If you’re shopping for a premium electric SUV, the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron is one of the most approachable ways to get four-ring luxury without full-size EV pricing. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, it shares hardware with the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq but wraps it in classic Audi design, a higher-end cabin, and familiar quattro all-wheel-drive options. In this 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron review, we’ll focus on what matters now that these are showing up on the used market: range, charging, comfort, running costs and how it stacks up against rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
2023 vs newer Q4 e-tron
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron overview
Key 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron numbers
In the U.S., the 2023 Q4 e-tron was sold primarily in two mechanical flavors: the Q4 40 e-tron with a single rear motor and rear‑wheel drive, and the Q4 50 e-tron quattro with a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive setup. Both use an 82‑kWh gross lithium‑ion battery (about 77 kWh usable) and support up to around 150 kW DC fast charging. The 40 is the range champ at an EPA‑estimated ~265 miles, while the 50 offers more punch and quattro traction with an estimated 236–242 miles depending on body style.
- Built on the VW Group’s MEB EV platform shared with the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq
- Offered as a traditional SUV or coupe‑like Sportback in the U.S.
- Interior and driving experience tuned to feel more "Audi" than its VW and Skoda siblings
- Positioned against Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Genesis GV60 and Mercedes‑Benz EQB
Powertrains, performance and driving feel
2023 Q4 e-tron powertrain options
Two main setups, two distinct personalities
Q4 40 e-tron (RWD)
Single rear motor, rear‑wheel drive
- Approx. 201 hp, 229 lb‑ft
- Smoother, lighter feel
- Best efficiency and longest range (~265 miles EPA)
- 0–60 mph in the mid‑7‑second range
Q4 50 e-tron quattro (AWD)
Dual‑motor, all‑wheel drive
- Approx. 295 hp, 339 lb‑ft
- Confident traction in bad weather
- EPA range ~236 miles SUV, ~242 miles Sportback
- 0–60 mph in the low‑6‑second range
On the road, the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron feels exactly like what it is: a compact luxury family SUV first, an EV second. Acceleration in the 40 model is more than adequate for daily commuting, while the 50 quattro brings the extra punch most American buyers expect from a premium brand. Steering is light and accurate rather than sporty; body motions are controlled, and the ride is generally comfortable even on larger wheels, though sharp impacts can be felt with the biggest wheel options.
Which powertrain should you pick?
Strengths on the road
- Quiet, refined cabin even at highway speeds
- Predictable, easy‑to‑drive character, ideal family car demeanor
- Instant EV torque for smooth, confident merging
- Available quattro AWD inspires confidence in rain or snow
Areas that may disappoint
- Less playful than a Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Weight is noticeable in quick transitions
- Big wheel/tire packages can firm up the ride
- Not a "wow" performance EV, more about calm competence
Range, battery size and charging experience
Every U.S.‑spec 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron uses the same 82‑kWh battery pack, with usable capacity in the high‑70‑kWh range. Where things differ is efficiency. The rear‑drive Q4 40 e-tron is the most frugal and carries an EPA estimate of about 265 miles of range. The all‑wheel‑drive Q4 50 e-tron is rated at roughly 236 miles for the SUV and 242 miles for the Sportback. In independent testing, highway range in real‑world conditions tends to land somewhat below those numbers, especially at 75 mph and in colder weather, normal behavior for any EV.
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron EPA range snapshot
Approximate EPA‑rated ranges for key 2023 Q4 e-tron variants
| Model | Drive | Body style | EPA range (mi)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 40 e-tron | RWD | SUV | ≈265 |
| Q4 50 e-tron | AWD | SUV | ≈236 |
| Q4 50 e-tron | AWD | Sportback | ≈242 |
Actual range will vary with speed, temperature, terrain and load.
For daily charging, the Q4 e-tron supports up to 11 kW AC on a 240‑volt Level 2 home or workplace charger. From empty to full, you’re typically looking at about 7.5–9 hours, depending on your charger’s amperage. On the road, the 2023 model supports DC fast charging up to about 150 kW. Audi quotes roughly 5–80% in about 36 minutes on a suitably powerful DC fast charger, and independent tests have closely matched that claim.
Real‑world charging tips for Q4 e-tron owners
Use a 40–48 amp Level 2 at home
The Q4 e-tron can accept up to 11 kW AC. A 48‑amp Level 2 charger on a 60‑amp circuit will allow you to take full advantage of the onboard charger and typically refill overnight.
Plan DC fast‑charge stops around 10–60%
The Q4 e-tron, like most EVs, charges fastest when the battery is between about 10% and 60%. For road trips, shorter, more frequent stops can be quicker overall than charging to 90–100% each time.
Don’t fast charge every day if you don’t need to
Occasional DC fast charging is fine, but frequent high‑power sessions heat the battery more. Rely on Level 2 for daily charging and save DC fast charging for travel days to help preserve long‑term battery health.
Aim for 80–90% daily charge limits
Keeping regular charges below 100% when you’re not about to start a long highway run is a simple way to reduce battery degradation over many years of ownership.
Charging network reality check
Interior quality, comfort and practicality
If you’ve driven the VW ID.4, the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron’s cabin will feel familiar in size but notably more upscale in execution. Audi leans on a clean, horizontal dash design with a traditional‑feeling gear selector, physical climate controls, and higher‑grade materials than its mainstream siblings. Some hard plastics remain in lower areas, but what you see and touch most often generally looks and feels premium for the segment.
Space and practicality
- Generous head‑ and legroom for four adults; five in a pinch
- Flat floor in back seat makes the middle position more usable
- Plenty of small‑item storage and useful door bins
- Square cargo area in SUV; slightly less headroom but similar volume in Sportback
Comfort and refinement
- Comfortable, supportive front seats with available power adjustment and memory
- Quiet cabin even at highway speeds thanks to good insulation
- Available panoramic roof brightens the interior
- Ride feels solid and composed; can get firmer on 20–21 inch wheels
Family‑friendly touches
Technology, driver assistance and safety
Audi has been steadily integrating more software‑defined features across its lineup, and the 2023 Q4 e-tron reflects that. You’ll typically find a crisp digital instrument cluster, a central touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available augmented‑reality head‑up display. The interface is more straightforward than some touch‑only rivals because Audi retained physical controls for core climate functions, a welcome decision in daily use.
Key tech and safety highlights
What you’re likely to find on a 2023 Q4 e-tron
Digital cockpit
- Standard digital instrument cluster
- Central touchscreen with built‑in navigation on many trims
- Wireless smartphone mirroring on most U.S. models
Driver assistance
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centering on many examples
- Automatic emergency braking and lane‑keeping assist
- Blind‑spot monitoring and rear cross‑traffic alert
Crash safety basics
- Multiple airbags and strong crash structure
- EV‑specific battery protection design
- Standard electronic stability control and traction control
Infotainment reality
How the 2023 Q4 e-tron compares to rivals
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron entered a crowded field of compact luxury EV crossovers. Its mission wasn’t to be the quickest or longest‑range option, but to deliver a familiar Audi experience with electric power. That means a calmer personality than some rivals but also a more traditional cabin and control layout that many drivers prefer.
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron vs key rivals
High‑level comparison to other popular compact luxury EV SUVs.
| Model | Base powertrain | Max EPA range (mi) | Fast‑charge peak (kW) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q4 e-tron | RWD or AWD, 82‑kWh pack | ≈265 (RWD), 236–242 (AWD) | ≈150 | Refined, conservative, upscale cabin |
| Tesla Model Y | Dual‑motor AWD, large pack | 303–330+ | ≈250 on V3 Supercharger | Quick, efficient, tech‑forward |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | Dual‑motor AWD, 78‑kWh pack | ≈223 | ≈150 | Stylish, shorter range |
| Genesis GV60 | RWD or AWD, 77.4‑kWh pack | ≈248 | Up to 230+ | Very fast charging, premium feel |
Specs shown are representative 2023 models; exact figures vary by trim.
Where the Q4 e-tron shines
- Traditional premium look and feel for buyers wary of minimalist EV cabins
- Comfort‑oriented ride and quiet highway manners
- Good everyday range, especially in RWD form
- Competitive pricing on the used market compared with new EVs
Where rivals are stronger
- Tesla Model Y offers more range and a denser fast‑charging network
- Genesis GV60 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge significantly faster
- Some competitors offer more rear‑seat space or larger cargo holds
Ownership costs, reliability and battery health
Early reliability data and periodic inspection reports have been encouraging for the Q4 e-tron. In large‑sample testing overseas, around nine out of ten Q4s passed their first major inspection with no deficiencies, a better‑than‑average result for the segment. That aligns with what we typically see from Audi’s recent EVs: solid underlying hardware, with most headaches coming from software quirks rather than mechanical failures.
Ownership basics at a glance
Battery longevity perspective
This is where a service like Recharged can make your life easier. Every EV we list comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery‑health diagnostics, real‑world range estimates and fair‑market pricing analysis. That kind of data is especially valuable with a model like the Q4 e-tron, where modest differences in prior fast‑charging use, climate and mileage can translate into noticeable differences in usable range.
Buying a used 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron: what to look for
Shopping a used 2023 Q4 e-tron in 2026 is about balancing budget, battery health and equipment. Because these were premium‑priced new, many examples are well optioned. Your job is to separate the clean, well‑maintained cars from those that have led harder lives or seen less‑than‑ideal charging habits.
Key checks before you buy a used 2023 Q4 e-tron
Confirm battery health and real‑world range
Ask for a recent battery‑health report and compare indicated state‑of‑health to original capacity. During a test drive, start around 70–80% charge, drive at highway speeds and see whether projected remaining range lines up sensibly with miles driven.
Review charging history if available
Some sellers can share charging logs from connected apps. Frequent high‑power DC fast charging isn’t a deal‑breaker, but a car that lived on Level 2 at home is a better long‑term bet than one that fast‑charged daily.
Inspect tires, brakes and suspension
EVs are heavy, and they can be hard on consumables. Check for uneven tire wear, vibrations under braking and clunks over bumps. A pre‑purchase inspection by an EV‑savvy technician is money well spent.
Test all driver‑assist features
On your test drive, verify adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping, parking sensors and cameras all behave as expected. Glitches can sometimes be solved with software updates, but you want to know what you’re buying.
Check charging hardware and cables
Make sure the CCS charge port door operates smoothly and that the included portable charging cable (if sold with the car) is intact. Plug into at least one Level 2 charger during your evaluation to confirm reliable charging.
Evaluate trim, wheels and tires for your roads
Higher trims with large wheels look great but may ride more firmly and wear tires faster. If you drive on rough pavement, 19‑inch wheels with taller‑sidewall tires can be the smarter choice.
How Recharged can help
Frequently asked questions about the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron FAQ
Bottom line: Is the 2023 Q4 e-tron right for you?
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron isn’t the flashiest or quickest EV in its class, and it doesn’t set new records for range or charging speed. What it does deliver is something many buyers actually want: an EV that feels like an Audi first and an electric science project second. You get a calm, comfortable drive, a familiar premium interior, useful everyday range and the security of Audi’s EV engineering.
If you prioritize maximum range or ultra‑fast charging, competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Genesis GV60 may edge the Q4 e-tron. But if you’re drawn to a more traditional luxury feel, value quiet refinement and want an EV that fits seamlessly into your life, a well‑chosen 2023 Q4 e-tron, especially one with a clean battery‑health report, can be an excellent used buy. And if you’d like expert help comparing individual cars, evaluating battery condition and arranging financing or nationwide delivery, Recharged is built to make that process transparent and straightforward from first click to keys in hand.
