Audi Q4 e-tron vs Lexus RX

The Audi Q4 e-tron starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

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 $93,390 respectively.

The Audi Q4 e-tron qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus RX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 90% for the Lexus RX.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q4 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Lexus RX.

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 RX. The Audi Q4 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RX misses.

The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that the Audi Q4 e-tron does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi Q4 e-tron runs a pure electric powertrain producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Lexus RX lines up making 179kW and 221Nm, 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 real-world sprint, 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.

The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 302mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 92L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus RX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Audi Q4 e-tron has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).