e-tron Q4 Sportback 35: Audi’s Elegant Entry into Affordable EV Luxury
Introduced in 2021, the AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 offers a more accessible path into Audi’s premium EV lineup. Priced at just $49,915 (€46,000), this German-made, all-wheel-drive SUV delivers 168 horsepower (125 kW), a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 9 seconds. Don’t mistake the modest output for mediocrity—it’s engineered for urban refinement and eco-conscious sophistication. With its coupe-like styling and futuristic cabin, this Sportback invites more drivers to the Audi EV table without the six-figure commitment.
Price: Luxury Within Reach
At $49,915 (€46,000), the Q4 Sportback 35 presents a rare fusion of Audi prestige and electric accessibility. Positioned well below the premium tier’s six-figure stalwarts, it competes against crossovers like the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Yet, its badge and design aesthetics keep it firmly planted in luxury territory. It’s a practical gateway for buyers craving upscale tech and German refinement without sacrificing their monthly budget.
Range and Battery: Quiet Confidence on Every Charge
The 55 kWh battery is good for 349 kilometers (217 miles) of range—well-suited for urban commutes and weekend jaunts. Its efficiency makes it ideal for drivers prioritizing style and comfort over long-distance hauls. Charging infrastructure support ensures the battery replenishes overnight at home or within an hour using public DC fast chargers. Whether navigating city blocks or suburbia, the Q4 Sportback 35 offers a guilt-free electric glide.
Speed and Power: Subtle, Yet Satisfying
With 168 hp (125 kW) and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, the Q4 35 balances poise with practicality. Its 0-100 km/h time of 9 seconds won’t win drag races, but it delivers torque on demand and surefooted confidence. The 180 km/h (112 mph) top speed is more than sufficient for highway cruising. Audi’s engineers tuned it for serenity over savagery—ideal for drivers who value refined dynamics over pulse-pounding aggression.
Interior: A Cabin from Tomorrow
Step inside, and the digital ambiance is immediate. A crisp digital cluster, a large MMI touch display, and voice-activated features transform the cockpit into a connected command center. Audi’s use of premium materials—even at this price point—feels intentional, not cost-cut. Add augmented reality navigation, and you’ve got a compact SUV that transports you into the future—both visually and functionally. It’s a sanctuary where form meets futuristic functionality.
Exterior: Athleticism Meets Aerodynamics
With a sculpted profile, descending roofline, and bold grille, the Q4 Sportback 35 turns heads without begging for attention. It leans more coupe than utility, drawing comparison to models like the BMW X2 or Mercedes EQA—but with that unmistakable Audi polish. The sleek bodywork isn’t just for looks—it reduces drag, enhancing efficiency and stability at higher speeds.
Pros and Cons
- Elegant coupe-SUV styling stands out in a crowd
- Affordable entry to Audi's luxury EV family
- Digital interior packed with AR and MMI tech
- Solid 349 km (217 mi) real-world range
- Quiet and smooth AWD performance
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h in 9 sec) may feel slow to enthusiasts
- Rear headroom limited by sloping roofline
- No access to Tesla Supercharger network
- Moderate cargo space for a 5-door SUV
- 55 kWh battery smaller than most competitors
Why the e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 Deserves a Spot in Your Driveway
The Audi e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy electric elegance. With its sharp design, immersive digital interior, and accessible pricing, it brings high-end EV design to a broader audience. It's not the fastest or farthest-reaching electric SUV, but for many, it's more than enough. For those who value brand cachet, smooth operation, and futuristic tech wrapped in a stylish package, the Q4 Sportback 35 is a confident, conscious choice.
Exterior and Interior photos
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F.A.Q. about AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35:
What is the range of this electric SUV on a full charge?
The AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 delivers up to 217 miles (349 km) of range thanks to its 55 kWh battery—ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
How fast does this vehicle accelerate?
With 168 horsepower (125 kW), this all-wheel-drive SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9 seconds, balancing comfort and eco-conscious performance.
What is the price of this model?
The AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 is priced at approximately $49,915 (€46,000), positioning it as a premium yet accessible entry point into Audi’s electric SUV lineup.
How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
Using a 240V Level 2 charger, a full charge takes around 7–8 hours. With DC fast charging, the battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
What kind of drivetrain does it use?
The e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for enhanced stability and handling, especially useful in varied weather conditions.
What luxury features are included in the interior?
Inside, it offers a digital cockpit, a high-resolution MMI touchscreen, voice command, and optional augmented reality heads-up display, creating a futuristic, connected cabin experience.
Is this model suitable for families?
Yes, the five-door SUV design and spacious interior make it practical for families, while its stylish sportback silhouette appeals to design-conscious drivers.
What makes this model different from other electric SUVs?
The e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 blends Audi’s iconic design with modern tech, delivering a distinctive profile, quiet ride, and eco-conscious engineering for a refined electric experience.
What is the top speed of this vehicle?
This model reaches a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h), ensuring capable highway cruising while maintaining energy efficiency.
Is it a good entry-level luxury EV?
Absolutely. With a sub-$50K price, upscale features, and Audi’s build quality, the Q4 Sportback 35 offers a compelling blend of value, performance, and brand prestige.
Comparison of AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35:
The AUDI e-tron Q4 Sportback 35 is Audi’s most accessible gateway into the all-electric premium SUV world. But in a market now flooded with feature-rich EVs under $50,000, this 2021 debut—once considered avant-garde—now faces fierce competition from newer challengers like the BYD Sealion 05EV, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Smart #1, and Fisker Ocean Sport. All claim more speed, more tech, or more value. So how does the Q4 35 stack up today?
Range
The Q4 Sportback 35 offers a 349 km (217 mi) WLTP range on a 55 kWh battery. Respectable when launched, but now outclassed. The BYD Sealion 05EV offers up to 520 km (323 mi), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 clocks in around 507 km (315 mi), and even the quirky Smart #1 tops 440 km (273 mi). The Fisker Ocean Sport delivers 402 km (250 mi) for roughly the same price. In today’s EV landscape, 349 km is more “entry-level commuter” than “go-anywhere SUV.”
Acceleration
Zero to 100 km/h in 9 seconds puts the Q4 35 squarely in “Sunday driver” territory. Competitors like the IONIQ 5 RWD (7.4 sec), Sealion 05EV (7.6 sec), and Smart #1 (6.7 sec) all dust it without breaking a sweat. For EV buyers expecting zippy throttle response, Audi’s entry-level model feels noticeably subdued.
Power
At 168 hp (125 kW), the Q4 Sportback 35’s single-motor setup trails most rivals. The BYD and Hyundai both hover around 215–225 hp, while Smart and Fisker offer similar output for similar price points. If power-to-price ratio is your metric, Audi’s badge is doing most of the heavy lifting here.
Charging Time
The Q4 35 supports 100 kW DC fast charging—good for 10–80% in roughly 30–35 minutes. That’s decent, but the IONIQ 5’s 800V system blows it away (18 minutes), and BYD now offers up to 156 kW, shaving valuable time off highway pit stops. The Smart #1 and Fisker Ocean also charge faster or match it while costing less.
Price
At $49,915 (€46,000), the Q4 Sportback 35 sits on a knife’s edge. It’s only slightly cheaper than the much faster and longer-range IONIQ 5 or Sealion 05EV, and priced above the Smart #1 and Fisker Ocean Sport—both of which deliver fresher designs and stronger specs. Audi’s value proposition boils down to badge cachet and cabin refinement.
