2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron Electric SUV Proves Pleasant, Refined

Tasteful new model eschews ‘look at me’ EV conventions

By Jon Linkov

Published December 30, 2022 | Updated October 21, 2022

2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron driving — 2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron Quattro

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in October, 2022, we finished testing the Audi Q4 E-Tron. Read the complete Audi Q4 E-Tron road test.

The Audi Q4 E-Tron is the automaker’s third electric vehicle for sale in North America. This compact SUV follows on the heels of the original E-Tron, which arrived for the 2019 model year, and the E-Tron GT, a four-door sedan that shares its platform with the Porsche Taycan.

Like the E-Tron GT, the Q4 E-Tron shares its platform with another vehicle, in this case, the previously tested Volkswagen ID.4. But unlike the ID.4, which is a departure from VW’s more reserved interior and exterior styling, the Q4 E-Tron’s styling mirrors that of its Q3 and Q5 SUV siblings.

There are three versions of the Q4 E-Tron available, starting with the rear-wheel-drive Q4 40 E-Tron. Two all-wheel-drive versions are offered, the Q4 50 E-Tron Quattro and the coupelike Sportback 50 Quattro.

This first drive review is based on the Q4 50 E-Tron Quattro we purchased for our test program. Because Consumer Reports buys every product we test and rate, we aren’t immune to market forces. So like many car buyers end up doing these days, we had to pay a $5,000 markup the Audi dealer added on top of the Q4’s $60,000 manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2022 Audi Q4 50 E-Tron is available to you below. We have since finished the 2,000 mile break-in period and put it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, ride, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members now have access to the full Audi Q4 E-Tron road test results.

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