Audi's least expensive electric vehicle, the e-tron SUV, starts at $65,900. By comparison, the cheapest Tesla Model Y costs $53,990 and comes with a significantly longer range. But Audi has a new trick up its sleeve to help capture a more budget-conscious EV buyer. We knew the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron would arrive in the United States later this year, sporting a price tag under $45,000. Official pricing for the standard Q4 (and the 2022 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron) is now available, and it's better than we expected.
The standard Q4 40 e-tron starts a just $43,900 (not including a 1,095 destination charge), plus a potential $7,500 federal tax credit, effectively bringing the price down to $36,400 for eligible buyers. That makes it $17,590 ($10,090 without the credit) less expensive than the most affordable Model Y. In Tesla's defense, the Q4 is severely down on power with a single rear motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.
Audi says the Q4 40 hits 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of just 99 mph. The EPA hasn't rated this model yet, but with the same 82 kWh battery pack found in the Volkswagen ID.4, we expect it to travel around 250-260 miles on a charge. Buyers who crave more oomph can opt for the Q4 50 e-tron, which adds a second electric motor on the front axle to give it quattro all-wheel-drive. This version produces 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, yielding a 5.8-second 0-60 time, a 112 mph top speed, and an EPA-estimated 241-mile range. Feature highlights include an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and various safety systems.
It's worth noting that the Q4 50 is estimated at 100/89/81 MPGe city/highway/combined by the EPA, which is slightly more efficient than the ID.4 Pro S in all but the combined stat. The more powerful Q4 model will start at $49,900, still well below the Tesla even without the tax credit factored in.
As for the sportier (but less practical) Q4 Sportback e-tron, it will only come in the more powerful AWD guise. Audi priced the Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron at $52,700, making it a $2,800 upgrade over the standard Q4. The Sportback posts identical performance and range figures as the Q4 50 e-tron, so upgrading to this model is purely an aesthetic choice.
Audi will offer the base Q4 40 e-tron in two trim levels: a base Premium model and a Premium Plus with available technology and convenience packages. The Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro will come in three trims, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with available options packages like the S line plus package. Over and above the aforementioned base features, the Premium Plus equips the convenience package as standard, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel with regen paddles. The Prestige boasts animated LED headlights and taillights, an augmented reality head-up display, and the technology package as standard.
Expect more information to arrive close to the on-sale date later this year.