Compare performance (340 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (39,600 £ vs 25,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q4 e-tron or VW Golf?
The automotive world is undergoing a seismic shift as electric vehicles continue to gain prominence. In this edition, we venture into the realms of innovation and heritage by comparing the Audi Q4 e-tron and the VW Golf. Although they share Volkswagen Group’s lineage, these two models showcase vastly different approaches to modern motoring.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a pure electric SUV, available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, generating between 170 to 340 horsepower. Acceleration is brisk, with the fastest model reaching 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The Q4 e-tron offers various battery options, positioning it as a compelling choice for the eco-conscious driver, with zero CO2 emissions and a top range of up to 554 km.
In contrast, the VW Golf maintains a more traditional lineup with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. Its most powerful variants reach up to 333 horsepower with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.6 seconds. Although it offers a much shorter electric range in its hybrid guises—up to 143 km—the Golf compensates with diverse fuel types catering to varying consumer needs.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is an imposing figure by hatchback standards, measuring 4588 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and standing 1632 mm tall, emphasizing its SUV capabilities. It comes with a capacious trunk capacity of 535 liters, suitable for family adventures or long road trips.
The VW Golf, meanwhile, retains its classic hatchback form at 4292 mm in length, 1789 mm in width, and height varying around 1478 mm. With a trunk capacity of 381 liters, it provides ample space for urban commuters and smaller families.
Audi’s Q4 e-tron is packed with high-tech features, from its virtual cockpit to an advanced MMI navigation system, which complements its futuristic electric drivetrain. The model exemplifies Audi's commitment to an intelligent and sustainable driving experience.
The VW Golf, while maintaining its hallmark of reliability, has embraced the modern era with options for a digital cockpit and driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. This makes the Golf a technologically savvy choice for those not ready to transition fully to electric.
The Audi Q4 e-tron, with its electric engine, proudly boasts a zero emissions footprint while providing competitive range and performance—an essential consideration for those keen on reducing their carbon footprint.
The VW Golf, equipped in its non-hybrid forms, produces CO2 emissions between 113 to 192 g/km, which places it within varied environmental efficiency classes. For drivers seeking traditional petrol or diesel engines with improved environmental credentials, the cleaner hybrid versions offer a sensible compromise.
Choosing between the Audi Q4 e-tron and the VW Golf boils down to lifestyle preferences and readiness to transition towards an electric future. The Q4 e-tron offers an avant-garde experience for those prepared to embrace eco-friendly motoring fully. In contrast, the Golf provides a multi-faceted approach that balances classic driving pleasures with modern technological conveniences. Both models stand as a testament to the diverse innovation within the Volkswagen Group's arsenal, catering to a broad spectrum of automotive desires.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
VW Golf is clearly cheaper – starting at 25,200 £ , while the Audi Q4 e-tron costs 39,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,362 £.
As for electric range, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers considerably more range – reaching up to 554 km, about 411 km more than the VW Golf.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers barely more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Audi Q4 e-tron takes 5.4 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the VW Golf is clearly faster – reaching 270 km/h, while the Audi Q4 e-tron tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi Q4 e-tron delivers visibly more torque with 679 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 259 Nm more.
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, VW Golf is substantially lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 2,035 kg. The difference is around 728 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers clearly more boot space – 535 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 154 L.
For maximum load capacity, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers slightly more capacity – up to 1,490 L, about 253 L more than the VW Golf.
When it comes to payload, the Audi Q4 e-tron carries only slightly more – 515 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands well ahead of its rival 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.
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.
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The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
39,600 - 58,800 £
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Price
25,200 - 47,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 - 17.4 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
406 - 554 km
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Electric Range
131 - 143 km
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Battery Capacity
77 kWh
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
25 - 184 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
2,035 - 2,235 kg
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Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
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Trunk capacity
520 - 535 L
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Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
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Length
4,588 mm
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Length
4,282 - 4,296 mm
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Width
1,865 mm
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Width
1,789 mm
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Height
1,614 - 1,632 mm
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Height
1,454 - 1,483 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,460 - 1,490 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,237 L
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Payload
505 - 515 kg
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Payload
438 - 508 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
204 - 340 HP
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Power HP
116 - 333 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Max Speed
203 - 270 km/h
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Torque
310 - 679 Nm
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Torque
220 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
150 - 250 kW
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Power kW
85 - 245 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España