Audi Q4 e-tron vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q4 e-tron at 5 stars (2021) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2022). 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 91% for the Lexus NX, 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 Lexus NX.

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 8 in the Lexus NX.

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 Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Mark Levinson 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 Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q4 e-tron is 1.0s 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, 72mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q4 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 520L in the Lexus NX.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 0.2 m tighter, 11.2 m against 11.4 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 Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q4 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q4 e-tron), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: more power (210kW against 179kW).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $84,900) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 74

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Audi Q4 e-tron's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 16 points), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 9 points).

Common questions