2023 Audi Q4 e-tron

For many years, Audi's electric e-tron lineup has only been accessible to a more well-heeled clientele, but the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron changes that by starting at under $50,000. It provides the prestige of the Audi badge in a roughly Q5-sized package, but with the electric-only propulsion that more and more consumers are turning to. While comfortable, stylish, and packed with features, Audi did have to make some compromises to keep the price down. Even the quicker dual-motor model with 295 horsepower can't match the performance of the Tesla Model Y, while the Audi Q4 e-tron's maximum range of 265 miles lags behind competitors like the Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. As for its more traditional German rivals, the Q4 e-tron only has to worry about the Mercedes EQB, which is pricier and less powerful, as BMW doesn't sell its new iX1 in America. While the Q4 e-tron still looks and feels like an Audi, our review shows that there may be smarter choices out there in the electric crossover segment.

The price of the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron begins at $49,800 for the 40 Premium, the only model to sneak in below the $50k mark. It's followed by the 50 Premium at a cost of $55,200, the 40 Premium Plus at $56,000, the 50 Premium Plus at $61,400, and the 50 Prestige at $62,900.

These MSRP prices for the Audi Q4 e-tron exclude options and the destination charge in the USA of $1,195. The Audi is unique in that it doesn't have any direct BMW or Mercedes rivals in this country, thanks to its lower starting price. BMW's current cheapest EV here is the i4 at $52,000, which has a completely different body style. Merc's cheapest electric SUV is the EQB which is a closer match for the Audi and starts at $52,750; for that price, you get a little less power but the option of three rows.

It's worth noting that rivals like the Tesla Model Y are not only cheaper to start with but also qualify for a federal tax credit of $7,500.

One always gets the impression that Audi tunes its cars for the real world. While they aren't often riveting to drive, they generally do a superb job of keeping occupants comfortable, blocking out noisy traffic, and remaining composed under a range of conditions. In our test drive review of the Audi Q4 e-tron 50, we found that the dual electric motors delivered peppy acceleration without necessarily pushing you back into your seat like a Tesla. Even better, the Q4 e-tron feels more upscale than the Volkswagen ID.4 that it shares a platform with; the Audi's cabin is much more hushed, and that's precisely what one wants in an EV that doesn't have an engine to drown out any squeaks or rattles.

We also enjoyed the Q4 e-tron's weighty steering that wasn't as light as in gas-powered Audis like the Q3 and Q5. That said, the Q4 e-tron is hardly a sporty drive and feels its weight through corners, but that's less important than the generally comfortable ride quality.

The single-motor model doesn't have the punchy acceleration expected of a modern EV, but it does come at a saving of $6,000 compared to the dual-motor model, and that's significant at this price point.

The new Audi Q4 e-tron electric SUV isn't all that much more expensive than the older Q5, and shows that manufacturers are getting closer and closer to achieving cost parity between EVs and ICE cars. We think the Q4 is a nice fit for first-time EV owners used to conventionally-powered Audis as it still drives with the assurance of any other Audi while being just as stylish and well-made as expected. Seating space is ample, and even the base trim is specified to a high level. It's just that the Audi is outgunned by several other EVs at the price. Many of these are quicker, charge faster, have a better range, and are cheaper as they qualify for tax credits which the Q4 e-tron does not. We suspect that many owners will happily look past these shortcomings for the benefit of that desirable badge, but for those who want to make a more rational purchase, we encourage you to carefully compare what you're actually getting with non-premium EVs at a similar price.

The selling point of the Q4 e-tron lies in it being a rare premium-badged electric crossover available at this price. For that reason, the base 40 e-tron Premium at just under $50,000 makes a strong case for itself and also has a superior range.

Priced just $800 apart are the much quicker 50 e-tron Premium with dual motors and the less powerful but better-equipped 40 e-tron Premium Plus. This all comes down to whether you value performance over range and equipment. Both the 50 e-tron Premium Plus and 50 e-tron Prestige seem too expensive at over $60k.