It's hard to believe that, around 30 years ago, Audi wasn't quite the most desirable luxury automaker. They were a more left-field choice. Think Saab or the higher-end Citroën models. Back then, if people wanted a German car, they'd go for BMW or Mercedes-Benz. But, eventually, Audi managed to prove themselves in this space, and now they're one of the gold standards if you want to go European for your next luxury car purchase. They have made some pretty underrated cars over the years, too.

As we all know, the entire industry is shifting to electrification, and Audi was among the first to experiment with battery-powered automobiles. After the e-tron and e-tron GT, which are the high-end offerings, Audi is now preparing to go into battle in the electric-crossover-for-the-masses ring, with the new Q4 e-tron.

Overview Of The Q4 e-tron

After the large e-tron SUV and the award-winning e-tron GT fastback sedan, Audi is now tackling the conventional, masses-friendly electric crossover with the Q4 e-tron. As the name implies, they offer it exclusively with battery power, and it slots right in between the Q3 and the Q5 in the lineup. Unlike the previous two models, which use their own platforms, the Q4 e-tron sits atop the VW Group's shared MEB platform. VW created MEB specifically for electric cars, and it underpins a whole lot of other cars from the Group, like the VW ID.3, Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born etc..

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Obviously, the Q4 e-tron takes on its own styling identity, which closely follows that of Audi's ICE-powered cars, for good and bad. While the Q4 e-tron does have some pretty sharp styling, most people have criticized the fake grille on the front. Yes, it does keep it consistent with Audi's other grille designs, but it really doesn't need to be there, as the Q4 doesn't need as much cooling as a regular engine. Still, with that grille, it's unmistakably an Audi. The Q4 e-tron also has a slightly sloped headline, for better aerodynamics, and it's very sloped on the Sportback model. Speaking of, like almost all of Audi's cars, you can have the Q4 e-tron as a regular SUV, or as a Sportback coupe version. Both versions get the same trim levels, being Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Q4 e-tron Powertrain And Drivetrain

Although Audi offers a single motor, RWD version in foreign markets, as well as lower power outputs and smaller batteries, both the Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback in North America come in only one way. A 77-kWh battery pack powers a pair of electric motors on each axle, for a total output of 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. With the dual motors, the Q4 e-tron earns the Quattro badge as well. The powertrain is good for 0-60 mph in 5.8-seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 112 mph.

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The Q4 e-tron isn't designed to set your clothes on fire in the turns, it's more about balance. While it can be pretty fun in certain situations, the focus of the Q4 is on comfort, and it excels at that surprisingly well. Thanks to the supple suspension and easy controls, the Q4 e-tron is a pretty nice car to drive. Grip levels are also great, thanks to the Quattro system, and the regenerative braking is some of the best in the business. Unfortunately, it falls a little behind its main competitors with an EPA-estimated range of 241 miles. Still, it's not a bad number.

Audi Q4 e-tron Comfort And Quality

Despite riding on a platform that underpins lesser automobiles, the Q4 e-tron makes it very clear that it's an Audi on the inside. The interior is full of high quality materials, a unique design philosophy, and a general premium feel and that Audi-ness, so to say. Every Q4 e-tron gets Audi's Virtual Cockpit as standard, as well as an 11.6-inch infotainment display, and physical A/C controls. It still could take a little time to get used to, particularly with the hexagonal steering wheel, but compared to its cousin, the VW ID.4, which was one of the best electric SUVs of last year, the Q4 e-tron handles the interior part just fine, particularly in the center control stack. No uncooperative infotainment system or annoying capacitive climate controls here.

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There are tons of options, including wireless smartphone charging and a Sonos premium sound system. Safety features are plentiful, including things like auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and all the usual suspects. The Q4 e-tron seats five passengers, and due to the bespoke EV platform, there's plenty of space, as well as a completely flat floor. The cargo area, meanwhile, offers up 18.3 cubic-feet of space.

Audi Q4 e-tron Pricing And Launch

The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron is available to order as of July 2022. Prices start at $49,900 for the base Premium model, whereas the Sportback starts at $52,700 with that same trim level. While that's around $6,000 than the Q5, it's still a pretty good price for an electric SUV, much less one from Audi. Ingolstadt have really outdone themselves here, the Q4 e-tron appears to have all the bases covered rather well. The premium electric SUV segment definitely has something to look out for here.