Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?

Audi Q4 E-Tron

$69,990 - $99,990

2025 price

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Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo Es90

Volvo XC90

Summary

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

2026 Cadillac Optiq

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Interior packaging and design
Efficient yet powerful EV drivetrains
Easy and enjoyable driveability

Sharp pricing in premium land
Punchy dual-motor powertrain
Considered and comfortable cabin

Dislikes

No spare wheel
Needs single-pedal driving/braking
Base equipment levels a bit stingy

Ride can feel brittle on harsh road surfaces
Slow DC charge rate
Five-year warranty feels underdone these days

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Summary

Here’s a fun fact.

Audi has only ever offered two rear-wheel drive (RWD) production cars in its entire 116-year history… the spectacular R8 supercar and the electrifying e-tron GT.

Now there’s this, the Q4 e-tron – a small-ish medium-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV), and Audi’s overdue response to the BMW iX1 and iX2, Polestar 4, Volvo EX40, Mercedes EQA and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

Overdue? It’s been in production since March, 2021, making it very, very late to Australia.

But, you know what? You might be very glad the local team waited, because this MY25 update might be the premium medium electric SUV to buy right now.

To find out, read on.

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2026 Cadillac Optiq Summary

The lonely Cadillac Lyriq finally has some company, with the iconic US brand tripling its range down under with the launch of the much bigger Vistiq (which we've already tested) and this entry-level Optiq, which Cadillac describes as the gateway to its electric family.

It's a medium all-electric SUV with plenty of equipment and – depending on whether you see it as an established premium player or another newcomer brand – pretty sharp pricing.

Cadillac says it has the German big three in its sights with the Optiq, so how does it stack up?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron 2026 Cadillac Optiq

Verdict

Audi is famous for sticking doggedly to front-wheel drive and quattro AWD, but clearly, when it puts its mind to it, the few RWD machines it has produced over its 116 years have been exceptional.

While not as exciting as the R8 or as supersonic as the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron is an impressive machine. Thoroughly engineered and thoughtfully designed to be a friendly, refined, comfortable, safe and capable family SUV, it deserves to be on your shortlist.

With a couple of choice option packages, the base 45 seems remarkably complete, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the hot-shot 55 quattro as well. Either way, Audi seems to be on a winner.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

A taste test, but so far so good for the Cadillac Optiq, which is already my favourite model in the Caddy range. More space than you think meets a lovely cabin experience and a punchy powertrain.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Cadillac Optiq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?