Q4 e-tron vs RZ 350e
Audi versus Lexus: the Q4 e-tron and the RZ 350e go after the same compact luxury suv buyer. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q4 e-tron wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price RZ 350e wins
Key Differences
-
The Q4 e-tron has 61 hp more power
A clear win for the Q4 e-tron: 282 hp against 221 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. 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 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q4 e-tron leads
The Q4 e-tron dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Q4 e-tron scores with 61 hp more power. The Q4 e-tron’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. In short, the Q4 e-tron is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Q4 e-tron: 282 hp RZ 350e: 221 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Both the Q4 e-tron and the RZ 350e cover fuel economy & range equally well on paper. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Q4 e-tron and the RZ 350e each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | 165 kW electric motor, 74.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 282 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 402 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (quattro AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 288 mi Shortest electric range | 301 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,800 | $46,000 (winner) |
“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.
Price & Value
At launch, the difference was a modest $3,800, with the RZ 350e slightly more affordable. What does the Q4 e-tron’s extra $3,800 actually get you? Mainly 61 hp more power.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of October 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q4 e-tron if…
- you want more power (282 hp vs 221 hp)
- you trust Audi and want to keep things familiar
Choose the RZ 350e if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $3,800 matters
- you’re loyal to Lexus and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q4 e-tron or the RZ 350e?
We’d point most buyers to the Q4 e-tron. The main exception is if you’d rather keep $3,800 for something else.
Does the Q4 e-tron last longer on a charge than the RZ 350e?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Q4 e-tron and the RZ 350e are too close to call.
Which costs less, the Q4 e-tron or the RZ 350e?
The Q4 e-tron launched at $3,800 more than the RZ 350e, based on prices as of October 2024.
Executive Summary
The Q4 e-tron against the RZ 350e: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Here’s what matters most to me: the Q4 e-tron offers 61 hp more power.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Q4 e-tron fits. If price matters more, the RZ 350e makes more sense.
My pick: the Q4 e-tron. I’d only go for the RZ 350e if your budget can’t stretch another $3,800.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.