Used Audi Q4 e-tron (2021-date) buyer’s guide: a high quality and refined electric SUV

Verdict

The EV world is very fast-paced. When the Audi Q4 e-tron arrived four years ago it was one of our favourite electric cars, and that makes it a very desirable used buy – helped enormously by the fact that used values are significantly lower than new prices. We ran a 50 e-tron quattro on our long-term fleet and loved its refinement, user-friendly tech, high quality and roomy cabin. It’s one of Audi’s most popular models, and there are plenty of Q4 e-trons to go round, so if you’re in the market for an electric family SUV, be sure to put it somewhere towards the top of your used car list.

It’s well over a decade since electric cars started to enter the mainstream, but when the original Nissan Leaf arrived in 2011, few guessed that an electric vehicle would become the default purchase for many car buyers. Designed from the outset as an EV, the Leaf showed the way, yet many manufacturers were still converting ICE cars to electric power until recently.

Take Audi, whose first EV, the e-tron (later renamed the Q8 e-tron) was a converted ICE model. That car came out in 2019, by which time Audi had a brand spanking new EV platform, and it was this that underpinned the Q4 e-tron. It was the German auto maker’s first model designed from the outset as an EV – and it’s all the better for it.

History

We got our first glimpse of the Q4 e-tron in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019; the production car was launched two years later and the first customer cars were delivered in July 2021. At first, only an SUV was offered, but from October 2021 a Sportback was also available, with a more rakish coupé-style rear end.

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There were three models: the 168bhp 35 e-tron used a 55kWh battery, while the 201bhp 40 e-tron and the 295bhp 50 e-tron quattro had an 82kWh battery. A facelift in September 2023 brought recalibrated suspension, extra standard equipment, more efficient motors and a wider choice of optional driver-assistance systems.

On the road

The Q4 e-tron isn’t exciting to drive, but it’s an impressive all-rounder with excellent refinement and stability, strong performance (the 35 and 40 are restricted to 99mph, the 50 to 111mph) and decent ride quality lower down the range. While you can feel the Audi’s heft when cornering, the adaptive steering is welcome; it adds weight as speeds rise. The range-wide Audi Drive Select (adjustable driving modes) is another bonus.

Which one should I buy?

Audi claimed a range of 193-208 miles for the 35 e-tron (depending on trim level), whereas the 40 e-tron can cover 294-316 miles, and the 50 e-tron quattro does 279-298 miles.

In the real world these figures will be lower, so the 40 e-tron offers the best balance of cost and range, with decent performance, too.

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Entry-level Sport models come with 19-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, heated front sports seats, three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, and LED headlights. S line adds sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, a body kit and privacy glass. Vorsprung brings a panoramic glass roof, 21-inch alloys, Nappa leather, extra driver- assistance kit and a premium hi-fi.

Alternatives to the Audi Q4 e-tron

There’s been a steep rise in the number of electric SUVs available in recent years, so you’re spoilt for choice. Alternatives from within the Volkswagen Group include the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, while the Tesla Model Y has sold in huge numbers thanks to its efficient powertrain and roomy cabin. The Renault Scenic is also multi-talented, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its cousin, the Kia EV6, are also easy to recommend.

The Genesis GV60 is a more left-field option, while the Toyota bZ4X and Nissan Ariya, along with the Polestar 2, are more common. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is another desirable electric SUV, just like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQA – and don’t overlook the Volvo EX40.

Use our valuation tool to check the price of a Audi Q4 e-tron.

What to look for

Towing

The Q4 e-tron is able to tow caravans and trailers, generally with a 1,200kg limit, although some models are restricted to just 1,000kg.

Heat pump

Audi offered an optional heat pump for £950, which increases the range in cold weather by using waste heat from the electric drive system. It’s worth having.

Charging rates

Software updates in March 2022 increased all e-trons’ charging rates to 135kW. From September 2023, quattro models could be charged at up to 175kW.

Suspension

S line models come with firmer suspension than Sport models, as well as 20-inch wheels. When you also add a ride height that’s dropped by 15mm, you might find the S line’s ride is uncomfortably firm.

Interior

You’ll feel at home if you’re moving from any of Audi’s recent petrol or diesel models, because the Q4 features the same sort of displays, instrumentation, infotainment and switchgear. It looks modern, but is easy to live with once you’ve got used to it – which doesn’t take long. Unlike some of its rivals, Audi has stuck with physical switches for the climate control. You’ll also like the cabin quality, thanks to premium materials galore.

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The Q4 is based on an EV platform so it’s space-efficient; a flat floor in the cabin means there’s plenty of head and legroom for three adults in the back. Boot space is good at 520 litres, or 1,490 litres with the seats folded; the Sportback holds 535 and 1,460 litres.

Running costs

The biggest running cost is likely to be depreciation, especially if you buy a fairly new Q4. But maintenance is cheap thanks to a two-year or 20,000-mile schedule. Each service costs £336, plus £58 for fresh brake fluid. With all Q4 e-trons priced above £40k when new, they’re all subject to the £410 luxury road tax supplement from this April, so £600 will be due each year until the car’s sixth birthday.

The 35 e-tron sits in insurance groups 26-28, the 40 e-tron is in 31-33, and the 50 quattro is in 38-40.

Recalls

There’s been no shortage of recalls for all of Audi’s e-tron models, with nine issued for the original e-tron (2019-2022). Meanwhile, the e-tron GT has had eight recalls. So it’s encouraging that, so far, there has been just a single one for the Q4 e-tron.

This was issued in May 2024 and it affected just seven cars, all of which were built in April 2024. The problem centred on faulty control units for the electronic stability control (ESC), which could also affect the anti-lock brakes. The solution was to replace the control unit; if a red warning light shone on the dash to show failure of the control unit, the car couldn’t be driven until this was replaced.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

None of Audi’s EVs have appeared in our Driver Power surveys and there are no owner reviews on CarBuyer, so gauging satisfaction is tricky. Looking at the brand as a whole, Audi never performs that well in our polls; in 2024 it came 38th (A5), 43rd (A1) and 44th (A4) for example. In 2022 Audi had seven cars in the Driver Power top 75; the Q3 came 43rd, but the next best score after that was 55th for the Q2.

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