Audi Q4 e-tron 40

Overview

The Audi Q4 e-tron 40 was a cracking premium compact electric SUV, slotting neatly into Audi's growing EV line-up. This rear-wheel-drive trim aimed for a sweet spot of decent range and typically plush Audi refinement. As of 2024, this specific '40' trim has been discontinued, making it an interesting prospect on the used market with an estimated price around €28,278. It offered a solid entry point to Audi's electric experience, balancing everyday usability with that desirable four-ring badge appeal before being updated and rebadged in the Q4 e-tron family.

What's New for 2024?

For its final run in early MY2024, the Q4 e-tron 40 trim saw the broader Q4 range benefit from some welcome upgrades before this specific variant was discontinued and succeeded by the updated '45' e-tron. Key enhancements for the 2024 Q4 e-tron line-up included refined suspension tuning for a smoother ride and potentially more standard kit like Audi's MMI navigation plus and the slick virtual cockpit display. However, the '40' retained its established powertrain, distinct from the newer motors introduced on later MY2024 versions.

Design & Exterior

The Q4 e-tron 40 is pure Audi: sharp, sophisticated, and unmistakably premium. Its closed-off Singleframe grille shouts EV, while standard LED headlights carve a distinctive signature. This trim typically rolled on smart 19-inch alloys, contributing to its well-proportioned stance. Dimensions are city-friendly yet spacious inside: 4588 mm long, 1865 mm wide (no mirrors), and 1632 mm tall. It’s a handsome machine, looking every bit the modern Audi SUV, even without the more aggressive S line bits found on pricier siblings.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Q4 e-tron 40, and you’re greeted by Audi's hallmark quality. Materials feel top-notch, and the design is modern and driver-focused, accommodating five occupants comfortably. For MY2024, the Q4 range generally saw Audi's MMI navigation plus with a responsive central touchscreen and the brilliant Virtual Cockpit become standard. Luggage-wise, you get a generous 520 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1490 litres with seats down. Sadly, there's no frunk for your charge cables, but overall practicality is ace.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Q4 e-tron 40, with its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powering the rear wheels, delivers a smooth 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque. This translates to a respectable 0-100 km/h dash in 8.5 seconds – nippy enough for daily duties. It’s more about refined, effortless progress than outright tyre-shredding pace. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps well, and the rear-wheel-drive setup offers balanced, predictable handling. Regenerative braking is effective, helping to claw back some energy with different modes to suit your style.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing a 76.6 kWh usable battery, the Q4 e-tron 40 offers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 417 km, sipping juice at an efficient 5.44 km/kWh. Home charging via its standard 11 kW on-board AC unit will top it up in roughly 7-8 hours. Out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 143 kW via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning a 10-80% boost can be done in around 30-35 minutes. No vehicle-to-load (V2L) here, but solid charging specs for its class.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is sorted, with the Q4 e-tron boasting a top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit on the '40' trim typically included Audi Pre Sense Front with emergency braking and lane departure warning, keeping an eye out for trouble. For more peace of mind, buyers could often spec optional extras like adaptive cruise assist for relaxed motorway schleps, active lane keeping, and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors were usually standard, with a 360-degree camera system available to make tight spots a doddle.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Audi typically offers a 2-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, though some countries extend this. Crucially, the high-voltage battery in the Q4 e-tron 40 is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol or diesel cars, with fewer moving parts. While complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't always standard across Europe, the Q4 e-tron benefits from the robust engineering of the shared MEB platform, promising decent reliability.