What is the best electric Audi?
Audi has a range of electric cars in its arsenal, but which is the best overall? Our guide takes a look at what makes each model unique
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Just a few years ago, the thought of buying an electric car was far less common, and many of the mainstream manufacturers hadn’t even launched their own models yet.
Now, Audi has a growing range of electric models that are largely centred around SUVs, but beneath their skins are tried-and-tested electric motor setups built in conjunction with Volkswagen and Skoda.
Whether you’re after a family car or something more luxurious, a used Audi is a great place to start your search for a new EV.
Audi Q4 e-tron
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As the name suggests, the Audi Q4 e-tron is noticeably bigger than the Q3, but not too large that it feels cumbersome in a tight car park.
Throughout its time on sale, Audi has fitted it with a variety of batteries and motors. The Q4 35 e-tron uses the smallest 52kWh battery to give it a range of just over 200 miles.
There are also 40, 45, 50, and 55 models, which use a larger 77kWh battery that should manage more than 300 miles under the best conditions. The motors increase in output with each model, and a September 2023 update saw the 45 and 55 models become even more powerful.
There are Sportback models that are slightly more efficient thanks to the aerodynamic sloping rear roofline, but most buyers opt for the regular SUV version.
Should I get an Audi Q4 e-tron?
According to Audi, the Q4 e-tron has contributed to the success of its EV business and it continues to be a viable option for those looking for a premium alternative to a Volkswagen ID.4 or Skoda Enyaq (all three models share many mechanical parts).
Because there’s a range of configurations to pick from, including bodystyles, motors, battery sizes and even four-wheel drive, most buyers will be able to find a Q4 e-tron that they like.
Audi e-tron
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This was Audi’s first mainstream electric model and came out around the same time as the similar-sized Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC.
Although more expensive than the Q5, the e-tron targets a similar audience, who can expect pretty significant fuel savings compared with a Q5 when going electric.
It’s clearly a luxury vehicle and standard equipment levels are high, but it’s also a capable family car with plenty of space in the rear seats and the boot.
Take note that Audi rebranded the e-tron for 2023, and it’s now called the Q8 e-tron to make distinguishing its different models easier. It got a few upgrades but is largely the same car.
Is the e-tron the best used Audi electric car?
The e-tron is less efficient than the Q4 e-tron simply because of its size, but if you can overlook this, earlier models can be found for cheaper than new Q4 e-tron models, which makes this luxurious electric SUV particularly affordable.
Audi e-tron GT
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Even though it’s been on sale for several years, there’s still not very much that comes close to what the e-tron GT offers, except for the closely related Porsche Taycan and maybe the Tesla Model S.
This four-door coupé is surprisingly practical because it has seating for five, a 405-litre boot, and more space under the bonnet for storing things like charging cables or muddy shoes.
However, the massive 93.4kWh battery is only good for a range of just under 300 miles – a Tesla Model 3 can cover around the same number of miles with a much smaller 60kWh battery. That said, even the slowest e-tron GT has 476hp.
What is the fastest electric Audi model?
Unsurprisingly, the sporty-looking e-tron GT is Audi’s quickest electric car. The standard 476hp model has a boost mode, which gives the driver temporary access to 530hp, knocking 0.4 seconds off the 0-62mph time and taking it down to 4.1 seconds.
An RS e-tron GT model with 598hp (646hp in boost mode) is also available, which is good for the same acceleration sprint in 3.6 seconds (3.3 seconds in boost mode). For a 2.3-tonne car, that’s pretty quick.
What is the most affordable Audi electric car?
If you’re after a brand-new or nearly-new electric Audi, then you’ll be faced with the Q4 e-tron, which costs at least £50,000 new for the 40 e-tron models now that Audi has axed the cheaper 35 e-tron version.
Fortunately, there are cheaper options used, including used Q4 e-tron models and used e-tron models, which can be found for as little as half the price of a new Q4 e-tron.
Used Audi electric cars: which is the biggest?
The biggest electric Audi is the e-tron or Q8 e-tron, which has space for five. It feels roomier than a Jaguar I-Pace in the back and has enough boot space for the family holiday.