Mercedes-Benz Eqc400 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz Eqc400

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2020 price

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Audi Q4 E-Tron

$64,990 - $114,990

2025 price

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Summary

2020 Mercedes-Benz Eqc400

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

By Matt Campbell

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Luxury unparalleled in the EV space… for now
A practical and pleasant commuter
Impressive equipment levels

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

Dislikes

Ride can be wobbly
Real world range reliant on conditions
Recharging speed limited

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

2020 Mercedes-Benz Eqc400 Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQC has been on sale in Australia for a little while now, and aside from the local launch event we haven’t had a chance to spend any quality time with the brand’s first fully electric SUV. Until now.

The EQC 400, as it’s officially known, is the German luxury maker’s first foray into the full-EV landscape, and could arguably be seen as the first true luxury electric SUV on sale in Australia. I mean, yeah, there’s the Jaguar i-Pace, but it has a more premium-sporting intent than the EQC, and the Tesla Model X isn’t aimed at a luxury customer, more so a technologically-minded buyer.

So what’s the Merc EQC like to actually live with? We drove it for a week to find out.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2020 Mercedes-Benz Eqc400 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

Verdict

When I was telling my colleagues about the Mercedes-Benz EQC my summary was, basically, it’s the best electric luxury car I’ve driven.

It’s plusher than a Jaguar i-Pace, more polished than a Tesla Model X - indeed, it feels like a different kind of electric car to both of those models. It’s an impressive foray into the segment, and we can’t wait for the chance to put it against some like-minded electric European luxury SUVs at some point in the future.

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.

Mercedes-Benz Eqc400 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz Eqc400 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?