Range is usually the first thing on the mind of EV shoppers, so let’s look at how the base editions (with rear-wheel drive) of our featured cars. The RWD Genesis GV60 has been rated to achieve up to 294 miles per charge, compared to 265 miles for the RWD Q4 e-tron. Although the Audi has a slightly larger high-voltage battery (82.0 kWh versus 77.4 kWh), many other details affect range, including battery chemistry and vehicle weight. Ultimately, the GV60 excels in range because it’s more efficient than the Q4 e-tron. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Genesis has a combined miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating of 112, while the Audi’s falls short at 103.
The addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) will reduce range on any EV if the other mechanical factors remain the same. Nonetheless, a GV60 with AWD (and 19-inch wheels) can travel up to 264 miles between charges, while a similarly equipped Q4 e-tron is limited to 242 miles.
Charging speed can make all the difference for an EV when you’re on a road trip, with Level 3/DC fast charging offering the most rapid battery replenishment. The challenge is how quickly the battery can accept energy. The GV60’s system is engineered to accept Level 3 charging up to a 250-kW rate, while the Q4 e-tron maxes out at 150 kW. In practical terms, the Genesis can be recharged from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes, but you‘ll need 36 minutes for the Audi (5% to 80%).
Most EV owners will charge their cars at home, and there’s a difference here, too. With a Level 2 (240-volt) home charger, the GV60 requires 7.2 hours to get to 100% from 10%. The same effort requires about 9 hours with the Q4 e-tron. Such a gap can be quite significant for those late-night arrival and early-morning departure days. And while both automakers provide complimentary fast charging via Electrify America’s vast network, there’s a difference in the individual offerings. Genesis includes three years of unlimited 30-minute sessions, while Audi’s program is limited to 250 kWh over two years.
In base form, the GV60’s single electric motor provides 225 horsepower against 201 horsepower for the Q4 e-tron. Moving up to the versions with AWD and dual electric motors offers more performance. In this case, the GV60 delivers 314 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the equivalent Q4 e-tron makes 295 horsepower and needs 5.8 seconds for the same acceleration run. Genesis also sells a performance edition of the GV60, with 429 horsepower and supercar-like performance (it can reach 60 mpg from zero in 3.6 seconds). Audi does not offer a Q4 e-tron with similar capabilities.
Genesis and Audi have matching high-voltage battery warranty coverage for 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, the two automakers’ respective factory protection differs in other ways. Genesis offers 5 years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage compared to Audi’s 4 years/50,000 miles. Original Genesis owners also benefit from a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In addition, Genesis includes 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary standard schedule maintenance and Genesis Service Valet (appointments for vehicle pickups and courtesy loaner drop-offs).
Taking a look at third-party reviews of the GV60 and Q4 e-tron can provide additional insights into the rivalry. Edmunds’s editors rate the 2024 Genesis GV60 an 8.4 (out of 10) compared to 7.7 for the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron. Of particular importance, the Genesis received near-perfect scores for comfort and value. We found an even starker contrast when we explored the consumer ratings on the Edmunds website. Owners give the GV60 a 4.8 (out of 5), while those with a Q4 e-tron in the driveway are more critical, with an average rating of 3.2.