I had a brief drive in the Audi Q4 e-tron at the Automotive Team headquarters in Sandyford last year and it was the first electric car I had driven that looked like a regular motor, in this case a luxury crossover.
Many of the new electric cars we see can be spartan looking, especially their interiors, but at first glance this gorgeous Audi wouldn’t give you any hint that it’s a fully electric model. And after a week in this spacious SUV I haven’t changed my mind.
At a recent new car launch there was much debate about the accuracy of WLTP for electric cars. In case you are not up to speed, WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, and it’s the most recent testing process used to measure new car fuel economy, electric driving range and emissions. It has been in use since 2017.
After much questioning by the motor writers the host and the audience reluctantly agreed that WLTP figures which car companies say their cars can do in pure electric mode can be achieved, but only in ideal conditions, i.e. summer weather, the wind at your back and no air conditioning in used.
The official range for the Q4 when fully charged is 520km, but in truth it’s probably closer to 440km mark.
Audi kept their famous four inter-linked rings logo in its usual place in front of car which assures you that it’s an Audi you are driving; the air in-take happens lower down at the front.
Inside you will feel like a ‘king of the road’ with that high driving position – I love cars that have a high platform. I genuinely feel they are much safer as you get a great view of your surrounding as you drive along country roads or city streets. And it’s all topped off with a neat ‘square-looking’ steering wheel.
The controls on the dash are easy to use, nothing too confusing and the controls are tilted towards the driver. Once I can find my favourite radio stations I’m happy.
There is ample leg and head room for five well-built adults. The boot is a decent size, but as usual with electric cars no spare wheel is provided.
Overall, the Q4 is comparable in size to the VW I.D.5 or the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
My only small complaint was the turning circle. I tried it out in a fairly small outdoor car park and it certainly won’t turn on the proverbial sixpence.
My test car came in a discreet Pebble Grey colour. Prices for the Q4 start at €64,130, but the price of the car as tested was €68,133. However, it had lots of extras you could do without, if short of cash. The only inexpensive item connected to the Q4 is the annual road tax of €120.
If you are going full electric rather than plug-in Hybrid a home charger is advised. I don’t have a home charger, but I found the ESB fast chargers worked well once there wasn’t a taxi charging and another one first in the queue. I drove the Sportback version which came with an 82kWh battery.
The car has a very solid feel to it and it’s certainly very comfortable, but maybe the Q4 is big leap for somebody entering the EV market for the first time. But then if you already own an Audi, no problem.
