2025 Audi Q4 45 e‑tron: Sleek, Smart, and Sustainable—But Not Without Compromises

By Himanshu Kumar

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Audi

When it comes to stylish, compact luxury EVs, the 2025 Audi Q4 45 e‑tron positions itself as a compelling choice for those craving an elegant drive wrapped in cutting-edge tech. Let’s dive into what makes this rear-wheel-drive electric SUV a highlight—and where it stumbles.


Performance & Range

  • The Q4 45 e‑tron packs a single 282‑hp electric motor that drives the rear wheels, yielding a confident yet not electrifying drive. Audi estimates a 0–60 mph time of around 6.2 seconds.
  • The real star is its EPA-estimated range of up to 288 miles, courtesy of a 77 kWh usable battery inside an 82 kWh pack.
  • Charging speeds have improved, with up to 175 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10–80% top-up in about 28 minutes.

Interior, Tech & Comfort

  • Audi’s cabin strikes a balance between luxury and tech: a 10.3‑inch digital cockpit (or 10.25‑inch in some regions) and a driver-oriented 11.6‑inch MMI touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • You’ll find premium touches like an AR head-up display, Sonos sound system, and leather-appointed surfaces, especially in higher trims.
  • That said, not all is flawless—some materials like cheap plastics and scratch-prone finishes undercut the upscale vibe.
  • The center console design draws criticism too: a floating, piano-black layout with vertical slots and a clipped-in charging pad is quirky, but not always practical—or phone-friendly.

Space, Cargo & Practicality

  • Interior space rivals that of the larger Q5, offering generous headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity—about 25 cu.ft. behind the rear seats, expanding to ~54 cu.ft. with them folded.
  • The Sportback model, with its sloping roofline, sacrifices a touch of headroom but retains similar cargo capacity.
  • Australian WLTP figures hint at around 540 km range (≈335 mi) for the Sportback 45 and 524 km for the SUV—respectable numbers.

Safety & Driver Assistance

  • Audi equips the Q4 with a suite of tech: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise with lane-centering, traffic-jam assist, and more.
  • It holds a five-star NHTSA safety rating and is an IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick in the US.

Drawbacks & Road Realities

  • Despite the impressive claims, owners in real-world conditions report significantly lower ranges—around 200 miles vs. advertised 257‑265.
  • Some users rally against UX missteps—buggy app behavior, unexpected warnings, impractical touch controls, drum brakes at the rear, and over-sensitive ride interruptions.
  • Others point out missing features depending on the region: lack of Audi Connect, missing ambient lighting, or traffic data in the navigation.

Verdict

Pros

  • Elegant styling with premium materials
  • Strong real-world range for the class
  • Cutting-edge infotainment and safety tech
  • Practical space comparable to midsize SUVs

Cons

  • Mixed build quality and interior finishes
  • Usability issues with UX and touch controls
  • Real-world range shortcomings
  • Some regions lack essential digital features

For those focused on style, comfort, and daily usability within a recognized luxury brand, the 2025 Audi Q4 45 e‑tron is notably compelling. But tech-savvy buyers seeking flawless digital integration—or those planning frequent long trips—should tread carefully. Its strengths are clear, but making the most of them means understanding—and accepting—the trade-offs.

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