Q4 e-tron vs QX55
The Q4 e-tron and the QX55 are two different answers to the same compact luxury suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q4 e-tron wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.9
- Engine & Performance4.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Q4 e-tron has 122 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Q4 e-tron is in a different league: 402 lb-ft, next to 280 lb-ft for the QX55. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Q4 e-tron has 14 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the Q4 e-tron’s 282 hp is a step ahead of the QX55’s 268 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q4 e-tron leads
This section belongs to the Q4 e-tron. In engine & performance, it leads the QX55 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. In its favor, the Q4 e-tron has 122 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. In short, the Q4 e-tron is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
Q4 e-tron: 402 lb-ft QX55: 280 lb-ft The Q4 e-tron’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Q4 e-tron: 282 hp QX55: 268 hp The Q4 e-tron’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 282 hp (winner) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 402 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | CVT |
| Drivetrain | RWD (quattro AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Electric range | 288 mi Shortest electric range | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 26.9 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 54.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,800 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q4 e-tron if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (402 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (282 hp vs 268 hp)
- you already know your way around Audi’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q4 e-tron or the QX55?
On the specs compared here, the Q4 e-tron makes more sense for most buyers; the QX55 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Q4 e-tron against the QX55: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Q4 e-tron brings 122 lb-ft more torque.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Q4 e-tron fits. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters more, the QX55 makes more sense.
My pick: the Q4 e-tron.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.