They might share a platform, but the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron are very different vehicles in many ways.
Both of these vehicles come from the VW Group, which has offered us similar vehicles with different badges in the past, but these two aren’t very similar at all. Once you get past the platform, range, and the fact that both are electric, you’ll see the differences.
Buying the Right Electric SUV
If you want a price comparison, you’re going to find exactly what you expect with these two vehicles. The Volkswagen is cheaper to buy than the Audi, that should have given you a “Captain Obvious” moment if you ever had one. The luxury name and expected luxury features make the argument as to why the Audi is priced higher. Now that this is out of the way, let’s look at these two vehicles a little closer.
Which One Looks Better?
The Volkswagen ID.4 rests its laurels on the fact that it is the first of the electric SUV models to come from this brand. Overall, it’s just fine and is styled the way you might expect, but you won’t get excited or see a lot of what can pique your imagination in this little SUV. The interior area is ok, and what you see as a consistent feeling from the VW brand.
The Audi Q4 e-tron brings you an attractive build and style. The sharp look and muscular build give this crossover something you don’t always get from Audi, real style. Going to the cabin, you’ll be impressed with the style that gives you the right level of comfort, electronics, and design to make this one of the best cabins you’ll find in the market.
Is the Technology Worth the Added Cost?
Electric vehicles have become well-known for offering modern and futuristic technology that the target audience will love and use during their driving experiences. This is one area in which the Audi easily crushes the Volkswagen, giving you the biggest reason to spend a little bit more money for the Audi when you want to drive one of these two SUVs. Let’s take a look at some of the differences.
It seems that Volkswagen went a little too German with its technology package. This isn’t meant to be an insult to the Germans, but some things are just too complicated, much like trying to learn their native language. The ergonomics are hard to understand, the infotainment system requires you to dig through menus, and the climate controls don’t have redundant controls.
When you step inside the Audi Q4 e-tron, you’ll find an intuitive system that responds quickly is easy to reach, and offers a sensible setup for you. This system works great and makes sure you can have the information you’re looking for right away. You’ll have physical buttons for the climate controls in the Q4, which is a huge benefit for this SUV. The lack of frustration you’ll feel with the Audi makes all the difference but is aided by a system that is easy to use for anyone.
Driving Manners
There’s more to the name than what meets the eye. We know that both of these SUVs are going to bring excellent driving manners to the road with the European feeling that we admire. That might be the case, but the Audi offers a smoother drive with a more advanced suspension system that can read the road and keep you comfortable while behind the wheel. The Volkswagen is ok to drive, but if you want a luxury feeling, you’ll go with the Audi.
The Powertrain is the Same
Both vehicles make use of the same powertrain. This is part of the MEB platform that the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron are built upon. The powertrain includes a 77 kWh battery pack that can provide a driving range of 250 miles on a single full charge. You’ll have 201 horsepower at your disposal, which is more than enough to ensure you can handle the drive the way you want every day.
Which One Should You Drive?
The price difference between the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron is only about $5,000. Is this amount worth having a harsher drive, an uglier vehicle, less technology, and a complicated system to use? If not, you’ll want to drive the Audi and let the Q4 e-tron become the electric SUV that you love to experience when you’re heading out for your day.
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