I’m a fan of the Audi Q4 e-tron and Sportback models, which I think serve as a great entry point to the e-tron range. These stylish crossovers deliver solid performance, come well-equipped, offer a spacious and comfortable ride, and the interior quality is great for the price range and category.
However, there are certain aspects of the Q4 e-tron that could benefit from refinement when the model is redesigned. Some of these quirks can be addressed with the facelift, so I’ll be waiting for the changelog of the new Audi Q4 that should be here in 2025.
Quirky dashboard
Gas-powered Audi car interiors have won accolades around the world, with both the Q3 and the Q5, being my favorites. However, with the Q4 e-tron, I feel like the dashboard seems to veer toward complexity, with an array of shapes and angles. Streamlining the dashboard and further improving the software could help achieve a futuristic and user-friendly interior.
Gloss black plastic
While gloss black plastic certainly makes an initial visual impact, and those test driving the car for the first time are bound to be impressed, it poses practical challenges in terms of maintenance. It tends to be a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. Exploring alternative materials that are easier to clean and maintain would enhance the overall ownership experience.
Buttons on the steering wheel
Call me old fashion, but the capacitive touch/sliders surfaces on the steering wheel aren’t practical. They don’t offer the right feedback, and aren’t tactile. Thomas Schaefer, the CEO of Volkswagen, has confirmed that these capacitive controls are going away in the future, and will be replaced with push-buttons. Considering that the brands share EV platforms and many customers, I wonder whether Audi will also embrace this shift.
Volume knob
I’m all for digitization of automotive interiors, but designers have to achieve the right balance between physical and digital controls for it to be accepted by all users. Operating the volume control on the Audi Q4 e-tron reminded me of control wheel on my Apple iPod, and the placement can be improved. I hope to find a knurled silver volume knob for the infotainment system screen in the future Q4 e-tron model to provide an intuitive and tactile experience.
Frunk
The Audi Q4 e-tron is built on the VW MEB Platform (the same as the ID.4 and the ID.7). This is a dedicated EV architecture, where the frame and components are designed for EVs, so they won’t have provision for a gas tank, a transmission, exhaust tunnel, or even an engine compartment. However, it’s a surprise to me that Audi designers couldn’t accommodate a small frunk or front trunk under the bonnet. Such a feature could prove practical for keeping items like charging cables or securing valuables, enhancing the practicality of the boot.
Over-advertising
While branding is essential, I personally feel that the numerous ‘e-tron’ badges found both inside and outside the car to be excessive. I can spot badges in the front and rear bumpers, on the lights, grille, additional badging on the fender and boot, and I haven’t gotten to the interior yet! I feel like the Q4’s unique silhouette and styling cannot be mistaken for another brand even in the dark, so here’s my two cents for the new Q4 e-tron’s designers: simplify the badging and instead try easter eggs as seen in the ID.Buzz!
Price
Audi currently imports the Q4 e-tron from the German factory, which means that it doesn’t qualify for the federal tax credit of USD 7,500. It starts from USD 55,200 and stretches out to USD 65,200 for the dual-motor version. Surely, the Audi badge is a status symbol that many aspire to have, but frankly, Audi would have to work out a strategy of local assembly to keep the Q4 e-tron competitive as new competitors join the race.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
