 1st 2025. The Expensive Car Supplement means you will be paying an extra £440 for the road tax - on top of the normal £200- annually from year two until the car’s sixth birthday.
What other cars should I consider?
A Mercedes EQA or BMW iX3 will feel more expensive but aren’t as spacious. The biggest rival is probably a Volvo XC40, which is great value. You could also look at a Jaguar i-Pace, Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and even a Genesis GV60.
7
