Edmunds compares the new Cadillac Optiq and Audi Q4 E-tron

There are many luxury electric SUVs to choose from, but they are often out of reach financially for most buyers. This is especially true now that the $7,500 federal tax credit has been eliminated. But there are some options if you’re working with a modest luxury budget. Two of the most compelling are the Audi Q4 E-tron and Cadillac Optiq.

Audi introduced its Q4 E-tron back for the 2022 model year. It’s a bit smaller than the brand’s gas-powered Q5 but is still plenty practical. It also receives some updates for 2025, including a new base version with increased range and power, as well as more standard equipment. Cadillac, for its part, has been expanding its lineup of electric SUVs. Its new Optiq is stylish and powerful, and it’s the least expensive electric Caddy you can buy. So which small SUV is the better option? The car experts at Edmunds compare the Q4 E-tron and Optiq to find out.

Range and power

The Optiq’s single-motor rear-wheel-drive model offers the most range in this comparison: an EPA-estimated 317 miles. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive model’s range drops slightly to 303 miles. The Q4 E-tron’s range tops out at 288 miles with the single-motor rear-wheel-drive model and drops to a somewhat disappointing 258 miles in the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model.

The 2026 Optiq is also more powerful than the Q4 E-tron. It makes 315 horsepower in its single-motor configuration or a stout 440 horsepower with dual motors. The Q4 E-tron is hardly slow, but it nonetheless trails with its 282 horsepower for the single-motor version or 335 horsepower with dual motors.

Picture Courtesy: Audi AG via AP, General Motors via AP