Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron review

Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron verdict

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is a curiosity in the world of coupe SUVs as not only is it arguably more stylish than its conventional SUV sibling, but it's also more practical. It doesn’t stop there, though, as thanks to its svelte shape, the Sportback model even has a slightly better range than the SUV model, too. The cost of all this over and above the already plush and well-rounded Q4 e-tron comes in at just under £1,000, which we think, unless you’re offended by the idea of a raked roofline on an SUV, is a pretty worthwhile upgrade.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The Audi Q4 e-tron is one of our favourite electric SUVs and a rival for other premium models such as the Mercedes EQA and BMW iX1. Like many other manufacturers, Audi also offers its plug-in family SUV in sleek coupe-SUV form, here dubbed the Sportback and designed to go head-to-head with the Genesis GV60 and Tesla Model Y.

Like the cheaper Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV of which it shares many of its parts, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron looks very similar to its conventional SUV counterpart until you reach the C-pillar – towards the back of the rear doors – where the roof begins to slope downwards. You may be forgiven for expecting this to come at the expense of boot space, but the Q4 Sportback actually offers 15 litres more than the regular Q4 with with the rear seats up. There’s even enough space in the back for fully-grown adults – something that can’t be said for all cars of this bodystyle.

Now the visual differences are out of the way, it’s worth noting that the Q4 Sportback e-tron shares its powertrain and trim structure with the ‘regular’ Q4 and demands around a £1,000 premium. There are two battery and electric motor setups to choose from: 40 e-tron and 50 e-tron. The former utilises a single, rear-mounted 201bhp electric motor that’s paired with a 77kWh (usable) battery. The sprint from 0-62mph takes 8.2 seconds, but if you’re easy on the accelerator, Audi says the Sportback 40 e-tron will manage up to 328 miles on a single charge – six miles more than the conventional Q4 e-tron SUV.

Step up to the 50 e-tron and you get a second, front-mounted electric motor; not only does this provide ‘quattro’ four-wheel-drive, but power is bumped to 295bhp and  the 0-62mph time drops to just 6.2 seconds. Despite the substantial increase in performance, Audi claims maximum range still stands at 318 miles.

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At launch, Audi also offered an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron model with a single 168bhp electric motor and a 218-mile range, though this has since been discontinued. All Audi Q4 Sportback models currently on sale come with 135kW rapid DC charging as standard, allowing for a 5-80% charge in just over half an hour.

Beyond the two powertrains, buyers must also choose from one of three trim levels. The ‘Sport’ trim kicks off the lineup and, as you’d hope from a £50k Audi, comes loaded with kit as standard. All cars get full LED exterior lighting, heated sports seats, tri-zone climate control and rear parking sensors, plus an 11.6-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bolstered by Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster.

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Stepping up to the S-line model adds a sportier bodykit and suspension setup, plus part-leatherette upholstery and interior ambient lighting. Finally, there’s the Edition 1 model that comes fully-loaded with Matrix LED headlights, full leather upholstery, electric front seats and a gloss black styling pack. It’s just a shame you have to pay extra for things like a reversing camera on all models.

For more on the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...