When the Audi Q4 45 e-tron was launched in June, my honest first impression of it was how it lacked some of the glamour, pizzazz and theatrics of the other Audi models that Jek Ray and I have tested over the last year.

If you think I’m being unnecessarily harsh, hold the pitchforks. The Q4, being the “entry level” introduction to Audi’s electric range, sits below the sizeable Q8 e-tron and manic e-tron GT on the totem pole. Yes, it’s not as luxurious or dynamic, but given what it has been built for and the market segment it is targeting, why try to be something it is not?

Unlike its German rivals who have electric offerings that span the entirety of their model range, Audi previously only focused their EV efforts on the higher end of the market. Is that a point against Ingolstadt? I would like to think it isn’t.

Every manufacturer has their own way of doing things, after all. 

From Concept to Reality

First unveiled as a concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the production model has stayed mostly true to that initial look. From the first look, it’s evident that Audi wasn’t shooting for elaborate styling with the Q4. In fact, its design brings to mind the Q8 e-tron.

Overall design cues have a familiar look to them, like the Q3 and Q5, but smoothened and optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. The high roofline drops into the rear windscreen, melding into a rear fascia we have come to expect of Audi. And being a popular design theme in recent years, the tail lights morph into a light bar when switched on.

You instinctively know this hails from Ingolstadt, while still remaining distinctive enough to show that it is a different model from the other e-tron models that came before. If you have a concept that works, why excessively deviate from it?

Sensible Luxury

It may be Audi’s “entry-level” EV, but it is ultimately still an Audi. So you’ll find soft touch materials covering high touch point areas like the dashboard, window sills and door cards. My test car came with a lovely coffee-coloured leather interior, which nicely compliments the black paint.

And it doesn’t just look good – it feels great as well. The seats were not only comfortable, but also fit my large frame quite well, with plenty of legroom to spare. The high roofline means headroom aplenty, even for taller passengers. Plus, three people will fit abreast with more than enough space for everyone.

This sensation of thoughtfulness also extends to the overall usability and the provided equipment. The gauge cluster is a 10.25-inch screen with massive configurability, with the infotainment screen (or MMI in Audi speak) being an 11.6-inch unit. Both screens are crisp and modern, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay works flawlessly with the MMI. Not all of your gizmos are controlled via the touchscreen – Audi opted to still utilise physical buttons for frequently used functions, such as adjusting the climate controls, making it both more intuitive and easier while on the move.

Like most cars, there’s the usual space for bottles in the door bins, and in the Q4’s case, a handy graphic to show what can fit. But, the Q4 includes a large space in all four doors, in front of the window switches, that will easily swallow a large bottle, not to mention making for an easier reach when a drink is needed. Truly thoughtful.

It Can Hustle, But Does It Need To?

The Q4 doesn’t look like it, but it is surprisingly brisk. With 282 bhp and 545 Nm of torque, this 2,070 kg CUV will scoot to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Not too long ago, these were performance car numbers, and now we’re achieving them in crossovers.

Power is drawn from a 82 kWh pack, sending power to the rear wheels only via a single speed transmission. While range is a claimed 466 kilometres, the car itself predicted it could do 515 kilometres on a full charge, which means instead of the factory’s claimed 5.29 km/kWh, it could theoretically achieve 6.28 km/kWh.

Driven sensibly, I don’t doubt it would clock over 500 kilometres on a single charge. Combined with its drag coefficient of 0.28 and strong regenerative braking, this would definitely help to squeeze out every last kilometre possible. Recharging wise, it’ll juice up at speeds of up to 135 kW on DC charging, and 11 kW on AC charging.

Remember, the Q4 isn’t a high-performance automobile. After all, this is first and foremost built for the passenger. As such, you’ll find thick sidewalls that work in tandem with its comfort-biased suspension to soak up virtually every imperfection on the road.

The softer-sprung suspension did exhibit a fair amount of body roll in the corners, and the light steering didn’t provide the greatest amount of feedback. But is that really what matters in a car like this?

Activate the adaptive cruise control, sit back and let the Q4 do its thing. Even at expressway speeds, it felt calm, unperturbed and honestly capable of more, but most importantly, it was like a comfortable cocoon away from outside noises.

Unabashedly Comfortable in Its Own Skin

The Q4 e-tron knows what it is, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. Audi knew it was entering a crowded segment with options on virtually every end of the price spectrum. But that hasn’t deterred them from producing a car that I feel could genuinely lure some sales over from its European, and possibly even Asian rivals.

In my opinion, Ingolstadt played to its strengths. A large battery, good range, considerate and thoughtful ergonomics, comfort and space aplenty for five, a boot starting at 520 litres, and further expandable to 1,490 litres. Audi understood the needs of the market segment they were aiming at, and it all shows with the Q4. 

Others will argue that its competitors drive better, are more comfortable, feel more premium, look prettier, perhaps even more value for money. I don’t doubt that. But I’ve been in most of those cars, and none have actually given me that almost tranquil sensation I felt when I was cruising down the expressway.

That, by itself, is almost worth disregarding its competitors, and handing the Audi Q4 45 e-tron the lone spot atop the podium. 

You May Be Interested In: 2024 Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron Review – Excellence in Excessiveness