"Heavy yet Sleek" Audi Q4 e-tron [Tabolleo]

Sharp Driving Texture... Dynamic Performance Maintained
Impressive Augmented Reality HUD and Adaptive Cruise
However, Cornering and Speed Bump Driving Disappoint
Rear Seat Comfort Also Falls Short

Some say they do not feel the joy of driving in electric vehicles. Since they run solely on electric motors, the response is quick with every press of the pedal. However, even if the response is lacking, there is a certain ‘romance’ unique to internal combustion engines. It’s the distinctive engine sound and the feeling of gradually building explosive power during the shifting process.

There is a brand that has declared it will capture both electrification and driving pleasure simultaneously. That brand is Audi. Hildegard Wortmann, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Audi A.G Sales & Marketing, said in a video interview with Korean reporters on the 16th, “High performance, driving pleasure, and electrification are not contradictory concepts.”

Audi Q4 e-tron [Photo by Audi Korea]

The vehicle at the center of this is the Audi Q4 e-tron. After driving 163 km round trip from Seoul to Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, what stood out was the light driving feel despite the heavy weight, and the impressive driver assistance systems. However, the rear seat ride comfort was disappointing.

This is the most popular electric vehicle model released by the company. It is also the first Audi model built on the Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle dedicated platform MEB. A similar model is the Volkswagen ID.4.

Audi Q4 e-tron Rear View
Photo by Oh Gyumin

How would you describe the ride comfort in one word?

“Light and sharp.” Despite a curb weight of 2,160 kg and a hefty body, it was impressive how sharply it could change lanes. It has not lost Audi’s characteristic agility. However, there was a slight feeling of body lean when taking corners. Being accustomed to sedans, this issue was resolved by slightly adjusting the seat position.

It was also somewhat disappointing when going over speed bumps. The suspension absorbs the impact well up to the driver’s seat when going over the bump. However, when descending after the bump, there was a slight ‘thud’ feeling.

What was the best feature during the test drive?

The driver assistance systems designed for convenience. In particular, the augmented reality head-up display (HUD) was very helpful while driving. When the vehicle drifts out of the lane, a red line appears on the road to guide the driver back to the center of the lane. When selecting a destination with the stock navigation, it provides precise directions even in confusing alleyways.

The adaptive cruise assist is also excellent. I used it on a somewhat congested section of Olympic-daero. When setting the speed limit and holding the steering wheel with one hand, it reduced speed well even when vehicles cut in from the side.

Audi Q4 e-tron Adaptive Cruise Assist Demonstration
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

There is also an advantage in maximizing energy efficiency. This is the brake-by-wire system. During normal driving, the regenerative braking strength is not too strong, while energy is recovered when using the brakes, enhancing efficiency. This method features control using electric signals called “by-wire.” It controls regenerative braking on each wheel by manipulating brake fluid hydraulic pressure through electric signals.

Are there any drawbacks?

This vehicle’s regenerative braking is basically mild, but the strength can be adjusted using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. However, the downside is that it cannot be controlled from the center display. In other electric vehicles, regenerative braking strength can be changed from the center display as well. In the Q4 e-tron display, under Vehicle - Efficient Driving Support - Regenerative Braking, there are only options for ‘Auto’ and ‘Off.’ This might lead to the misunderstanding that regenerative braking adjustment is not possible.

Photo by Oh Gyumin

The rear seat ride comfort is also disappointing. Due to the rear-wheel-drive-based electric vehicle layout, during rapid acceleration, passengers often hit their heads on the headrests. There is also some ‘bouncing,’ which may make it difficult to carry passengers in the rear seat on long drives.