AUDI Q4 E-TRON

EV is now more potent and more efficient - but is something missing from UK spec?

- WILL RIMELL

Since being launched in 2021, the Q4 E-tron electric crossover has become a firm favourite in the Audi stable. Three years on, the German company has given it a technical update in response to the increasing allure of rivals such as the now-cheaper Tesla Model Y.

The substance of this update can be found underneath a subtly restyled exterior. The big news is a new motor (as found in the new Volkswagen ID 7 saloon) on the rear axle that's more efficient, thanks to better thermal management resulting in more power and more range. All Q4s continue to use an 82kWh battery pack.

We have driven this new Q4 before, but that German-spec test car was equipped with adaptive dampers, which aren't offered in the UK. The car we are driving on home soil, an entry-level singlemotor 45 in Black Edition trim, is fitted with the standard suspension, which Audi has retuned as part of the update in order to improve balance, comfort, driving fun and stability.