2022 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Review

We don't think a German automaker can reveal an SUV anymore without its accompanying sporty, headroom-reducing counterpart. For example, the same day Audi debuted the all-new, entry-level Q4 e-tron electric SUV, the automaker also announced a more stylish but less practical version. The 2022 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron cuts a more dashing profile than the more upright Q4, but the sleek silhouette will likely come at the expense of rear passenger headroom and cargo capacity.

The Q4, in either of its guises, blends tight, muscular sheet metal with futuristic touches that give the brand its now signature style. More compact than the Tesla Model Y but with arguably more distinctive styling, the Q4 Sportback e-tron is sure to stand out in a bank of charging stations. But even at this price point, competition is tight. It will need to provide more than just head-turning looks to battle the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Bolt EUV — all of which offer similar range for a similar price.

The Q4 Sportback e-tron (we're already tired of typing that out) draws its power from a battery pack (82 kWh gross, 77 kWh net) mounted under the floorboard. That power feeds to a dual electric motor setup that provides all-wheel drive and a combined 295 horsepower. The Q4 Sportback e-tron won't threaten the Model Y Performance in a drag race, but acceleration should be palpable given the instantaneous torque from the motors.

The EPA estimates that the Q4 Sportback e-tron can go 241 miles on a full charge. That's roughly the same as other compact EVs these days — the Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Kia Niro EV all offer similar range estimates. Premium EVs such as the Polestar 2 Performance and Audi's own midsize e-tron have ranges of 233 and 222 miles, respectively. For Edmunds' real-world EV range results, be sure to check out our EV range leaderboard.