This is the second year for the all-electric 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron Quattro mid-size SUVs and it is a key component of Audi’s commitment to have one-third of its fleet electrified by 2025.

The success of Audi’s all-electric vehicles

Audi’s success occurred last year when the rear-wheel drive all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron 40, the four-wheel all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron 50 and the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback accounted for more than 104,000 sales worldwide and more than 6% of all Audi’s sales.

Car options

Our test-drive car included black outside trim, black roof rails and 20-inch black color-dominated Y-shaped 5-spoke wheels wearing all-terrain Bridgestone tires under precisely curved, flared wheel arches.

We also had the $8,100 Prestige package for top trim above Premium and Premium Plus – all packages of varying prices needed to complete the driving and riding experience of a high-quality, well-designed, five-passenger SUV.

Changes for the 2023 Q4 50 include Audi’s standard S-line sculpted exterior and inside a larger 11.6-inch Multi-Media Infotainment (MMI) touchscreen plus a new $1,300 Black Optic option.

Inside, the Q4’s uniquely designed; spacious cabin has a protruding V-shaped dashboard containing the 11.6-inch MMI touchscreen with the left side tilted towards the driver.

Q4 interior

Below the screen are climate controls and under them, an extended, rounded shelf juts above a tray with USB ports and a phone charger.  

The shelf held the gear shift, which slid up and down to engage – push forward for reverse, pull backward to drive. Anti-intuitive, it takes getting used to.

Brushed aluminum trim, chrome touches around door handles, stitching on comfortable seats, tight fit and finish, and a panoramic sunroof all contribute to a luxurious vibe.

Knick-knack spaces are plentiful; there is a spare tire in an ample cargo area behind the power liftgate, and the SONOS premium sound system was acoustically clear.

Safety features

Prestige included cutting-edge driver safety aids - like displaying speed limit signs - improved mapping, better voice recognition, excellent navigation prompts and vaunted Audi Connect for on-road emergencies, online roadside assistance and other features.

Our test vehicle

We tested the 2023 Q4 50 e-tron, noting its appeal as a comfortably sized, smooth-riding, versatile family hauler with luxury, quickness, top safety scores and featured-filled tech.

The Q4s are among Audi’s least expensive all-electric vehicles and less costly than most similar all-electric vehicles. Its major drawback is a shorter driving range than several competitors. Additionally, for the time being, the Audi Q4 doesn’t qualify for the federal tax credit via the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act because its final assembly is in Mosel, Germany.

The test drive

Our Q4 50 drive had greater horsepower and quickness with front wheel and back wheel motors than sibling Q40, which directs its power solely to the rear wheels, getting better total mileage but less quickness.

Acceleration was quick using manual paddles and the ride was smooth, conquering road imperfections with minor feedback. Handling was comfortably responsive for everyday driving.

One pedal driving allowed us to come to a complete stop without using the brake while recharging the batteries.

Drive modes were comfort, auto, dynamic and individual with 6.9 inches of ground clearance but did not include an off-road option. Towing muscle is 4,000 pounds when equipped.

EV charging

We made one fast charge at a Volkswagen-owned Electrify America charging station, where newly purchased 2023 Audi Q4s automatically receive 250 kWh of free charging.

Our charging took 31 minutes to go from 42% to 87% power, adding 119 miles of additional range. As a brand, Audi has four of the 24 vehicles in the US that automatically come with some form of standard free charging.

Overall review

LIKES: Competitive price, quickness, luxury, versatility, comfort, ride

DISLIKES: Pricey trim levels, sub-240-mile range, no complimentary maintenance, visors don’t extend fully

BOTTOM LINE: Style, cabin comfort, performance, growing popularity due to affordability among electrified vehicles

Car fact file