Audi's Q4 e-tron is another vehicle based
on the MEB platform, but, contrary to what its name might lead you
to believe, it does not have a combustion-engined sibling.It is a
stand-alone model in the range with a name that is supposed to help
you understand where it fits when size is concerned. But what is it
like to drive?
We tried the Audi Q4 e-tron
50 quattro model, which comes with two electric motors and an
all-wheel drive. The
AWD system is not a
conventional one, but the Q4 drives all four wheels when needed
thanks to its placement of one engine per axle.
This variant is currently the top-of-the-line model in the Audi Q4
range. Below it sits the 40 e-tron and 35 e-tron, with less power
and a single e-motor.
If the maximum possible range is what you are after, the 40 e-tron
might be the one you desire. If you wish to experience this model
just like a similarly priced Audi, we suggest you think about the
50 e-tron version instead.
We will get past the styling, which resembles other Audi models,
and the massive front grille has a big role to play here. Without
it, it would be difficult to assimilate the Q4 as an Audi, but that
is the only function it has on this model.
Now, time for the driving part. Since the Q4 e-tron shares its
platform and many parts with the ID.4, you would expect it to be
similar to its Volkswagen cousin, right. Well, not quite. The Q4
manages to be significantly quieter, almost too quiet if you will,
and it drives better than the Volkswagen ID.4.
The steering system feels better weighed than the ID.4's, for
example, and it also has a more consistent feeling to it than its
VW relative does. The extra power comes in handy if you want to
enjoy your (almost) 300 hp car, but do not expect it to have
break-neck acceleration.
The top version of the Q4 e-tron will be as fast as a compact hot
hatchback of yesteryear, especially if you evaluate it from naught
to 62 mph (100 kph). That can be good if you have never experienced
such acceleration, but also not that impressive if you were
fortunate enough to drive something with even more power.
Just like in the ID.4, power delivery is linear, so the car behaves
in a civilized manner. It will not make you sick because of too
many sprints from naught, but it is not far off from that
point.
The level of power offered by this variant of the Q4 e-tron is in
the “nice to have” category. It is reassuring to know that it is
there and that it can pass other vehicles easily, even at higher
speeds.
As I mentioned above, the steering feels better than the one in the
VW ID.4. It is closer to what you might find in a Q5, if you are
looking for a comparable Audi model with conventional propulsion.
The Q4 e-tron feels composed and confident in corners, which will
make you try and see how far it can be pushed.
Due to its complex onboard electronics, the Q4 e-tron will not
understeer as easily as a conventional crossover. Naturally, if you
keep pushing it too hard into corners, it will eventually do
so.
It will be both satisfying and rewarding to drive, and you do not
seem to mind the lack of engine noise due to its low center of
gravity and grip. It can be a blast to drive if you get it to a
series of corners, but it can also be a comfortable cruiser if you
just have a highway in front of you.
The suspension of the Q4 is more refined than on the ID.4. If you
leave aside the extra power this version brings, the suspension,
steering, and soundproofing alone make the Q4 e-tron better than
the ID4. Mind you, the latter is quiet and comfortable, but the
Audi goes to the next level on these aspects.
Unfortunately, we wish Audi had paid the same level of attention to
the materials on elements like the door cards, which do not have
the premium feel we expected from the brand but are still good.
They do have the best storage for water bottles we have seen in
years, so something was done right.
The difference is perceptible if you drive them back-to-back, so it
is just like in the regular,
ICE-powered, ranges. Mind
you, there is also a difference in price between the VW ID.4 and
the Audi Q4 e-tron, which is not easy to ignore.
Those who pay more will get more soundproofing, a better-calibrated
suspension, and a steering system with a bit more feel to it. All
the above go nicely with the added power of the 50 e-tron version
of the Q4.
Despite having drum brakes on the rear axle, the Q4 has sufficient
stopping power. Just like any other
EV, the conventional
braking system gets to be used only for emergency stops, but is
otherwise left aside for the last few moments before a full stop.
The energy recuperation system takes care of slowing the car down.
Drum brakes on a car this expensive might be a bit too much for
some people who are concerned about how this looks to others, but
that is a different problem.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the Audi also has the upper hand on
VW models, as the Ingolstadt brand has chosen to place the gear
selector on a seemingly floating center console. The element is
interesting and comes with a bit more familiarity for those
accustomed to conventional cars. But that is not all, as Audi has
fitted the interior with conventional buttons.
If you
Old town hoe lyrics on one day, then move on to the Q4
e-tron, you will immediately understand what you were missing in
the Volkswagen. Those buttons on the center console do make a
difference and will simplify your existence aboard the Q4
e-tron.
Audi has fitted the car with the capacitive buttons on the steering
wheel, which will explain why the gauge cluster displays will
change the information shown without you wanting it to do so. It is
just your hand gently (and unintentionally) touching that surface
and changing the displayed screens.
What about energy efficiency? We picked up the Audi Q4 e-tron 50
quattro with a 76 percent charge, which was estimated to be enough
for 329 km (ca. 204 miles). After a 190 km (118 miles) drive with
an average speed of 47 kph (ca. 29 mph), the Q4's onboard computer
displayed 19.8
kWh/100 km (62
miles).
The remaining range was estimated to be 104 kilometers (64 miles)
with a 21 percent battery charge left. We plugged it in and let it
charge until 100 percent, and the range estimate climbed to 448 km
(278 miles).
The Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro has a 77 kWh battery and a maximum
WLTP estimated range of
482 kilometers (299 miles), while its average energy consumption is
estimated at 18.2 kWh/100 km (62 miles) in the WLTP cycle.
As you can observe, it can get very close to its official figures,
which seems to be the rule with electric SUVs. Driving style
matters, obviously, and the Audi did entice us into driving it in a
sportier manner than we did with the ID.4. So, kudos to Audi for
getting the most out of the MEB platform.
