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2024 Acura ZDX vs Audi Q4 e-Tron: Which is Better?
Acura is entering the electric market with the 2024 ZDX SUV, a revival of its historical name. Unlike the original gas-powered ZDX, this new model adopts a conventional SUV design, showcasing a captivating aesthetic with a floating roof, sleek sides, and an illuminated faux grille border. Developed through a collaboration between Acura’s parent company Honda and General Motors, the ZDX utilizes GM’s Ultium battery technology. Initial indications point to shared electric powertrains with the Cadillac Lyriq SUV, manufactured alongside it at GM’s Springhill, Tennessee plant. Shifting focus to electric vehicles, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback address range concerns, yet don’t excel in this aspect. While the rear-wheel drive 40 offers up to 265 miles per charge, Audi’s strengths lie in its spacious cabin, though rivals like the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y outshine it with more range.
| Acura ZDX | Audi Q4 e-tron | |
| Dimensions | 197.7 in x 77.0 in x 64.4 in | 180.7 in x 73.4 in x 64.7 in |
| Motor | permanent-magnet AC | permanent-magnet AC |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | NA | 339 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | NA | 5.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 14.9 sec |
| Top-Speed | NA | 113 mph |
Acura ZDX
Motor & Performance
Let’s shift our attention to the ZDX lineup. We start with the A-Spec model, featuring a robust 340 horsepower rear-wheel-drive motor. If desired, this model provides an option for a second motor. Which, while not boosting the overall horsepower, adds the capability of all-wheel drive. However, what truly seizes our focus is the exhilarating Type S iteration. This version arrives standard with dual motors and all-wheel drive. The electric motors in the Type S variant have been meticulously calibrated to offer a remarkable combined output of 500 horsepower.
Price & Mileage
We highly recommend considering the range-topping Type S model. Leveraging our insights into the Cadillac Lyriq, which shares a platform with the ZDX, we expect the Type S variant to offer the dynamic acceleration that electric vehicle enthusiasts often desire. With a starting price of $60,000 for the ZDX, it positions itself attractively. While we await the EPA’s official MPGe estimates for the ZDX, we foresee them aligning closely with Lyriq’s impressive numbers. The Lyriq achieves remarkable ratings of up to 95 MPGe in city conditions and 82 MPGe during highway cruising. This similarity suggests the ZDX will likely deliver competitive efficiency.
Acceleration & Features
GM’s Ultium battery technology takes center stage in the ZDX, adopting the same 102.0-kWh battery pack as the Lyriq, resulting in an astounding driving range of up to 325 miles for the A-Spec variant. Meanwhile, the Type S model maintains a respectable range of 288 miles per charge. Equipped with DC fast charging as standard, the ZDX boasts rapid charging capabilities of up to 190 kW, ensuring quick power top-ups. The heart of the ZDX’s dashboard showcases an impressive 11.3-inch infotainment display that radiates a strong sense of pride. Complementing this feature, snugly positioned within the binnacle just ahead of the steering wheel, is a second 11.0-inch gauge-cluster display. Notably, the seamless integration of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further enhances the ZDX’s tech-savvy appeal.
Audi Q4 e-tron
Motor & Performance
The base variant, Q4 e-tron 40, incorporates a solitary 201-hp electric motor propelling the rear wheels. Contrasting this, the all-wheel-drive iterations – Q4 e-tron 50 and Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 – gain 295 horsepower from a motor at each axle. When navigating urban environments, the Q4 e-tron 50 boasts ample power, albeit with a subtler initial acceleration compared to rivals like the Model Y and the XC40. However, at higher velocities, such as during highway overtakes, the powertrain exhibits a more sluggish response. The Q4 e-tron features a 77.0-kWh battery pack which, when paired with the standard single-motor 40 powertrain, delivers a range of up to 265 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the all-wheel drive 50 powertrain proves slightly less efficient, estimating around 236 miles for the squareback model and about 242 miles for the Sportback variant.
Price & Features
The choice between the classic squareback and the more dynamic Sportback body style is yours to make. Nevertheless, we suggest considering the Premium Plus trim for both options. It’s worth noting that the Q4 e-tron’s starting price stands at $50,995. Both the Q4 e-tron 50 squareback and Sportback variants boast ratings of 100 MPGe in the city and 89 MPGe on the highway, aligning well with efficiency figures of other high-end electric crossover vehicles.
Acceleration & Features
During testing, the Q4 e-tron 50 exhibited an impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds. While this performance surpasses the 7.9-second estimate for the 40 variant, it still falls short of the rapidity seen in the gasoline-powered Audi Q5 SUV. Notably, the Q4 e-tron is equipped with the latest iteration of Audi’s MMI system. The standard 10.3-inch digital gauge display is accompanied by an expansive 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, strategically angled towards the driver to facilitate seamless navigation through its diverse menus and features. For added convenience, Audi introduces a head-up display featuring augmented reality capabilities, projecting essential information like navigation instructions and driver-assistance alerts within the driver’s field of vision.