This is the 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron, a compact electric SUV that received a significant power upgrade, enhanced range, and improved charging capabilities midway through the 2024 model year, all without any additional cost, which is quite rare these days.

It’s unusual for a manufacturer to implement such extensive changes halfway through a model year, but Audi has done just that. The Q4 50 e-tron has been renamed to the Audi Q4 55 e-tron, and these enhancements have been carried over to the 2025 version I’m testing here. Notably, there are no external badges indicating this change; it’s only referenced on the sticker. The Q4 e-tron competes with other compact electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Volvo C40 Recharge, and XC40 Recharge, yet it offers a more luxurious interior compared to its competitors.

Exterior

The Q4 e-tron is positioned in size between the Q3 and Q5, yet it carries a higher price tag than the entry-level versions of both gasoline SUVs. Beneath its exterior, it utilizes Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles, which also supports models like the VW ID.4 and ID. Buzz. I appreciate how Audi strives to keep a conventional appearance for its electric vehicles, and it appears to achieve this well, resembling a typical gas-powered Audi.

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Audi has taken steps to respond to earlier critiques regarding the steering feel, brake pedal responsiveness, and suspension performance. The progressive steering rack has been refined to provide a more linear and direct experience, enhancing low-speed handling without compromise. Additionally, improvements in brake modulation have led to a more responsive feel and consistent stopping distances. Lastly, the suspension has been re-engineered to achieve that perfect balance of firmness and comfort that Audi is known for.

Wheels and tires

This model features the classic 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, equipped with Bridgestone Alenza 235/55 all-season tires. If you choose the Sport package for $1,800, you’ll upgrade to striking 21-inch wheels. Personally, I find these wheels quite satisfactory.

Under The Hood 

The rear motor has been upgraded, resulting in a boost of 40 horsepower, increasing the total output from 295 to 335 horsepower. The torque remains largely unchanged at 339 lb-ft. This additional power allows the Q4 e-tron to accelerate faster, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, down from 5.6 seconds. Interestingly, the top speed has been lowered from 113 mph to 100 mph which could be a way to preserve battery longevity.

Battery and Charging 

The Q4 55 retains the same 77.0-kWh battery as before, yet it now offers enhanced range and faster charging capabilities. According to the EPA, both the SUV and Sportback versions can achieve an impressive 258 miles, an increase from the previous 236 miles.

The maximum charging speed for this model has increased to 175 kilowatts, up from the previous 150 kilowatts. Now, recharging the battery from 10 to 80 percent is said to take just 28 minutes, which is an improvement of eight minutes compared to earlier.

Driving

Starting up the Q4 is a breeze since just like with a Tesla or Polestar 2, you simply approach the vehicle, unlock it, hop in, press the brake, shift the gear lever to D, and you’re off. There’s no need to fiddle with a starter button or deal with parking brakes, it’s all incredibly straightforward.

The car feels much more balanced thanks to the mid-cycle updates, acceleration is smooth and more than adequate in most driving but you won’t get the dramatic rush typical of a Tesla when you hit the accelerator. On the plus side, the acoustics side windows provide a whisper-quiet ride and the cabin is suitably hushed.

The suspension upgrades have worked wonders, no longer does it feel wooden, and the steering offers a nice blend of precision and feel regardless of which drive mode you have chosen. Don’t get too carried away though, this isn’t a sports car meant for aggressive driving, leave that for a possible Sq4 e-tron. .

Interior

The Audi offers a spacious interior, providing ample room for passengers. In addition to the convenient double-deck door compartments at the front, you’ll find storage areas beneath the gear shifter, two sizable cupholders, and additional storage options further back. There are also handy cupholders at the armrest level of each door where a decent-sized container will fit.

The rear seating area is quite generous, comfortably accommodating most adults with plenty of headroom thanks to the flat floor design. The trunk boasts a respectable capacity of 24.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Sadly it lacks a front trunk.

My tester had a parchment beige interior and it helped to break up the expansive black that usually dominates cabins these days. The front seats are supportive and have multi-way power for both driver and passenger. They are heated but not cooled which is a miss in the Prestige trim model.

The Q4 e-tron, like other models from Audi, showcases a cabin filled with the brand’s most advanced technology including the latest iteration of Audi’s MMI system, boasting a standard 10.3-inch digital gauge display and a sizable 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is conveniently angled towards the driver for easy navigation through its various functions.

The door materials can feel a bit scratchy, and the haptic buttons on the steering wheel, a recurring issue with VW models, can be tricky to use, often requiring a glance to confirm what you’re pressing. This has led to several frustrating moments during our time with the vehicle. Almost immediately after entering the Q4, I  found myself turning on the heated steering wheel.

Pricing

My tester was an SUV version but you can get a Sportback, however, it’s $3,000 more and is identical in size except the roof line is lower so you get less headroom. This one starts at $55,200 and has this Navarra Blue Metallic paint for $595. It also has the Prestige package for $6,600 and that includes a ton of stuff including a Sonos sound system,  Dual pane acoustic glass, a Wireless charging pad, yes that’s extra, and these Auto dimming power folding door mirrors.  You also get a heated steering wheel, a heated windshield, a heat pump, headlight washers, and animation for the headlights and taillights.  Add that up and the total price is $64,690 

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Verdict 

Audi has done a great job updating this car, they listened to the criticism and fixed almost everything and they didn’t charge anything extra. It drives well, has a good range and charges pretty fast versus the competition, I like it. 

 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron quattro numbers

BASE PRICE: $55,200
AS TESTED PRICE: $64,690
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door crossover
ENGINE: 2 induction permanent magnet AC motors
BATTERY: Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77 kWh
ONBOARD CHARGER: 11 kW
PEAK DC FAST CHARGE RATE: 175 kW
COMBINED POWER: 335 hp 
TORQUE: 339 lb-ft 
TRANSMISSION: 1-speed automatic transmission
0-60 MPH: 5.0 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 4,800 lb (est)
CARGO VOLUME: 24.8 ft³, 53.1 ft³ with seat area
RANGE: 258 miles,
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 92 MPGe Hwy
PROS: Improved performance and range, doesn’t shout that it’s an EV 
CONS: Spongy brakes,  fiddly steering wheel controls