Right at this very moment, it seems that the compact electric SUV market has become a constant background noise, with new high-end models arriving with a lot of on-board technology, cars that keep refining their formulas to perfection.
Audi is no exception to the rule with the newly arriving Q4 45 e-tron on the Aussie market, an astonishing car from my point of view that will really set the standard in the electric market with a well-built electric vehicle with exceptional attributes.
Exterior
The first thing that stands out about the Q4 45 is the exterior, which undoubtedly feels like an Audi. That restraint feels deliberate. Or maybe it’s simply Audi knowing exactly who this car is for and who it isn’t trying to convince. Either way, the approach is noticeably calmer than that of many newer EVs right now.
Up front, the tone is set by the oversized Singleframe grille, a new feature that many won’t fancy. More than that, the proportions seem a little bit tidy, while the lighting details are sharp without standing out too much. It’s conservative, sure, but also cohesive, which is more than can be said for some newer EV rivals.
Interior
Inside is where the Q4 starts to show both its strengths and its limits. These limits refer to a minimalist cabin with limited space and cargo capacity, yet it compensates with the plethora of high-end materials and technology. Speaking of which, the dashboard immediately draws attention with its 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, while an 11.4-inch info system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
That said, not everything lands. Piano-black trim appears in all the usual places and already looks vulnerable to scratches. Some of the plastics don’t quite live up to the price tag either. The floating center console is visually interesting, but its storage layout feels compromised, especially the vertical wireless charging pad, which isn’t particularly phone-friendly in daily use.
Performance – See Full Details below
| › Model: | 2025 Audi Q4 45 e-tron |
| › Starting Price: | AU$86,250 (~$55,800) as tested |
| › Dimensions: | 4,588 mm (180.6 in.) Length 1,865 mm (73.4 in.) Width 1,632 mm (64.2 in.) Height 2,764 mm (108.8 in) Wheelbase |
| › Curb Weight: | 2,240 kg (4,938 lbs)* |
| › Powertrain: | Rear-mounted electric motor / 77 kWh battery |
| › Output: | 282 hp (210 kW) / 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) |
| › 0-62 mph | 6.7 seconds* (0-100 km/h) |
| › Transmission: | Single-speed |
| › Efficiency: | 17.4 kWh/100 km as tested |
| › On Sale: | Now |
*Manufacturer via carscoop.com
Price
Prices in Australia start at AU$84,900 for the standard 45 version, while the 55 quattro Sportback sets the standard at AU$107,500.
Conclusion
The Audi Q4 45 e-tron nails the basics. It’s quiet, comfortable, and generally well judged. Still, interior shortcuts and increasingly strong competition make its premium pricing harder to justify. It does a lot right, but in this segment, that may no longer be enough.
Audi Q4 45 e-tron – Photo Gallery
