Audi Q4 e-tron review - Interior & comfort

As electric cars from rival manufacturers become harder to separate in performance terms, interior design is becoming an increasingly important factor for buyers. This is an area where Audi has excelled in recent years and the Q4 e-tron is in line with this trend, elevating itself above Volkswagen and Skoda.

Audi Q4 e-tron dashboard

While the infotainment setup in the VW ID.4 has proven rather controversial, the setup in its Audi sister car is more traditional and works better as a result. It doesn’t feel much different to a petrol- or diesel-powered Audi, so you’ll have no trouble acclimatising. Its touchscreen is large and easy to use, but the separate toggles beneath for the climate controls make life easier while on the move than the touch-sensitive sliders found in the ID.4. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is still one of the best digital displays available, and it’s easily navigated via the steering wheel. However, these controls are susceptible to accidental presses while driving.

Audi's MMI infotainment setup is easy to use and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The 11.6-inch touchscreen display isn’t the largest or most impressive you’ll encounter on the modern market but the menus are logically laid out and easy to use. 

The screen’s location is closer to the driver than in the BMW iX2, so it’s easier to use when on the move. There’s navigation fitted as standard, and this includes three years of connected services that offer live traffic updates, weather and other information. The Audi’s white-on-black graphics look a little spartan when compared with the BMW’s flashy animations and colourful menus, but the system works well, while the shortcut buttons help to navigate to important functions.

Materials are generally of a high quality, with soft-touch finishes where you’re likely to see or feel them. Some harder plastics on the doors and around the gear shifter are a bit of a let-down. For instance, the centre console protrudes into the cabin, and its gloss-black finish will likely show scratches faster than BMW’s layout.

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Equipment

All Audi Q4 e-tron models are equipped with at least 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, LED headlights, the 11.6-inch touchscreen with integrated sat-nav and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. The S line cars add sports suspension and 20-inch wheels, exterior styling upgrades and privacy glass. The Black Edition models have 21-inch wheels and black exterior styling features in place of the usual chrome.

Options

An interesting option at just over £600 is the e-tron Sport Sound which provides a simulated engine sound from dedicated external and internal speakers. A more practical way to spend some more money would be the £950 heat pump which can power the heating system on the car to save the battery and boost range. It’s a little disappointing to see that this isn't standard on a car costing over £50,000, though. The diamond-stitched suede-effect synthetic upholstery looks sporty and is a reasonable extra, costing £300.

The Technology Pack costs just under £1,500 and gives you matrix LED headlights and a SONOS premium stereo among other things. Go for the Technology Pack Pro and you get all that plus a range of features including a panoramic glass roof and Audi’s impressive augmented reality head-up display that projects driving directions onto the road ahead. It’s quite expensive at £4,300, however.