Q4 e-tron vs Polestar 4
Rivals in the compact luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Q4 e-tron and the Polestar 4 are no exception. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q4 e-tron wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Q4 e-tron wins
- Engine & Performance6.9
- Engine & Performance3.9
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 149 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 402 lb-ft for the Q4 e-tron versus 253 lb-ft for the Polestar 4. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Q4 e-tron leads
This section belongs to the Q4 e-tron. In engine & performance, it leads the Polestar 4 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. In its favor, the Q4 e-tron has 149 lb-ft more torque. The Q4 e-tron’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If engine & performance is your priority, the Q4 e-tron is the car to pick.
Torque
Q4 e-tron: 402 lb-ft Polestar 4: 253 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t fuel economy & range. Both cover fuel economy & range well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
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. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Q4 e-tron and the Polestar 4 differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 282 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 402 lb-ft (winner) | 253 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (quattro AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 288 mi Shortest electric range | 300 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | Q4 e-tron | Polestar 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,800 (winner) | $56,400 |
“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
Choosing the Q4 e-tron saves $6,600 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. Value is clear-cut: the Q4 e-tron saves $6,600 and leads in more areas.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of April 2025. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q4 e-tron if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (402 lb-ft vs 253 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $6,600 matters
- you prefer staying with Audi
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q4 e-tron or the Polestar 4?
On the specs compared here, the Q4 e-tron makes more sense for most buyers; the Polestar 4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Does the Q4 e-tron last longer on a charge than the Polestar 4?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Q4 e-tron and the Polestar 4 are too close to call.
Which costs less, the Q4 e-tron or the Polestar 4?
The Polestar 4 launched at $6,600 more than the Q4 e-tron, based on prices as of April 2025.
Executive Summary
The Q4 e-tron against the Polestar 4: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Here’s what matters most to me: the Q4 e-tron offers 149 lb-ft more torque.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the Q4 e-tron, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Polestar 4.
My pick: the Q4 e-tron.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.