Audi Q4 e-tron 2026: First Driving Impressions

By Oliver Kensington 3 October 2026 at 02:53 4 min read

In this article

What has changed?
More efficient than ever
First driving impressions of the Audi Q4 e-tron 2026
Available to order

Whenever I drive a recently updated model, I tend to reach the same verdict: subtle upgrades can sometimes make a substantial difference, particularly when they refine something that was already "born" well.

The Audi Q4 e-tron 2026 illustrates that perfectly. It joined the German manufacturer's line-up in 2021, tasked with the challenging job of making Audi's electric offering more accessible. It is now the Ingolstadt brand's best-selling electric model.

To ensure it remains competitive, Audi has refreshed the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron for 2026. Having driven it in Munich, Germany, I am convinced that the brand's understated updates were the right decision.

What has changed?

Starting with the exterior revisions, the Audi Q4 e-tron 2026 and Q4 Sportback e-tron 2026 receive a new Singleframe grille, now finished in the body colour, alongside redesigned light units and bumpers.

The cabin is where some of the more notable alterations can be found. The dashboard has been reworked, and the Q4 e-tron now uses a new pair of displays: an 11.9-inch instrument panel and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen. This arrangement is the same as that used in Audi's newer models, including the Q3 and A5.

An additional 12-inch display positioned in front of the passenger is also available as an option.

More efficient than ever

The Audi Q4 e-tron 2026's biggest development is not visible, however, as it concerns the powertrain. Although it retains the same 63 kWh and 82 kWh batteries, it now features a more efficient rear electric motor (APP350), producing either 150 kW (204 hp) and 350 Nm, or 210 kW (286 hp) and 545 Nm, depending on the battery capacity.

At the top of the range, the quattro performance version adds a motor on the front axle, bringing four-wheel drive and a combined output of 250 kW (340 hp).

With the 63 kWh battery, the claimed range is up to 440 km for the SUV and 451 km for the Sportback. Versions fitted with the 82 kWh battery claim close to 600 km of range on the combined WLTP cycle.

First driving impressions of the Audi Q4 e-tron 2026

As I mention in the featured video, my first drive on Munich's roads was in the version I consider the range's sweet spot: the one combining the 210 kW (286 hp) rear electric motor with the larger-capacity battery. Its claimed range is up to 592 km (WLTP).

In truth, Audi promised greater efficiency and has delivered it. Over more than 200 kilometres, I found that the official 14.8 kWh/100 km consumption figure is not only entirely achievable, but can be beaten by a considerable margin in certain conditions: I recorded less than 12 kWh/100 km.

To achieve this, simply "play" with the paddles behind the steering wheel, which allow the strength of the regenerative braking to be adjusted or even bring the vehicle to a complete halt.

Otherwise, the Q4 e-tron is, above all, an Audi. In other words, it is a natural long-distance cruiser that is not defined by the type of powertrain moving it. Even on the motorway, this SUV felt like a "fish in water".

When the roads become more winding, the electric SUV continues to convey the solid feel that is easily associated with Audi. The steering has the right weighting, the chassis is predictable, and its handling inspires confidence even as the pace rises.