Audi Q4 e-tron vs BMW i4
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i4 opens at $88,900. That makes the Audi Q4 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $93,390 and $97,790 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW i4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 87% for the BMW i4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q4 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW i4.
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 6 in the BMW i4. The Audi Q4 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW i4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i4 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i4. The BMW i4 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 BMW i4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 64kWh (BMW i4), giving WLTP ranges of 470km and 527km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 205kW (BMW i4).
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 195mm shorter than the BMW i4 at 4,783mm (2,856mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 390L in the BMW i4, giving the Audi Q4 e-tron a 130L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i4 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q4 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i4 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW i4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Audi Q4 e-tron has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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