Audi Q4 e-tron vs Audi SQ5 Sportback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q4 e-tron at 5 stars (2021) and the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q4 e-tron, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. The Audi SQ5 Sportback counters with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q4 e-tron gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi SQ5 Sportback offers leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 129mm shorter than the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, giving the Audi Q4 e-tron a 5L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q4 e-tron's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 11.2 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Audi Q4 e-tron costs about $835 a year (17.4 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q4 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: the lower starting price ($84,900 against $109,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 515L).

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 210kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q4 e-tron scores higher, 74 vs 73

The Audi Q4 e-tron scores 74 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 19 points), value (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 14 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 4 points).

Common questions