Compare the2024 Audi Q4 e-tronVS 2024 Porsche Taycan

The Q4 e-tron has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Q4 e-tron has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Q4 e-tron’s standard Rear Cross-Traffic Assist uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Automatic Brake Activation automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Q4 e-tron and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q4 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Taycan has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are over 54 percent more Audi dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Q4 e-tron’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Q4 e-tron’s reliability 18 points higher than the Taycan.

On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron gets better mileage than the Taycan Cross Turismo:

The Q4 e-tron can travel longer on a full charge than the Taycan Cross Turismo on a full charge:

The Q4 e-tron stops shorter than the Taycan:

For better traction, the Q4 e-tron has larger front tires than the Taycan (235/55R19 vs. 225/55R19).

For better maneuverability, the Q4 e-tron 40’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Taycan w/Rear Axle Steering’s (33.5 feet vs. 36.7 feet). The Q4 e-tron 50’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Taycan Cross Turismo’s (37.7 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Q4 e-tron is 1 foot, 3.1 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo, making the Q4 e-tron easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Q4 e-tron has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Q4 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 18.7 cubic feet). The Q4 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat folded (53.1 vs. 45.7 cubic feet).

If the windows are left open on the Q4 e-tron the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q4 e-tron to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Taycan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Q4 e-tron has a standard rear wiper. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports rated the Q4 e-tron’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Taycan’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q4 e-tron Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Taycan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q4 e-tron has standard extendable sun visors. The Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Porsche Taycan isn't recommended.

The Audi Q4 e-tron outsold the Porsche Taycan by 42% during 2023.