Used Audi Q4 e-tron 2021-present review

If you're after an electric SUV and don't want to spend an absolute fortune on it, but still fancy spoiling yourself with something that's good to drive and comes with a classy interior, a second-hand Audi Q4 e-tron could well be the car for you.

You see not only is it supremely competent on the road, but it's also nice to sit in and ride in too. Perhaps that's not so surprising, as under the skin it’s closely related to the Skoda Enyaq and the VW ID 4.

Money-wise, it looks good value, too. A used Q4 e-tron will cost you pretty much the same as a used Enyaq or ID 4, and only a little more than the Volvo XC40 Recharge. It'll be a good deal less than the BMW iX3.

All Q4 e-trons are decently equipped. The entry-level Sport gets 19in alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, heated front seats and a powered boot lid.

Upgrading to S line brings 20in wheels, privacy glass, sports front seats and ambient interior lighting. Black Edition models add larger 21in wheels, a black exterior styling pack and paddles behind the steering wheel that let you quickly change the level of energy recuperation.

The entry-level Audi Q4 e-tron – the 40 – has 201bhp, rear-wheel drive and an 8.5sec 0-62mph time. That's slightly slower than an equally powerful Audi Q5 45 TDI diesel, but if anything, the Q4 feels quicker in everyday driving. It surges forwards almost instantaneously when you put your foot down instead of requiring time to rev up or change down a gear.

At the other end of the range, the 50 can hit 62mph in 6.2sec thanks to twin motors, four-wheel drive and 295bhp of poke.

The Q4 feels supple around town, and is comfortable at higher speeds, too. Sport models on the smallest 19in wheels and comfort suspension are the most comfortable, isolating against bumps the most effectively.

It can roll in hard cornering, but the Q4 grips strongly and its accurate steering gives you confidence. The unnecessarily heavy Dynamic setting doesn’t really add to the experience.

The Q4 can’t match the incredible refinement of the bigger and more expensive Audi Q8 e-tron but it is better at shutting out road noise than key rivals such as the Mustang Mach-E and XC40 Recharge. There’s also very little electric motor whine. Wind noise is minimal unless there’s a heavy crosswind, in which case you hear it gusting around the windscreen pillars.

Inside, the climate controls are conventional switches, which are far less distracting to use on the move than the touchscreen icons you get in the Skoda Enyaq and Volvo XC40 Recharge let alone the touch-sensitive panels of the VW ID 4.

A configurable digital instrument panel is standard, while an augmented-reality head-up display (available as part of the Technology Pack Pro) should further reduce the need to look down at the dashboard. It can project images for the lane-departure warning and sat-nav directional arrows showing you where to turn, so they appear to be on the road ahead.

Above the climate controls sits an 11.6in infotainment touchscreen. It's not quite as intuitive as the iDrive system in the BMW iX3 but it’s easier to use than the Enyaq’s and much quicker than the ID.4’s glitchy unit.

You also get a DAB radio, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, two USB-C ports and a three-year subscription to online services such as Google maps, and weather and hazard alerts. Amazon Alexa is integrated into the system, allowing you to manage calendars, shopping lists and your Amazon smart devices at home, all through voice commands.

The electric SUV class includes some seriously plush and pricey models, including the bigger Audi Q8 e-tron but the Q4 still fares pretty well in terms of interior quality. Despite featuring some hard plastic on the doors, it feels significantly classier than its Enyaq and ID 4 siblings, as well as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

You’ll have plenty of head and leg room in the front of the Q4 e-tron, even if you’re well over six-feet tall. Rear-seat passengers are very well catered for, with the Q4 offering significantly more knee room than the Volvo XC40 Recharge and more head room than the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Overall, it’s roomier than both those rivals, and is also a match for the closely related Skoda Enyaq. Even a central rear passenger will be reasonably comfortable because the floor is completely flat.

The Q4 e-tron's boot matches the 520-litre capacity of the conventionally powered Audi Q5 and we managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases into it. The Q4’s wide aperture and tailgate mean it’ll fit much bulkier items, plus that tailgate is powered on all versions.

If you're interested in buying a used Audi Q4, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages.

Prices for a used Q4 e-tron start at around £32,000, this is for a 2021 35 Sport model with an average mileage for the year, bought from an independent or franchised dealer. That's a healthy saving on buying one new. Spend between £34,000 and £38,000 on a 2022 car, depending on trim, and over £40,000 on a 2023-onwards car.

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Range and charging

The 40 achieves the highest official range of more than 300 miles (up to 322, to be precise) on a full charge, comfortably beating the XC40’s, but falling short of the Mach-E’s.

The 40 and 50 models can charge at speeds of up to 135kW, which means a 0-100% charge at home on a 7kW charger takes just over 12 hours. From 10-80% on a public rapid charger comes in at 33mins.

Servicing and insurance

As with conventionally powered Audis, the e-tron comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, while its battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Insurance groups are high, so the e-tron is likely to be costly to insure.

Engine

The entry-level Audi Q4 e-tron – the 40 – is our favourite version, with 201bhp, rear-wheel drive and an 8.5sec 0-62mph time. That's slightly slower than an equally powerful Audi Q5 45 TDI diesel, but if anything, the Q4 feels quicker in everyday driving. It surges forwards almost instantaneously when you put your foot down instead of requiring time to rev up or change down a gear.

Trim

Sport is the one to look out for. It's well equipped and cheaper on the used car forecourts. It's also the most comfortable, depending on wheel and tyre options.

Our favourite Audi Q4 e-tron: Q4 e-tron 40 Sport

As we mentioned, the VW ID 4 is mechanically related to the e-tron. The ID 4 handles with more composure, but isn't as plush or huge inside. Used prices are roughly on par.

The Skoda Enyaq is related, too. It's roomier, good to drive and roughly on a par to buy used, but its interior quality is below the e-tron's.

For more electric range and performance, but less comfort, there's the Ford Mustang Mach-e. Have pockets that are at least £33,000 deep if you're considering one, though.

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If you're interested in buying a used Audi Q4, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages.