VS

Audi Q4 e-tron vs Audi A3 Sportback comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 400 HP), boot space and price (39,600 £ vs 27,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q4 e-tron or Audi A3 Sportback?

Audi Q4 e-tron vs Audi A3 Sportback: Key differences

Audi Q4 e-tron

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more electric range
  • visibly more trunk space

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • moderately more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
Q4 e-tron

Compact Excellence Meets Electric Innovation: Audi A3 Sportback vs. Audi Q4 e-tron

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, the Audi brand continues to set benchmarks in both traditional and electric segments. This time, we're putting the spotlight on two very different models: the versatile Audi A3 Sportback and the futuristic Audi Q4 e-tron. While both vehicles boast the prestigious four-ringed logo, they cater to distinct consumer tastes and needs, making this comparison an intriguing exploration of modern-day automotive engineering.

A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The Audi A3 Sportback remains a staple in the Audi lineup, delighting enthusiasts with its compact yet sporty design. Available with a variety of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and an impressive plug-in hybrid, it offers flexibility and performance across the board.

Under the hood, potential buyers can choose from engines ranging from a 116 HP diesel to a staggering 400 HP petrol MHEV. Notably, the plug-in hybrid variant offers an electric range of up to 143 km, powered by a 19.7 kWh battery, promoting greener drives without sacrificing performance.

Inside, drivers are treated to a cabin that's both innovative and comfortable, designed to accommodate five passengers with superb ergonomics and technology. The dual-clutch automatic transmission option provides seamless gear changes, while the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive enhances its adaptability to any road conditions.

Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron: Stepping into the Future

On the other side of the spectrum, the Audi Q4 e-tron marks a milestone in Audi’s electric vehicle lineup. Dubbed as a compact SUV, it offers versatility and comfort, combining Audi’s luxury with futuristic electric technology.

Powered exclusively by electric motors, this model offers outputs ranging from 170 HP in the rear-wheel-drive variant to an exhilarating 340 HP in the all-wheel-drive configuration. Its range tops out at an impressive 544 km, courtesy of a robust 77 kWh battery, making it a practical choice for both city commutes and longer journeys.

The Q4 e-tron's interior is a showcase of Audi's commitment to sustainability and innovation. With a large trunk capacity of up to 535 liters, it blends utility with the modern elegance that's synonymous with Audi. The cabin is intuitively designed, incorporating Audi’s latest tech, seamless integration of infotainment systems, and premium materials throughout.

A3 Sportback

Fuel Efficiency vs. Sustainability

While the A3 Sportback shines with its range of engine choices and frugal fuel consumption (as low as 4.8 L/100km for the diesel variant), the Q4 e-tron proudly flaunts its zero-emission tag, delivering electric consumption as low as 15.9 kWh/100km. The contrast in efficiency and energy usage clearly delineates the direction each vehicle is meant to take, catering to different customer priorities.

Q4 e-tron

Final Thoughts: Which Audi Suits You?

Ultimately, the choice between the Audi A3 Sportback and the Audi Q4 e-tron boils down to personal preference and lifestyle needs. Those seeking a traditional yet technologically savvy vehicle with a plethora of drivetrain options may gravitate towards the A3 Sportback. Meanwhile, eco-conscious drivers looking to embrace the electric revolution will find the Q4 e-tron’s cutting-edge technology and sustainable ethos hard to resist.

Both models encapsulate Audi’s relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, ensuring that no matter your choice, you’re promised an exceptional driving experience.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Q4 e-tron

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Audi A3 Sportback is significantly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Audi Q4 e-tron costs 39,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,557 £.

As for electric range, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers significantly more range – reaching up to 554 km, about 413 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

A3 Sportback

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers moderately more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 340 HP. That’s roughly 60 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Audi Q4 e-tron takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback is clearly faster – reaching 237 km/h, while the Audi Q4 e-tron tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 57 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi Q4 e-tron delivers markedly more torque with 679 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 179 Nm more.

Q4 e-tron

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is clearly lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 2,035 kg. The difference is around 675 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers visibly more boot space – 535 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 155 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers visibly more capacity – up to 1,490 L, about 390 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, the Audi Q4 e-tron carries only slightly more – 515 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 35 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi Q4 e-tron holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,600
Q4 e-tron

Audi Q4 e-tron

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.9 - 17.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 406 - 554 km
Audi Q4 e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Audi Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron brings Audi polish into the electric crossover scene, pairing a sleek exterior with a refined, airy interior that makes everyday driving feel distinctly premium. It’s an easy-to-live-with EV that balances comfort and real-world usability with intuitive tech, making it a smart choice for buyers who want electric mobility without giving up Audi character — and yes, it still looks good in the driveway.

details

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

details
Audi Q4 e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,600 - 58,800 £
Price
27,000 - 56,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 - 17.4 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
406 - 554 km
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Battery Capacity
77 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 211 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,035 - 2,235 kg
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
Trunk capacity
520 - 535 L
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Length
4,588 mm
Length
4,352 - 4,353 mm
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Height
1,614 - 1,632 mm
Height
1,441 - 1,470 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,460 - 1,490 L
Max trunk capacity
1,100 L
Payload
505 - 515 kg
Payload
410 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 - 340 HP
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Torque
310 - 679 Nm
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Power kW
150 - 250 kW
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3

General

Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
Brand
Audi
Brand
Audi
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.