A key reason why Audi has achieved a 28% share of EV sales in the UK is the Q4 E-Tron SUV. Launched back in April 2021, in five years it has gone from zero to being Audi UK’s second best-seller behind the A3. And Britain’s third best-selling EV, behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 this year, according to figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders).

Already the recipient of upgraded batteries back in 2023, this time around the facelift focuses on the exterior and interior of the Audi Q4 E-Tron, bringing them in line with the look first seen on the bigger Q6 and A6 E-Trons.

Most useful technical changes revolve around the increased charging rates, which, at a maximum of 185kW, are 20kW less than the outgoing versions. Plus, there are more efficient e-motors and a revised transmission, which ultimately equals more range.

The Q4 E-Tron now also features vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-house functionality, meaning this Audi can work as a battery pack for outdoor items and power your home in a blackout.

Performance and drive

There are now three levels of Q4 E-Tron, starting with the ‘E-Tron’, which is fitted with a 59kWh battery and has an official range of 269 miles. Power is 201hp, with 0-62mph acceleration taking a rather slow 8.1 seconds.

Then there’s the ‘Performance’ version, which is expected to be the most popular – and is the Q4 version we have here. It has a bigger 77kWh battery, with the range increasing to 378 miles. Power is up to 282hp, with 0-60mph acceleration taking 6.6 seconds.

Buyers wanting even more can choose the ‘Quattro’ version, which is basically a dual-motor version of the Performance, with power jumping to 335hp. As a result, acceleration drops to 5.4 seconds, along with the range, which falls to 330 miles.

Drive-wise, this Q4 E-Tron feels largely unchanged from the last one – which we’d say is deliberate. So, think steering that is light and direct, without too much feel. As before, there is a rear-drive bias in the handling, as the rear end seemingly digs in, punching out of corners very tidily, with very little body roll.

More of a surprise with our test car was that it was fitted with new 21in Audi Sport alloy wheels, yet the ride wasn’t uncomfortable – probably as a result of the adaptive suspension, which is part of the Audi Drive Select system. Although, it does get a bit unsettled on smaller, more undulating roads.

Design and interior

Changes to the outside of the Q4 E-Tron, we believe, have been kept deliberately simple because of its top-seller status. Revisions are limited to a colour-coded front grille, new alloy wheel designs and customisable LED lighting.

However, bigger changes have happened inside, as the Q4 gets an infotainment system lifted from its bigger brothers, the Q6 and A6 E-Trons. You can’t miss the singular curved panel on the top of the dashboard, which houses the 12.8in central touchscreen and 11.9in digital driver display.

We’ve lived with an A6 with this system, and it seems far faster and less glitchy in this Q4. Although, as seems to be the current trend in all cars, the main screen is now home to the climate controls rather than physical buttons, which is a shame.

On top of the new ‘quartic’ three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the steering wheel features proper buttons rather than the previous, over-sensitive haptic controls.

There’s also an optional 12in touchscreen for front passengers, although, like all these screens, we question the need, considering its limited use. Thankfully, it wasn’t fitted to our test car.

Interior space is best in the front of the Q4. The driving position is good, with supportive sports seats, while the plastics and interior finishes feel more like a small Audi SUV should than they did previously. Rear space is also good, although if you choose the sleeker Sportback bodystyle, headroom is compromised for the tallest passengers.

There is also a generally practical and impressively big 527-litre boot, if you choose the curvier Sportback bodystyle.

Audi’s smallest EV until the A2 arrives is comfortable, roomy and, in the ‘Performance’ version, good to drive, with a decent range. However, you pay for the ‘premium’ badge. The ‘Sport’ rather than the ‘Vorsprung’ trim is probably better suited to fleet, while choosing the ‘Sportback’ bodystyle compromises rear headroom.

Positive: Image, increased range, comfortable drive, improved quality.

Negative: Driver’s will now be more reliant on the infotainment, expensive choice, interior quality could be better still.

Standard equipment: Matrix LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, Dinamica/Leatherette trim, sports comfort front seats, heated front seats, three-zone electronic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, 11.99in driver display, 12.8in infotainment screen, SONUS premium sound system.

Audi Q4 E-Tron Performance Vorsprung