Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Mercedes EQB: Modern Electric SUVs Being Tested

The iX1 offers an unparalleled driving experience, particularly for sports enthusiasts, making it the top choice among its competitors, the Q4 e-tron and EQB.

In terms of race performance, the iX1 outperforms the Q4 e-tron and EQB, as indicated by the specifications provided by AUTO BILD. It boasts an impressive acceleration time of 5.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, surpassing the 5.9 seconds of the Mercedes and the 6.2 seconds of the Audi. For those interested in the thrill of acceleration, the BMW iX1 proves to be an intriguing option, with its mechanical performance enhancing the overall driving experience.

Mercedes prioritizes safety features, emphasizing a strong focus on providing a secure driving environment.

In comparison, the BMW iX1 not only excels in racing scenarios but also demonstrates superior performance in evasive maneuvers. On the other hand, the EQB, with a greater emphasis on absolute safety, places less emphasis on the sporty aspect at this stage. The electric vehicle from Stuttgart exhibits a slight decrease in agility, as its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) intervenes too early and too aggressively. While this ensures a consistently stable driving experience, the EQB’s electronics sometimes overly intervene even in situations with minimal disruption, hindering the vehicle’s performance despite its 2.1-ton weight.

The Audi demonstrates a more attractive driving experience, while the MEB platform it utilizes is highly convincing. Despite its weight of 2.2 tons, the Audi still maintains a noticeable presence.

In summary, the BMW iX1 is undoubtedly the sportiest e-SUV, while the Audi offers a greater sense of charm, and the Mercedes prioritizes safety and risk avoidance. Ultimately, the choice between these vehicles becomes a matter of personal preference.

Mercedes claims a top speed of 160 km/h for its electric car, which falls short of being considered sporty and may not appeal to those accustomed to cruising under the stars. On the other hand, Audi and BMW allow for speeds of up to 180 km/h.

When it comes to internal performance, there is no definitive standard. BMW impresses with its comfortable seats that provide side support and even support the shoulders during fast turns. Audi’s seats are equally supportive, but they tend to be slightly softer. Daimler prioritizes comfort in their upholstery, which compromises side support during sharp turns.

The EQB’s combustion engine architecture is rear-facing.

In terms of second-row seating, all three vehicles offer similar space. However, the EQB seems to have a raised floor due to the architecture of its combustion engine.

The positioning of the battery on the floor of the vehicle results in a sharp angle for the knees of the rear passenger, pressing them against the EQB at an acute angle. However, there is ample headroom available in the vehicle. This is due to the fact that Daimler builds their vehicles with a higher ceiling, allowing for more space.

In terms of quality and design, BMW takes the lead, followed by Mercedes, while Audi falls short in these aspects. Although not immediately apparent, upon closer inspection, the Q4 e-tron from Audi has encountered some setbacks. For instance, the hood of the vehicle needs to be manually supported with a rod, unlike the hydraulically assisted hoods found in competing models. Furthermore, the Audi emits noise while driving over cobblestones, resembling the sound of a surprise egg being held by a three-year-old child.

All three vehicles can be considered suitable for family use. The storage capacities of the trunks are nearly identical, ranging from 490 to 520 liters. The backrest mechanism operation is also similar, allowing for an almost flat loading area across all models.

Regarding the connection between mobile devices and vehicles, Mercedes requires a USB cable for mirroring CarPlay or Android Auto, unlike BMW. In terms of audio control, both Mercedes and BMW perform similarly, although the iX1 handles passenger announcements slightly better. When directly compared, Audi lags behind in this area.

Now, let’s focus on the crucial factor when considering a purchase: range. The Audi Q4 e-Tron comes equipped with a high-capacity 76.6 kWh battery, which, according to the WLTP standard, should provide a range of 502 kilometers on a single charge. However, our measurements indicate a real-world range of 395 kilometers.