2023 Audi Q4 e-tron: The Wait Was Worth It

It should have landed with us last fall, in 2021. However, a few weeks ago, after long months of waiting, the Audi Q4 e-tron was finally able to hit the road from dealers, who each receive between 8 and 10 units monthly. A highly anticipated model from Audi customers, which generated a lot of interest at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show last April.

Its format, its competitive price as well as its friendly face have visibly contributed to its success, which is now a problem for dealers. In fact, most Audi establishments in Quebec have between 300 and 400 orders for this model which, as you have seen, is trickling in at the dealership. Deliveries are obviously made immediately, without us even being able to keep any in stock, if only to show it to customers.

Mind you, publicizing it more could only make things worse for now, since right now, if you’re ordering a Q4 e-tron in Quebec, don’t expect delivery before 2024, maybe 2025.

That being said, I’ve had the chance over the past few weeks to test two versions of the Q4 e-tron. A regular model as well as the Sportback version, pictured in this article. Vehicles that unfortunately do not have the same chances of success with us, since unlike the ordinary model, the Sportback is not eligible for any government credit. Neither federal nor provincial. And for good reason, a starting price displayed at $69,800, since there is no basic Comfort version of this version.

Audi has indeed chosen to offer only the Comfort version on the ordinary model, to then offer not more luxurious versions, but rather groups of options. An important nuance, since even by opting for the Progressiv or Technik group of the ordinary model, and even if the bill can climb to nearly $80,000 when the Q4 e-tron is fully equipped, it is eligible for $12,000 in credits governmental. Why? Because the entry price is below $60,000 ($59,950), the upper limit for an electric SUV to qualify for these credits. This is what Volvo has also understood with its C40/XC40 Recharge range, which now offers basic versions so that customers can benefit from the financial advantages of our generous levels of government.

Much more than a luxury ID.4

The delays faced with the arrival of the Q4 e-tron were such that they could practically have allowed other players to land on our market before Audi. A situation that we fortunately narrowly avoided, since the Mercedes-Benz EQB is now arriving.

That said, the Audi Q4 e-tron was clearly worth the wait. Not only because it is a popular electric vehicle, but because its dynamic qualities distinguish it from the Volkswagen ID.4, from which it borrows a majority of technical elements. Think of the MEB platform, the 82 kWh battery and the two electric motors. Because indeed, Audi Canada only offers us models with all-wheel drive, therefore Quattro, whereas our neighbors to the South can also benefit from powered models, exploiting in this case the basic technology of the Volkswagen ID.4, with a 62 kWh battery.

Unsurprisingly, the autonomy of 388 km with a full charge is in line with what the ID.4 offers. The same goes for charging times, around 7.5 hours on a level 2 terminal, or 40 minutes for a 10% to 80% recharge on a level 3 terminal. And unfortunately, no possibility driving with one foot (without using the brakes), as is the case with Volkswagen.

The ID.4 may be fast and very efficient in terms of handling, but it is not particularly exciting to drive. The steering seems a bit disconnected and therefore not very communicative, while the suspension is disappointing dynamically. Quite the opposite of the Audi Q4 e-tron, which downright feels lighter and more fun to drive. In short, the equivalent of what an electrified Q5 would be.

Of course, the power of 295 horsepower does not equal that of a Volvo sold at a comparable price (402 horsepower), nor even that of the Genesis GV60, another serious rival of the Q4 e-tron. However, driving pleasure remains one of its finest qualities, not to mention a neat interior presentation.

Interestingly, if the Sportback version gives the impression of being less spacious due to the slender shape of its rear part, this is not the case on paper. Indeed, although we slightly lose volume in height, the cargo space is increased at the base, making it a slightly more practical vehicle (535 liters against 520 liters).

Oriented towards the driver, the driving position is well thought out. With an easy-to-use screen, which integrates the now traditional wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto applications, and which offers the advantage of an audible reminder when using it. The instrumentation is also easy to consult, which can be enhanced by the head-up display with augmented reality.

Offering generous space in front and behind, the Q4 also receives beautifully sculpted sports seats (Progressiv and Technik) which optimize comfort and the driving position. The interior presentation is very nice, although some plastics are not always up to what Audi has accustomed us to. Obviously, the higher the range, the richer the equipment. Remember, however, that the Technik package option gives you access to the high-performance Sonos audio system, the heated windshield and semi-autonomous driving, which is frankly convincing.

Sportback penalized

Admittedly, the Q4 e-tron Sportback will have fewer followers with us due to an excessively high bill, which also puts it at a disadvantage against the Volvo C40 Recharge, its closest rival. However, the demand is so strong that despite this imbalance, the Sportbacks come out as soon as they arrive. Will Audi correct the situation by changing the choice of versions? To be continued. One thing is certain, here is an electric SUV that is as fun as it is attractive, destined for success, and which will retain – like most vehicles in this segment – an incredible value on the used market. Hoping that one day Audi can increase the number of units for our market.