The Q4 55 offers solid range, punchy performance, and impressive comfort in a tidy premium package
Loaded trims push pricing too close to better-equipped options like the Q6 or Genesis GV70 EV
Best experienced with minimal options and on a lease—don’t let the extras drain the value

When I picked up the 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron 55, I’ll admit my expectations weren’t exactly sky-high. Not because it’s bad on paper, but because, well, it shares its platform with the Volkswagen ID.4. And if you’ve had any experience with that one—or watched it try to keep up with a rapidly changing EV market—you’ll understand my initial hesitation.

But here’s the thing: the Q4 is better. Quite a lot better, actually.

2025 Audi Q4 e-tron | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

For context, this is Audi’s current smallest electric SUV, and even though it was first revealed in 2019, it still looks sharp thanks to subtle updates over the years. It fits seamlessly alongside the current Audi SUV lineup, both in design and in finish. In fact, the Q4 was one of the first models to introduce Audi’s latest design language for their EVs, so it still smells fresh.

55, hold the options

My tester, the Q4 55, is the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version. In Canada, it starts at $68,400, with the base rear-wheel-drive 45 trim priced at $63,400. For that, you get a healthy feature list: an 82-kWh battery, heated power front seats, leather, panoramic roof, full LED lighting, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Not bad at all.

The 55 brings a touch less range but power jumps to 335 horsepower, to be exact. That’s more than enough for daily life and spirited highway on-ramps. It also comes with a heat pump, which is nice in our Canadian winters.

Now, here’s where I start to pump the brakes: the fully loaded model I had was knocking on the door of $85,000. And that, frankly, the Q4 starts to lose the plot once the $75k mark is passed. With the black optics package, 21-inch bronze wheels, matrix LED lights, and a Sonos audio system, it might look sleek, but it becomes a hard sell when the new Audi Q6 starts at $84,000 and offers newer technology, better range, and more power.

That said, if you keep the options light, the Q4 starts to make a lot more sense.

Delightful on the road

On the road, the Q4 e-tron‘s a genuinely pleasant drive. Despite the large wheels, the ride quality is superb thanks to its suspension setup—MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The steering is light and easy to manage, and while it doesn’t deliver a ton of feedback, that’s par for the course with most electric SUVs.

In terms of regenerative braking, you get paddles behind the wheel to toggle through different levels. But there’s a catch: once you get back on the throttle, the system resets. Instead, I spent most of my time in “B” mode, accessed via the shifter, which provides smooth, consistent deceleration, perfect for city driving. It doesn’t bring the vehicle to a complete stop, but honestly, I don’t miss that one-pedal feel.

Range is rated at 414 kilometres, which is enough for most people, even in colder weather with some planning. Charging speeds peak at 175 kW, which is quick enough for a good top-up during a grocery run or coffee break. Still, if you’re eyeing long road trips regularly, other options might suit you better.

Audi class

Interior quality is what you’d expect from Audi—tight, refined, and thoughtfully designed. The seats are supportive, the controls are easy to reach, and thank goodness, there are real physical buttons for climate control. The Sonos audio system is a treat if you’re into sound quality, but again, only if it’s part of a reasonably priced package.

The cargo space is decent, with Audi claiming 520 litres, though it feels like more thanks to the extra room under the floor. The back seat is tight if you have two child seats, but manageable. Visibility is excellent, especially with the helpful extra window by the A-pillar.

So, should you get one?

Yes, but only under two conditions. First, keep the options low. Second, lease it. Don’t buy. The Q4 is polished, easy to live with, and much more enjoyable than its ID.4 cousin, but EV tech moves fast, and the next-gen Q4 or something newer like the Q6 will quickly make this one feel dated.

If you’re looking for a stylish, well-built, premium-feeling EV without going all-in on cost, the Q4 e-tron 55—spec’d smartly—should be on your radar.