Audi Q4 e-tron 45

Overview

The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron 45 is a posh, all-electric compact SUV that masterfully blends Audi's signature luxury with practical EV performance. Positioned as the new rear-wheel-drive entry point, this trim is the sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling package for a starting price of around $49,800. It ditches the all-wheel-drive complexity for a purer, more efficient driving experience without sacrificing the premium feel you expect from the four rings. It’s a cracking choice for those wanting to step into a premium EV without breaking the bank.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Q4 e-tron 45 gets a serious shot in the arm. It replaces the previous "40" RWD model and brings a brand-new, more powerful rear motor to the party, bumping output to a healthy 282 hp. This upgrade makes it feel much punchier off the line. Audi also retuned the suspension and steering for a more dynamic and comfortable ride, giving it a more sorted feel on the road. The battery chemistry has been optimized, allowing for a more robust DC fast-charging curve and slightly quicker top-ups.

Design & Exterior

The Q4 e-tron 45 boasts a sharp, handsome design that's unmistakably Audi but tailored for the electric age. It features a bold, closed-off Singleframe grille and slick LED lighting signatures that give it a commanding presence. While muscular, its dimensions are city-friendly, measuring 180.6 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and 64.3 inches high. It’s a stylish and sophisticated SUV that looks modern and expensive without shouting about its electric credentials, perfectly walking the line between futuristic and familiar.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Q4 e-tron 45 is a masterclass in modern, minimalist luxury. The cabin is properly premium, with top-notch materials and a driver-focused layout. It’s surprisingly spacious for its class, offering plenty of room for five passengers. Behind the rear seats, you get a very usable 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to a massive 52.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, though there's no frunk. Tech is sorted, with a standard 11.6-inch MMI touchscreen and Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the single-motor setup fool you; this Audi is properly quick. The new rear-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers 282 hp and a hefty 402 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Q4 e-tron 45 from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides a pure and engaging driving feel, while the retuned suspension serves up a fantastic blend of comfort and agility. Power delivery is silky smooth, and the regenerative braking is strong and intuitive, making one-pedal driving a breeze in town.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Q4 e-tron 45 is equipped with a 77 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at a solid 272 miles, with an impressive efficiency of 3.53 mi/kWh. For charging, its US-spec CCS Type 1 port can handle DC fast charging up to 135 kW, getting you from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes under ideal conditions. At home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery overnight. It’s a robust setup for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority, backed by a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Q4 e-tron 45 comes chock-full of standard safety tech, including Audi Pre Sense Front, which provides forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Lane departure warning is also standard. For more advanced features, you can spec optional packages that add nifty systems like Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane guidance and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, making highway journeys significantly more relaxing and secure.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Audi protects the Q4 e-tron with a comprehensive warranty package. You get a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty, which also covers the powertrain components. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a guarantee against degradation below 70% capacity. Unlike some rivals, Audi does not typically offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, so you’ll need to factor routine service costs into your budget. Reliability is expected to be strong, in line with Audi's premium standards.