Cover The new Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron redefine their class of e-mobility

Is the future of driving electric? This writer gets behind the wheel and discovers the limitless possibilities of the new Audi Q4 e‑tron

Reliability; efficiency; functionality over flair. As someone who has spent most of my adult life behind the wheel of Japanese sedans, I have grown accustomed to these qualities defining my driving experience. So when I was recently offered the chance to test drive the new Audi Q4 e‑tron, it was a moment of introspection: could this electric sport utility vehicle (SUV)—by a German carmaker at that—make me reconsider my long‑standing loyalty?

Since its hotly anticipated debut in Singapore earlier this year, the new Q4 e‑tron has proven itself to be a formidable contender in the competitive landscape of luxury electric SUVs, or e‑SUVs for short. As a more accessible option within Audi’s electric line‑up, the model makes for a great entry point for those looking to dip their toe into the electric vehicle (EV) market—and without compromising on the power, luxury and refinement associated with the brand.

Over three days, I fully immersed myself in the new Q4 e‑tron experience, exploring its features and capabilities in various driving conditions.

In case you missed it: Inside Audi Singapore’s exclusive pop-up boutique

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 3 The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron
Photo 2 of 3 Thanks to the generous 2,764 mm wheelbase, the cabin is spacious
Photo 3 of 3 That means plenty of legroom for passengers in the back seat or space for my shopping bags in the boot

First impressions

There is plenty to love about the Audi Q4 e‑tron. First and foremost: its striking exterior. The powerful body and high front whisper quiet luxury—precisely the impression I want to convey when traversing the roads of Singapore. I am a sucker for the small details and inside, the car is peppered with thoughtful touches that speak to Audi’s expertise in craftsmanship and design. The cabin is spacious, thanks to the generous 2,764 mm wheelbase, which means there is plenty of legroom for my friends and family in the back seat—or space for my shopping bags in the boot, whichever I prefer to prioritise.

Tatler Asia
Above Other impressive touches include the new double‑spoke steering wheel with seamless touch‑sensitive controls

Other impressive touches include the new double‑spoke steering wheel with seamless touch‑sensitive controls, and ergonomically designed bottle holders in the door cards. Even for a first‑time Audi driver like me, navigating the infotainment system was a breeze, thanks to the intuitive multimedia interface. Whether I was using the GPS navigation to find the quickest route to my destination or connecting to my mobile phone through Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is supported as well) to select the perfect tune from my Spotify playlist, everything was simply a tap away. Creating an environment that is both luxurious and practical is a feat that is often hard to achieve in EVs, but Audi has certainly managed to pull it off with aplomb.

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 The Q4 e-tron has an impressive range of approximately 466 kilometres on a full charge
Photo 2 of 2 The whisper‑quiet driving experience allowed me to be fully immersed in music playing from the Sonos sound system

A gateway to electric mobility

The million‑dollar question: how does the Audi Q4 e‑tron score in terms of prowess and performance? From my first acceleration off the line, it was clear that this e‑SUV offers an exhilarating drive with an impressive power delivery—I went from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. As I continued on my drives, I was pleasantly surprised by its battery performance—its range of approximately 466 kilometres on a full charge made it perfect for both city commutes and longer road trips. Another plus: recharging the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent takes no more than 30 minutes, so drivers can stop for a quick coffee break and have enough charge to continue their journey without feeling tethered to charging stations.

What also stood out during my time behind the wheel was the whisper‑quiet driving experience. Even while travelling at higher speeds on open roads, I could enjoy conversations without raising my voice or be fully immersed in my favourite music ringing out from the Sonos sound system.

As someone who has always prioritised reliability and efficiency in my vehicles, I can say after my experience with the new Audi Q4 e‑tron that it makes the grade. Beyond its everyday usability, the seamless coalescence of luxury and performance makes this e‑SUV—which has most definitely challenged my long‑standing preferences when it comes to vehicles and opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of EVs—an incredibly compelling choice for drivers considering an electric ride, like yours truly.

NOW READ

Electrifying elegance: 5 luxurious EV models to check out

Sporty, stylish, and sustainable: Meet Audi’s Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron

Burnt Ends Bakery to open second outlet at Audi House of Progress Singapore in 2025

Credits

Images: Audi

Topics