2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

The Q4 Sportback e-tron is a fastback-style five-passenger electric SUV that shares its underpinnings with Q4 e-tron 50 and, midway through the model year, Q4 e-tron 55. It's offered only in dual-motor versions with all-wheel drive. Though the Q4 Sportback e-tron lacks the ridiculous acceleration and power of some all-electric SUVs, it's a relatively practical choice when it comes to driving. It's quick enough to get the job done but lacks the party-trick acceleration so many EVs use to sell themselves.

Certainly the Q4 Sportback e-tron's most direct competitor is the standard Q4 Sportback. Assuming you want to move outside the Audi universe, there's the quicker and longer-range Tesla Model Y. We also like the Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70 for their high levels of comfort and quick charging capabilities.

Like the standard Q4 e-tron, the Sportback benefits from a simplified lineup halfway through the 2024 model year, along with some significant improvements. The new 55 version replaces the 50 and adds more power, improved range, quicker charging, and improved steering and suspension. It also includes the updates made earlier to the 2024 Q4 e-tron, including standard adaptive cruise with lane centering and steering wheel paddles to adjust the amount of regenerative braking. The upgrades for the 55 version address some of our previous complaints about the Q4, so keep your eyes open for those when you're shopping because you'll want to get a 55 instead of the older 50 model.