While the 2022 Q4 e-tron sports the modern vibe we've come to expect from Audi, it doesn't really stand out from its EV competition. It's not the quickest, most comfortable or most efficient choice in the class. But it's also vice-free, making it an easy EV to drive and live with. If that checks the boxes for you, then it's worth a look.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
More affordable than some rivals
Spacious and refined interior
Sporty handling
Cons
Not as quick as other all-electric SUVs
Middling range with all-wheel-drive model
No full one-pedal drive mode
What's new
The Audi Q4 e-tron is an all-new electric SUV
Kicks off the first Q4 e-tron generation
Overview
As a follow-up to the e-tron SUV that debuted in 2019, the new 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron shows how much progress can be made in a few short years. The Q4 e-tron is a small all-electric SUV that faces off against the likes of the Genesis GV60, Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Recharge. It costs tens of thousands of dollars less than the bigger e-tron yet has an EPA-estimated range of 241 miles on a single charge, handling beating the e-tron's rather disappointing 222-mile estimate. The Q4 e-tron also provides comparable rear passenger space and cargo capacity. By all metrics, the Q4 is the better e-tron.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron EV Insights
Trim:
Q4 e-tron Premium
Estimated Range Based on Age
edmunds TESTED
255 milesThe range for a used 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron is estimated to be 255 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 255 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
9 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 5 years or 58,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$225
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions: Dominion Energy offers EV owners a rebate of up to $125 towards the cost of a Level 2 charging station.
To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements:
Receive electricity from Dominion Energy.
Have an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Networked/Smart charging capabilities to program the station to off-peak periods and respond to managed charging events
Additional Information:
You also earn a $40 e-gift card on the anniversary of your enrollment every year you remain enrolled.
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn moreEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
One reason the Q4 is more affordable is because it's related to the Volkswagen ID.4. The Audi has different styling, a nicer interior and better infotainment technology features, but underneath the two SUVs have nearly identical powertrains. For 2022, the Q4 e-tron comes exclusively with dual electric motors that combine to produce 295 horsepower. The Q4 is also all-wheel-drive; one motor powers the front wheels and the other powers the rear wheels.
Overall, the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron is a solid choice if you're looking to make the leap to an all-electric vehicle. In many ways, it drives and looks like a conventional gasoline-powered SUV, which may make the switch a bit less jarring. It's reasonably priced for the luxury class and delivers more than adequate performance. Check out the Expert Rating below for our test team's complete evaluation of the Q4 e-tron's real-world range, performance, comfort and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
While the 2022 Q4 e-tron sports the modern vibe we've come to expect from Audi, it doesn't really stand out from its EV competition. It's not the quickest, most comfortable or most efficient choice in the class. But it's also vice-free, making it an easy EV to drive and live with. If that checks the boxes for you, then it's worth a look.
How does the Q4 e-tron drive? The Q4 50 e-tron, which is what we tested, feels quick and has tidy and responsive handling. It's also a champ in parking lots and at U-turns thanks to its incredibly tight turning radius. So why does it lag behind much of the pack here? Ultimately, the Q4 just doesn't offer the kind of power or strong regenerative braking to match its peers.
With the Q4 50 e-tron, you get an additional front electric motor for a sizable boost of speed and traction over the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 40 e-tron model. At our test track, the 50 e-tron accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. That's quick by most measures, but the Q4's current direct competition is over a second quicker.
Regenerative braking, the process by which a vehicle can use its motors to slow and recoup some of its spent energy, is lighter in the Q4 than we'd like. You can dial the strength up or down depending on your preferences using the steering wheel paddles, though we'd wish the strongest setting was more aggressive. There is also no full one-pedal driving, in that the Q4 will not come to a complete stop using regen braking alone. For some experienced EV drivers, this will be a disappointment. Our measured panic-stopping distances from 60 mph were also a bit longer than expected for a luxury electric vehicle.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Q4 e-tron? The Q4 delivers an acceptable level of comfort across the board but won't likely wow you in any particular way. Its greatest quality is a quiet cabin. Our test vehicle had the optional sound-reducing windows, and noises entering the cabin were minimized exceptionally well.
Disappointingly, the ride quality and the seats do little to impress. The front seats lack lateral support and feel just a tad flat. Seat ventilation is not currently an option. We initially thought the Q4 did an admirable job of softening bumps in the road, but on some bumpier sections of highway, it didn't mask its movements all that well, resulting in a busy, choppy ride.
The climate control is easy to set and did a good job of maintaining our target temperature in testing. The air vents are simple and manually adjustable, though the position of the driver's side vents point directly at your hands when they're on the wheel.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The interior of the Q4 is a definite highlight. The cabin is easy to slip into and offers generous space and great outward visibility for occupants once inside. Headroom is plentiful, and even people well over 6 feet will fit in the rear row. The floor is also flat in back, making legroom feel even more abundant.
The Q4 recognizes when the key is present so you can just get in and go — no need to power the vehicle on with a button first. Audi's touchscreen menu is not the easiest to navigate, but in the realm of touchscreen controls these are better than others and certainly a huge upgrade from what's in the closely related Volkswagen ID.4. Our biggest gripe involves the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. They're not as easy to use as the old buttons and we fumbled inputs a few times.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? Audi typically offers a strong tech package and it was no different in our test vehicle. Our Prestige trim test vehicle benefited from the upgraded Audi Virtual Cockpit, which displays a handy navigation map right in your gauge cluster. This trim also features a new augmented-reality head-up display, which projects your turn-by-turn directions on the windshield, which we found pretty neat. The Q4 also has the first audio system tuned by Sonos. Sound quality was good, though we didn't find it particularly special in any way.
There are plenty of USB ports on board plus an optional wireless charger as well as wireless and wired smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi's voice control system understands some natural language, allowing you to adjust the climate control and make all the usual common commands. But it's not quite as advanced as some of the newest voice recognition systems in other brands.
A comprehensive suite of driver aids is included in the Premium Plus trim level and up, and the aids are very well tuned. We particularly like that Audi's system can sense when you have a hand on the wheel and doesn't require that you jiggle it every so often just to prove you're still there. The only thing we're missing is a surround-view camera, which most competitors offer.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Q4 offers a decent amount of space for cargo, though others simply offer more. There's 24.8 cubic feet of space available behind the rear seat, which is comparable to Genesis GV60 but can't compete with the Tesla Model Y and its 30.2 cubic feet. And this doesn't even include the Tesla's 4.1-cubic-foot front trunk, something the Q4 doesn't have. We do like that you can fold the rear seatbacks flat and have the flexibility to fold the rear seat in three sections.
If child safety seats are a part of your life, we found there to be a good amount of space for them in the back seats, and we like how the LATCH covers slide up out of the way rather than pop out, which is usually the first step to losing them. There are three top tether anchors on the back of each seat so you can fit a seat in any of the positions.
Storage for small items in the cabin is also decent but not amazing. There's a pretty sizable rubberized spot for personal effects right underneath the gear selector, and the center armrest bin is pretty deep even if it is sqaure-shaped. The integrated bottle holders in the doors are clean, simple and functional.
Range and Efficiency
7/10
How are the range and efficiency? The EPA estimates that the 2022 Q4 50 e-tron Quattro, which is the one we tested, has a range of 241 miles on a full charge. (It's worth noting that 2023 models have an official EPA range of 236 miles.) Both model years are reported to use 36 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles traveled. Neither figure is particularly impressive. But in Edmunds' real-world testing, our 2022 test model traveled 270 miles, nearly 30 miles more than its EPA estimate, and needed only 31.3 kWh of energy for every 100 miles. (Remember that the lower the kWh figure here, the better.)
This range should be enough for most EV buyers, and comparable to what the Genesis GV60 was able to return, though both were well behind the Tesla Model Y Long Range. However, if you factor in the difference in power between the Q4 and most other EVs in this class, the range and efficiency are a bit less impressive.
As far as charging goes, the Q4 e-tron is capable of DC quick charging at a rate of 150 kW, which is decent. Under optimal conditions, Audi estimates you'll be able to go from 5% to 80% battery charge in 36 minutes if quick charging. By comparison, using the right charging stations and under ideal conditions, the Model Y would take about 27 minutes, and the GV60 around 18 minutes to achieve the same battery charge.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Q4 e-tron a good value? In its single-motor form, the Q4 e-tron has a lower cost of entry than most of its luxury competition. When it's fully optioned up, the Q4's price aligns with its peers, though at that level it doesn't offer quite the same power or level of features.
Audi always does a nice job with interior design, and it helps to elevate the look and feel of the car. The Q4's interior feels thoroughly modern but there are parts of it, like the plastic on the center console and wood trim pieces, that look a bit low-budget. So ultimately, we think the Q4 offers relatively average value for the money. The Q4's warranty and roadside assistance coverage are solidly average as well.
Wildcard
7.5/10
We think most people will find the Q4 e-tron mildly fun to drive. "Mild" also applies to the Q4's exterior design. It's not pushing any boundaries or starting any trends, but it's also not offensive or trendy. It's pleasant enough to look at but few people are going to give it a second glance.
Which Q4 e-tron does Edmunds recommend?
Spring for the midlevel Premium Plus trim. It adds several desirable convenience and comfort features for a reasonable price.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron models
The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron is a fully electric small luxury SUV with seating for five people. The Q4 e-tron is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All have a 77-kWh battery pack and Quattro all-wheel drive (50 e-tron). The dual electric motors provide a combined 295 horsepower. Feature highlights for each trim level include:
Premium
Feature highlights include:
19-inch wheels
DC fast-charging capability (up to 150 kW)
Automatic LED headlights
LED interior lighting
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Tri-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
Panoramic sunroof
Power tailgate
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Heated exterior mirrors
10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
10.1-inch touchscreen
Voice controls
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (wireless capability for both)
Portable charging system (NEMA 14-50 plug, up to 9.6 kW)
Audi connected services (limited subscription)
Standard driver safety aids for the base Q4 include:
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Premium Plus
Adds more luxury features, including:
Keyless entry
Hands-free tailgate
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Sound-reducing front windows
Driver's seat memory function
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Wireless phone charger
Satellite radio (three-month trial subscription)
Driver safety aids included in the Premium Plus trim and above:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volkswagen and the car in front and can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Prestige
Tops off the Q4 e-tron lineup with:
Headlight and taillight animation
Augmented reality head-up display
Matrix LED headlights
Headlight washer system
10-speaker premium Sonos sound system
Onboard navigation
Traffic sign recognition
An S line plus package is available for the Premium Plus and Prestige. It adds:
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/50 (electric DD)
I'm absolutely in love with my new Q4 - Etron. My first experience with an EV and absolutely love it. I was on a waiting list for the Cadillac Lyriq but decided to move forward with the Audi. I'm so glad I did. The ride is comfortable and quiet. My vehicle was upgraded with the Sline package which gave me the upgraded sports seats and steering wheel. It's a joy to ride back and … forth to work.
Terrible
1 out of 5 stars
gmsip, 10/23/2022
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/50 (electric DD)
Battery went from high of 224 on full charge to 178 on full charge in less than a month. Have service appointment in 2 weeks. At this point be lucky to have 150 mile range on full charge.
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