Advance through conservativeness: Audi Q4 E-Tron in a test

• Published date: 21 April 2024
• Author: KEINAN COHEN/WALLA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Audi was the pioneer of electric propulsion in the luxury category in 2019 when it landed the first E-Tron here. Since then, much electricity has flowed in the sockets, traditional competitors have crowded lines, and new competitors have emerged from all directions. In the meantime, it too has expanded with its electric family, with the E-Tron GT at the sporty end sharing a platform and components with no less than the Taycan from the other side, and from the recent past is the Q4 E-Tron, her entry ticket into the electric world. It hit the roads exactly a year ago and has already received a mid-life facelift, including a significant power boost and minor range improvements. 600 km on its bright face told us what has changed

Design: Well, so in terms of exterior appearance, it hasn't really changed. The look remains solid, not flashy, very balanced, Audi classic in that sense. In fact, except for the solid grille in the front, there are almost no signs closing the fact that behind it there is no combustion engine but only a sealed box and cables running from it to the wheels. But it's not really different in this sense from the BMW X1 or Mercedes EQA, and also the Volvo XC40 and Lexus UX, all wrapped in a similar appearance to their gasoline versions and the exact opposite of competitors like the Genesis GV60.

Passenger cabin: In the passenger cabin, there is not much change, for better or for worse. For the better, the driver's environment is clear and easy to navigate, with high-quality materials throughout, comfortable seats for long journeys, and the easy tilt of the central console towards the driver is also appreciated. What is less good? The driving position itself is fine, but the design of the dashboard creates reflections and lots of space for dust. Dust that also stands out on the black piano finish in the central console, which also houses the almost annoyingly complex sound system controls, like a touch surface where rotating your finger clockwise increases volume and counterclockwise decreases it - precision level: UAV Iran. I would also replace the low quality language that wasn't necessary with a normal one.

The rear space is good for two, I wouldn't seat three adults here, maybe not even three children due to its structure, but the floor structure is completely flat and the passengers here have separate air conditioning vents and controls. Phones will need to be charged before leaving, as you won't find USB ports here.

The cargo area has...