2025 Audi Q5 review

This EV is one of Europe’s favourite cars and has designs on knocking Tesla off its perch but is it too boring for Aussie roads?

As Audi’s new Q4 electric SUV arrives, can we really trust the British and Germans?

Not in a spy novel type way, but by their EV preferences.

Because remarkably, and despite costing $100,000 on the road, the Poms bought more Audi Q4s than any other EV last year, bar the all-conquering Tesla Model Y.

It was also right up there in Germany, the Q4 its best-selling prestige EV, ahead of the BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQA.

It’s gotta be good then, right?

This is Audi’s first full electric small/medium SUV, squeezing between the Q3 and Q5 combustion models, but with a punchy price.

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The 2025 Audi Q4. Picture: Supplied

Cheapest is a single motor, rear-drive 45 e-tron for $84,900 before on-roads.

No small sum, but you’re buying a decent sized attractive rig with space for five adults; a solidly-engineered and quiet drive experience and no shortage of tech and luxury.

A sleeker Sportback’s $1600 extra, bringing a coupe-style rear, larger (20-inch vs. 19-inch) alloys and rear spoiler.

Its better aerodynamics improves EV range from 524km to 540km – ample for an urban-centric SUV.

On initial sample across Adelaide’s pleasant mix of hills, country and city streets, it’s obvious why our Euro cousins have fallen for the Q4.

It’s a first-rate all-rounder, if a slightly boringly capable one.

This EV’s zesty without being fast; handles well without ever being thrilling, and the interior’s generally lovely but without X-factor.

Maybe that’s why the Brits like Q4s. Sensible before sexy, old chap.

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There’s no shortage of tech.

Or luxury.

Speaking of sense, Audi’s priced the Q4, 45s under our Luxury Car Tax threshold, therefore eligible for fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption with a novated lease.

Such money saving potential ups the Q4’s sexiness.

Faster, better-appointed twin motor Q4 55s are available, but from $105,900, miss that FBT threshold.

These pricier quattros have the same 77kWh (usable) battery and crack 100km/h in 5.4 seconds thanks to 250kW and 134Nm (front) and 545Nm (rear).

But you can live without. The cheaper rear-drive 45 feels almost equally eager from low speeds, and a smidge more playful in corners.

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The Europeans love it. Picture: Supplied

It’s incredibly easy to drive, from the superbly insulated cabin to fingertip-light but quite lifeless steering.

Ride is firm but never jarring, it is impressively refined at highway speeds and the 210kW/545Nm rear motor responds rapidly and smoothly to right foot commands.

A head-pinner it ain’t, but that’s fine for an urban EV.

Steering wheel paddles offer three regenerative levels, the strongest handling much of the required braking in corners/down hills.

Which is welcome, because like most EVs, brake feel is lost at sea.

Most won’t care, but those who enjoy driving will find it and the steering offer little in terms of engagement.

While I’m grumbling, the cabin has too many scratchy plastics for close to $100k; haptic-feedback steering wheel buttons are fiddly, and there’s no under-bonnet “frunk” storage.

But the boot’s quite jumbo with two false floors, good for charge cables and valuables.

Clever bits?

A clip holds your smartphone upright while wireless charging, and angled bottle holders are smartly in the top rather than bottom of doors. Pringles tubes perfectly fit these too, not helping diet plans.

My mind keeps wrestling with the Q4’s price.

EV competition includes the similar-sized Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq – cracking cars costing $15,000 less.

The excellent and more spacious Tesla Model Y is cheaper again, but Elon’s antics may preclude it.

This EV’s zesty without being fast.

A Polestar 4’s closer in price and prestige, but the Q4 has extra cachet. There’s something about those Audi rings.

And the Q4’s inclusions. Cheapest still get rich-feeling faux leather heated seats, digital driver display, 11.6-inch infotainment, wireless phone mirroring, electric tailgate, ambient lighting and pumping stereo.

Safety’s comprehensive, and turning off nannying lane assist’s a hassle-free stalk button press. Other brands should take note.

Charging? Audi’s chucking in a free home charger and installation to early Q4 buyers, giving 0-500km range in 12 hours. It’s 28 minutes to reach 80 per cent publicly, with 175kW the maximum.

Our test returned impressive economy (13.1kWh/100km), so its 500km+ range is highly believable.

Money saving potential ups the Q4’s sexiness.

VERDICT

A conservative EV, but the style, range, inclusions and plush ride make it feel every inch a proper Audi. But at a price.

3.5 stars

AUDI Q4 45 e-tron

PRICE From about $95,000 drive-away

ENGINE Single rear electric motor, 210kW/545Nm

RANGE Up to 540km

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5 years/unlimited km, $2050 for six services/90,000km

SAFETY 5 Stars, 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, front and rear sensors, rear camera, blind spot warning, lane departure warning

LUGGAGE 520L/1490L

SPARE Repair kit

Originally published as 2025 Audi Q5 review