Audi Q4 e-tron joins EV price cut rush

Audi has reduced the price of the Q4 e-tron medium electric SUV, even before the first cars reach Australian customers in December.

Joining many other makers in reframing their pricing strategy as the Aussie EV sales market slows, Audi has dropped the cheapest rear-motor Q4 45 e-tron wagon by $3400 to $84,900 (before on-road costs).

Other cuts include $1800 to $86,500 for the sleeker Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron, $2600 to $105,900 for the dual motor all-wheel drive Q4 55 e-tron quattro and $1600 to $107,900 for the flagship Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro.

Audi officially confirmed in September 2023 the five-seat five-door Q4 e-tron – first launched globally in 2021 – was coming to Australia in updated 45 and 55 form in 2024. The prestige importer revealed original pricing last November and detailed specification last June.

The new pricing means the two Q4 45s slip further under the all-important luxury car tax threshold, making them eligible for the fringe benefit tax concessions.

The Q4 range is now also that little bit more competitive against the likes of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB, which both start at $89,100, as well as the incoming Polestar 4, which has also had its pre-release price cut to $78,500.

However, the Q4 e-tron is still much more expensive than Australia’s most popular electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y, which is priced from $55,900.

As previously revealed in June, all Q4 models coming to Australia will be fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack upsized from 77kWh to 82kWh with the latest “optimised cell chemistry and higher density”.

Audi has also confirmed now that the Q4 45 models will recharge at a higher 175kW maximum DC fast charging rate – up from 135kW – to match the Q4 55. The maximum AC charging rate is unchanged at 11kW.

Audi says all Q4 e-tron models can charge from 10 to 80 per cent battery capacity in approximately 28 minutes. It also says the new battery delivers a longer WLTP combined range

The “indicative” (i.e. not officially confirmed) range claimed by Audi Australia for the Q4 e-tron is highest at 540km for the Q4 45 Sportback, 524km for the 45 wagon, 503km for the 55 Sportback and 488km for the 55 wagon. The updated Q4 spec sheet issued in August also claims slightly improved energy consumption rates for all four models.

“We made a conscious decision to commence our market entry for the Q4 e-tron with Model Year 2025 vehicles which come with upgraded battery technology. This decision allows us to provide enhanced customer value across the Q4 e-tron range,” said Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia.

Mannering has previously made it clear the Q4 e-tron will be Audi’s volume EV player, which makes sense considering the VW-owned luxury brand’s only other two EV offerings are the Q8 e-tron starting at $154,600 and the e-tron Sportback GT sports car priced from $182,400.

The Q4 will be followed to the Aussie market by the A6 e-tron Sportback and wagon and Q6 e-tron SUV in H1 2025, but neither of those will challenge the Q4 on entry price.

Anyone taking delivery of a Q4 e-tron before December 31 will also get a 12-month Chargefox public charging subscription. Other key specifications such as drivetrain and safety and comfort equipment remain as previously reported.

The Q4 45s produce 210kW/545Nm and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The Q4 55 variants develop a combined 250kW and 134Nm/545Nm from their front/rear motors and reach 100km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds.

The Q4 is the first Audi based on the VW Group’s dedicated-electric MEB platform architecture, which also underpins various Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra electric vehicles.

How much does the Audi Q4 e-tron cost?
Audi Q4 45 e-tron $84,900 (-$3400)
Audi Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron $86,500 (-$1800)
Audi Q4 55 e-tron quattro $105,900 (-$2600)
Audi Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro $107,900 (-$1600)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au