2022 Audi Q4 e-tron

The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron have just been revealed, and they are two of the prettiest electric crossovers we've ever laid our eyes on. But despite a gorgeous interior accompanying that stylish body, they're pretty affordable for what they are. Officially the cheapest offerings in Audi's e-tron range of electric vehicles, the Q4 e-tron promises up to 250 miles of range for a starting price of under $45,000. As with other German electric offerings, the idea was to offer an EV that feels just like a traditional car. Carbon neutrality is also an important factor for the Q4 e-tron, but has Audi got the recipe right?

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Arguably the first thing to make an impact when you become acquainted with a new vehicle is the way that it's styled. With muscular haunches, full-width LED taillights that have been inspired by the e-tron GT, and a sloping roofline, this is one very attractive machine. The front grille is rather complex, but the available Matrix-design LED headlights complement it perfectly. Sporty wheels, slim roof rails, and a relatively lofty ride height complete the look. If you ever had any doubts that electric vehicles can look good, even when talking about crossovers, the Q4 shatters them totally. Audi says this is the electric Q5, but we think it's far better.

As an electric vehicle, there's no central transmission tunnel. This means that rear occupants get loads more legroom while those sitting up front get more space to put their belongings. However, while the body looks pretty much perfect, a new steering wheel has been designed for the Q4, and we're not sure that the squared shape and four-spoke design is Audi's best work. However, you do get a better view of the 10.25-inch digital driver display or available 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. In the center of the dash, a 10.1-inch touch display is angled towards the driver. Beneath a floating panel with transmission controls js a large void in which you can wirelessly charge your phone. And best of all, the cabin makes use of recycled materials yet looks as premium as ever.

Okay, we're not seriously suggesting that a car costing several tens of thousands of dollars is the electric champion of blue-collar America, but the performance you get for the money is impressive. The battery used is an 82 kWh unit with a net capacity of 77 kWh. Two variants are offered for the US market: 40 and 50. The former produces 201 horsepower and sends it to the rear wheels, while the Q4 50 e-tron quattro gets a second electric motor on the front axle, boosting output to approximately 295 hp. No acceleration claims have been made, but Audi says that the 40 should manage 250 miles on a single charge. As for charging, you can do up to 11 kilowatts with AC and up to 125 kW on a DC fast charger. We estimate that it should charge from 5 to 80 percent in under 40 minutes on a fast charger.

If you're after performance, the Tesla Model Y will be your best bet, but there's no doubt that you will miss out on build quality and luxury in a big way. Detailed pricing hasn't been revealed, but we do know that the base Q4 40 e-tron will start at under $45,000. Audi also says that it could qualify for up to $7,500 off in federal tax incentives. That makes it only $2,000 pricier than the cheapest Ford Mustang Mach-E, and with a more stylish body and a more luxurious cabin, that money way be worth spending. Audi's clever use of angles, lighting, and colors makes the Q4 absolutely stunning, and with enough range for most along with respectable charging times, we expect it to sell very well. We can't wait to see what's next.