First Drive: Why Audi’s Q4 e-Tron matters

The Company Car Sweet Spot for future-proofing your Fleet

An Audi badge says professional without drifting into show-off territory, and the fully-electric Q4 adds a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) bill that’s closer to a super-mini than a Q5. With up to 331 miles of WLTP range on the Sportback 45 e-tron, zero-emission access to city centres and rapid 175 kW charging, it’s no surprise this is our most-quoted premium EV right now.

My First Impressions (in classic Welsh drizzle)…

Thanks to Cardiff Audi, I nabbed the keys during a downpour – perfect for shaking out the chassis. Visually, the Q4 e-Tron is a stunner. I chose the Sportback over the standard SUV as personally I prefer the sleek, sporty edge compared to the standard SUV. The sloping roofline doesn’t just look good, it contributes to better aerodynamics too. Up close, the build quality is unmistakably Audi, like the matrix LED headlights and sculpted rear. 

The model matrix – decoded in 30 seconds

There are no fewer than 72 models of Q4 e-Tron available which at first seems excessive. However, I will attempt to demystify this as it does actually make sense! Bear with me.  When you dig a little deeper, this is simply a fleet-orientated way to give company drivers additional flexibility to achieve the vehicle that they want, whilst remaining within whatever budgetary or P11D constraints they are working to.

In its simplest terms:

1. Body – SUV or Sportback.

2. Trim – Sport, S line, Black Edition.

3. Power –

   • 40 & 45 (single-motor RWD, 286 PS)

   • 45 quattro & 55 quattro (dual-motor AWD, up to 340 PS)

Pick any combination and you’ll land inside your P11D ceiling without resorting to an options spreadsheet the size of War & Peace.

Getting behind the wheel

I sampled the 45 RWD (0-62 mph in 6.6 s) and never wished for the extra motor. Instant torque punted me onto motorways with ease, while the chassis soaked up cross-winds on the Severn Bridge. Even on 20-inch S line alloys, ride comfort stayed supple over scarred South-Wales asphalt.

Cabin & tech

Audi minimalism done right: soft-touch dash, recycled Dinamica trim and the 11.6-inch MMI screen angled towards the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay popped up first time; lane-centering and adaptive cruise felt smooth. Rear head-room is trimmed by that swoopy roof but anyone under six-foot will cope just fine.

Now the practicality check

Boot – 520 L under the standard electric tailgate; a golf bag or buggy lies flat.

Range – Official 241-331 mi WLTP depending on spec; my wet-weather loop suggested ~280 mi real-world.

Cup-holders – Two whopper-sized units pass the double-shot flat-white test with room to spare.

What about value for money – the fleet maths

OTR prices span roughly £46-64k; leasing keeps cash-flow friendly and BIK sits at 3% until April 2026 before nudging up only a single percentage point. In a salary-sacrifice scheme that often undercuts a season rail ticket.

Dealer experience

Cardiff Audi’s Pontprennau site nailed the basics: easy parking off J30, bean-to-cup coffee, and a bright business lounge so I could clear emails during charging. Friendly faces remembered my name – always a win.

My verdict

The Q4 e-Tron delivers everything fleets demand – premium image, low tax, usable range – wrapped in a package that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and lives comfortably within most policy price caps.

Want to run the numbers for your team or a personal salary-sacrifice deal? Drop me a line and I’ll spec one that fits. Speak to us about your EV options today – whether that be salary sacrifice, company car or a personal contract.