Audi Q4 e-tron vs Volkswagen ID.5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2021. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5.

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 Volkswagen ID.5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5.

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 Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-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 Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 counters with wireless charging 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 Volkswagen ID.5 offers cloth.

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 Volkswagen ID.5 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 82kWh (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5), giving WLTP ranges of 470km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5).

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 4mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 29L advantage.

For towing, the Volkswagen ID.5 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg 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 electricity for the Volkswagen ID.5 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $38 a year less for the Volkswagen ID.5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q4 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volkswagen ID.5).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Volkswagen ID.5.

The Volkswagen ID.5: the lower starting price ($62,990 against $84,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (549L against 520L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($797 a year against $835).

The Verdict

Volkswagen ID.5 scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Volkswagen ID.5 scores 76 to the Audi Q4 e-tron's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Volkswagen ID.5 ahead by 7 points), energy efficiency (Volkswagen ID.5 ahead by 5 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Volkswagen ID.5 costs about $38 less (16.6 kWh/100km against 17.4 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh).

Common questions