By Ian Strachan.
The Audi Q4 is Audi’s biggest selling SUV, and its all-electric version – the Q4 e-tron – could be the vehicle that convinces you that electric is the way forward.
The Q4 e-tron has everything you could want in a family SUV. It looks stylish, it’s practical, it’s supremely comfortable, it has respectable performance and it’s well specified and well priced. The usual worries about range and charging times are pretty much taken care of, with a range of more than 320 miles and a charging time from 10 per cent to 80 per cent of less than half an hour.
I tested the entry level Q4 45 in Black Edition spec, with rear wheel drive. Despite being an entry level it comes with plenty of equipment and technology, and its performance won’t disappoint.
The Q4 e-tron pumps out 282 bhp, has a top speed where allowed of 112 mph and will propel you from 0 to 60mph in around six and a half seconds. If you are heavy footed in this Audi there will be a range penalty, as with all electric vehicles. My test car was fitted with a heat pump, at £965, which is a welcome extra if you don’t want the range consequences of putting on the heater.
Apart from its good performance the Q4 e-tron has lots of other things to like. It is packed with technology and safety aids, and handles very well. It also looks good, with black roof rails and exterior mirrors, and impressive 21-inch alloys. My test car came in a smart silver metallic finish with contrast bumpers (plus £695).
The Q4 is undoubtedly an Audi, with the distinctive deep Audi grille, unique trim and pleasing lines. Inside it’s roomy and comfortable, with plenty of creature comforts. There are touchscreen functions for many of the car’s settings and controls.
The load-space behind the rear seats is considerable at 520 litres which can be increased to 1490 litres by folding the seats. The tailgate is electronically powered.
Specification is exceptionally good. This includes leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, park assist, three-zone automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation, premium SONOS 10-speaker sound system, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, electric heated front seats, multi-function heated steering wheel. My test car was fitted with a technology pack (£750) which included a head-up display.
The Q4 e-tron 45 Black Edition comes at £58,885 on the road. That undercuts many of its rivals and you get the benefit of an impressive, high specification vehicle that won’t depreciate quickly, and a versatile and more than competent performer. And you can drive it with a clear conscience.
