Audi Q4 e-tron review - Range, charging & running costs

All Audi Q4 e-tron models use the same size battery, an 82kWh unit with a usable capacity of 77kWh. Despite this, there’s a definite hierarchy in terms of efficiency which means that, depending on which version you go for, the range and charging speed will be affected. 

A WLTP combined range of 292 to 330 miles is the best the Q4 e-tron can muster in the most efficient ‘45’ rear-wheel drive form SUV form and Sportback models are seven to nine miles better than that because of their superior aerodynamics. That’s competitive with rivals but the longest-range cars in the mid-size SUV class, including the Tesla Model Y Long Range and Renault Scenic, can now top 350 miles, while the Polestar 2 can top 400 miles on a charge.

If you step up to the 45 quattro model the range is between 287 and 319 miles and the 55 quattro is rated as the same level. These quattro cars can charge at 175kW thanks to their different battery chemistry but the charging time over the typical 20 to 80% increment is the same 28 minutes as for the 135kW rear-wheel drive models. The quattro is faster on a quick charge though, able to add 106 miles of range in 10 minutes at a suitable charger compared to 90 miles in the RWD models. Using a 7kW home wallbox it will take around 12 hours to fully charge the Q4 e-tron.   

We tested the old Audi Q4 e-tron 50 model over a 5,000-mile long-term test and averaged 3.2 miles per kWh, which would equate to a 250-mile real-world range. On a shorter test of the old 40 model driving mainly around town, we were able to average 4.2 miles per kWh, equating to a 323-mile range. This bodes well for the current 45 and 55 variants with their extended ranges resulting from efficiency improvements to the electric motor. They should be able to get very close to their claimed range figures in real-world use, and our shorter drives in the current variants on German roads also back this up. When we tested the Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron S line quattro we saw a predicted range of 300 miles with the battery at 90% charge, with an efficiency of 3.8 miles/kWh.

Like other electric models, the Q4 e-tron benefits from VED (road tax) exemption, along with a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) liability for company-car drivers. The Audi will also be exempt from the London Congestion Charge until 2025, with large potential savings for those who commute in the city.

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Insurance groups

The Q4 e-tron is more powerful these days so insurance is predictably more expensive. All the rear-wheel drive 45 versions sit in group 36, the 45 quattro is in group 37 and the 55 sits in groups 39 to 40. This means buyers are going to pay more to insure the Audi than you will for cheaper cars like the Kia Niro EV (groups 28 to 29) but about the same as you would for a BMW iX1 (37 to 38), which is a direct rival. Tesla’s Model Y is in group 46.

Warranty

The standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty from Audi isn't especially generous but the battery does get a longer eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for extra reassurance. It's similar cover to Volkswagen, Skoda and Ford but Hyundai, Kia and Toyota offer longer no-cost cover.

Servicing

Unlike many petrol and diesel cars, the Q4 e-tron only requires servicing every two years instead of annually. Buyers can pick between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 servicing plans, with the most affordable costing around £400 and providing a service, plus pollen filter and brake fluid change. Costing just under £800, Level 2 doubles the offering of Level 1, while Level 3 costs just under £900 and includes two MoT tests in years three and four of ownership.