Tesla Model Y Versus Audi E-Tron – And The Winner Is…


Tesla Model Y Versus Audi E Tron - And The Winner Is…

The Tesla Model Y is a class of its own when it comes to an all-electric mid-size SUV. However, the marketplace for EV’s has just grown a bit bigger, with Audi nestling itself a spot in the future of electric vehicles.

Here is a comparison of the Model Y and E Tron side by side:

VehicleTesla Model YAudi E Tron
Battery Range326 mi (EPA est.)222 mi (EPA est.)
Self-DrivingYesNo
Cargo68 cu ft58 cu ft
Wireless Phone ChargingYesYes
Passengers55
Top Speed155 mph124 mph
Acceleration0-60: 4.8 sec.0-60: 5.5 sec.
Starting Price$47,190$65,900

Read on to find out if the Audi E Tron is worth the buy, or if you should just stick to Tesla. Then, we’ll compare the two side by side to determine which vehicle is better based on electric performance, style, speed, and other specs and features.

Is the Tesla Model Y the Best Electric SUV?

The Tesla Model Y is an excellent electric crossover SUV with a great driving range and efficiency for an EV. In addition, it has plenty of cargo space, technology, and a high-quality interior.

The Tesla Model Y is above average when it comes to:

  • Speed
  • Acceleration
  • Handling
  • Driver-assistance technology
  • Space and seat capacity.

However, the fit and finish are below average and there is no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.  Overall, the Model Y is an excellent choice for those looking for a sports-car-like feel in an EV, not to mention at a better price.

Tesla Model Y Compared to the Audi E Tron?

The Model Y price of $47,190 compares way better than the price of the E Tron. The Audi E-Tron SUV offers only 204 miles of range with a price tag of $65,900.

The Model Y is not only less expensive, but its battery range offers about 316 miles. When it comes to range and efficiency, again, the Model Y outperforms the E Tron.

The Tesla Model Y has quicker acceleration and speed, so it’s great for those who are looking for the thrill of a sports car-like feel.

On the other hand, the Audi E is also in a good spot when it comes to luxury, emissions, style, with standard all-wheel drive. Although the price is more expensive, it’s definitely great for someone looking for a nicer interior.

Features of the Tesla Model Y

The 2021 Tesla Model Y offers a stylish interior with additional cargo space and excellent long-range and performance. Here we’ll go over a few key features of the Model Y.

Model Y Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tesla Model Y has a top speed of about 155 miles per hour and 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. Furthermore, the performance model accelerates from 0-60 even quicker in 3.6 seconds.

Model Y Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla always designs their vehicles to be the safest vehicle in their class. The Model Y is definitely designed for safety with a low center of gravity, impact protection, and rigid structure.

Model Y Has Tesla Autopilot

The Model Y is also equipped with the option to add on Tesla Autopilot for an additional cost. Tesla Autopilot is an advanced safety and convenience technology designed to make your driving easier and safer. Through software updates, the features and capabilities of Autopilot are designed to improve functionality over time.

Here are the features of Tesla Autopilot:

  • Navigate on Autopilot
  • Autosteer+
  • Smart Summon
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Side Collision Warning
  • Front Collision Warning
  • Auto High Beams

Tesla Autopilot is the future for full self-driving for the purpose of conducting short and long-distance trips with no action required from the driver. Once you get in your car, all you’d need to do is keep your hands on the wheel while it navigates you to where you need to go.

Your Tesla will figure out the most efficient route, navigate urban streets, stop signs, and roundabouts, manage complex intersections with cars moving at high speed, park your car for you, automatically search for a spot to park itself. The summon feature brings the vehicle back to you with a simple tap on your phone.

Tesla Autopilot is a big feature that makes all Tesla cars stand out from other traditional auto companies.

Model Y Range, Charging, and Battery Life

You can wake up to a full battery every morning when you charge your Model Y overnight and charge it on the road at any public station or Tesla charging network. The battery recharges 162 miles in 15 minutes at Supercharger locations. The battery will last you an estimated range of up to 326 miles.

Model Y Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Model Y interior is simple and clean, with elevated seating positions and a low dash. It provides maximum versatility with space up to seven passengers and their cargo.

Here is what’s included in the interior:

  • 15-inch touch screen
  • Immersive sound system
  • Expansive all-glass roof
  • Over-the-air software updates

The Model Y is mainly free of buttons with a simple dashboard and a large infotainment display.

Model Y Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment display in a Tesla is one of a kind. You can control every function from climate control to the speedometer display on this system.

In addition, Tesla offers entertainment functions such as:

  • Embedded video games
  • Netflix
  • YouTube
  • Hulu apps.

The entertainment functions make for an excellent time killer, but don’t worry; drivers are locked out of these functions while the vehicle is moving.

The Tesla Model Y is definitely a more advanced electric vehicle with exclusive technology and features. Tesla strives to make their vehicles the safest and most advanced on the market, making the Model Y a great model to consider.

Audi E-Tron Specs Compared to Tesla’s Model Y

The Audi E Tron is a luxurious vehicle with a beautiful interior. Now with the electric part of its future, Audi jumped into the arena and came out with an EV built with premium materials. The E-Tron comes in two body styles: Sportback and Q5 Plug-in-Hybrid.

E-Tron Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The E-Tron has Audi’s signature all-wheel drive with electric motors at the front and back of the vehicle. It can go from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds with Boost mode (in the Sport setting). It brings in horsepower from 355 to 402 and torque from 414 lb-ft to 490.

Although that speed and acceleration are pretty impressive, it still doesn’t compare to that of the Tesla’s top speed and acceleration we went over above. But before jumping to conclusions right away, let’s get into the other features of the Audi E-Tron.

E-Tron Range, Charging, and Battery Life

With a range of just over 220 miles, the Audi E-Tron is quite similar to other electric SUVs and crossovers. The 150-kW fast charger replenishes 80 percent of its battery in about 30 minutes. If you use a conventional 240-volt outlet, it will be fully charged in about nine hours.

E-Tron Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Audi E-Tron SUV earns about 78 MPGe, while the Sportback model is slightly lower at 77 MPGe combined. The regular E-Tron gets 67 MPGe, and the Sportback achieves 75 MPGe.

Audi E-Tron Interior Features

The Audi E-Tron interior has a lot going for it. The interior has comfortable seating of up to five, with 57 cubic feet of usable cargo space, with the option to fold all the seats.

Other interior features include:

  • 12.3-inch driver information display
  • 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • 8.8-inch lower unit handling climate control
  • Heated front seats
  • Safety systems including, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning
  • 360-degree camera
  • 16-speaker/705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system
  • Massaging front seats

The E-Tron boasts impressive technology and has a cutting-edge and practical cabin. In addition, the E-Tron’s sophisticated interior is a plus when it comes to style and features.

E-Tron Infotainment and Connectivity

The Audi E-Tron infotainment system has dual touch screens providing the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps and an available Bang & Olufsen audio system. The system also features a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional wireless smartphone charger.

E-Tron Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Audi offers driver-assistance technology with adaptive cruise control and self-parking assistance. Unfortunately, unlike the Tesla Model Y, there is no self-driving feature available yet in Audi vehicles. The driver-assistance features, however, could still come to good use.

The driver-assistance technology comes standard with:

  • Standard forward-collision warning
  • Standard automated emergency braking
  • Standard blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Standard lane-departure warning

These are some of the features that give quality and looks to the Audi E-Tron. If price is not a concern, the E-Tron has a case to be the winner regarding luxury and elegance and a two-body style choice. 

However, when it comes to electric cars, the Tesla Model Y is still in the lead when it comes to more extended range, cargo space, starting price, and fuel economy.

Disadvantages With the Audi E-Tron

Audi wanted to make an electric SUV that looked, felt and drove like a traditional Audi SUV. Their goal was to have their customers make the electric vehicle switch. With that in mind, the Audi E-Tron has a few disadvantages compared to the Tesla Model Y.

The E-Tron Has a Weight Problem

One of the big problems with the Audi E-Tron is its enormous weight, about 1,300 lbs heavier than the Model Y. The E-Tron weighs 5,754 pounds compared to the Model Y, which weighs roughly 4,400 pounds. Both the Audi E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback are built on a modified MLB Evo Chassis instead of a bespoke EV architecture like the Model Y. The massive curb weight drastically reduces the range.

It’s safe to say that the Model Y is more efficient than the E-Tron when considering the battery size. The Model Y and E Tron have similar battery sizes, the Audi is at 95kWh and the Tesla is at 100kWh. But because of the E Tron’s weight, it is less efficient than the Model Y. 

The E-Tron is Not the Most Fun to Drive

Although the E-Tron is not as fun to drive as the Model Y, it is still comfortable and quiet. However, the acceleration speed is not quite as fast as the Model Y which can go from 0-60 mph in under four seconds.

The E-Tron Battery Doesn’t Last As Long

Considering the price of the E-Tron, the battery range does not last as long as you’d hope if comparing it to the Model Y. Both the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback have 95kWh battery backs ranging up to 222 miles and 218 miles.

The E-Tron Doesn’t Have a Self-Driving Option

Unlike Tesla, Audi does not have a self-driving option. However, Audi does offer Driver Assistance technology.

The Driver Assistance technology includes:

  • Audi Adaptive cruise assist
  • Active lane assist
  • Adaptive cruise control with Traffic jam assist
  • Audi pre sense (assists in detecting an impending rear-end collision)
  • Pedestrian and stationary vehicle detection and preparation
  • Night vision assistance
  • Parking system plus
  • Audi side assist

It’s safe to say that although the E-Tron does have something going for it when it comes to its traditional SUV-like feel and luxurious interior, it doesn’t make for a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model Y. The weight, battery, and technology advancements, and efficiencies are just not there yet.

What Makes Tesla So Advanced in the EV Market?

Tesla has become the world’s second most valuable auto company behind Toyota since its breakout in the EV market. Tesla’s innovation in advanced software has set the bar high for all high-end auto companies.

Sophisticated Software Integration

Tesla goes above and beyond in developing highly advanced software on unique hardware. Similar to how Apple sends out software updates, Tesla can also improve their vehicle’s software functionality every few weeks.

Minimizes Total Cost of Ownership

Owning a Tesla also lowers costs significantly for drivers.

Drivers will no longer need to:

  • Fill up gas
  • Get expensive oil changes
  • Get Tune-ups
  • Replace the mufflers
  • etc.

It’s no wonder that Tesla has surpassed the traditional auto industry models.

Tesla uses significantly fewer parts per vehicle, making their cars simpler than their internal combustion competitors. Therefore, the cost of ownership is dramatically reduced.

Tesla recently acquired a battery manufacturing and engineering company to start making its battery cells, which will also further reduce the cost of ownership for drivers.

Other auto companies trying to acquire the right electric battery expertise will be playing catch up as Tesla continues to move ahead in the market.

Tesla Puts the Consumer in Control With Easy Buying Process

Tesla makes the buying process simple with their online buying process. All you have to do is go online, pick a car, add your features, place your deposit, and schedule a pickup time. There is no need to talk to a sales rep and go back and forth with numbers until you come to a deal. You have all the control, without the headache of buying a new car.

Tesla Follows the Market Trend of Going Green

Many people today are concerned about the environment and global warming. Tesla has some significant advantages in this category since all Tesla’s create no pollution and eliminate the need to fill up gas.

While other automakers have started to head into the electric vehicle arena, they aren’t necessarily making software cars with very low-cost ownership and environmental advantages like Tesla.

Which is Better: Tesla Model Y or Audi E-Tron?

The better vehicle overall would have to be the Model Y because of Tesla’s mass advantage of technology and innovation in the electric vehicle market. The Audi E-Tron has a better interior, luxurious seating, and an elegant aesthetic. However, the Model Y is more advanced with its technology and battery life.

The Model Y can last up to 326 miles, while the E-Tron battery maxes out at around 222 miles.

If you’re looking for a luxurious electric vehicle, the Audi E-Tron is the car for you. However, if you want the best EV tech on the market within this class of vehicles, the Model Y is the way to go.

Conclusion

The question of which car is better when it comes to the Tesla Model Y and the Audi E-Tron comes down to what you’re looking for in a vehicle and what your price range is. For example, if

you like something with more advanced technology and innovation; the Tesla Model Y is the obvious choice.

If you want something more luxurious with an excellent interior with better materials and layout, you may want to go with the Audi E-Tron.

However, we’re not sure that the E-Tron interior justifies the $16,000 price difference between the two vehicles. As of now, the Tesla Model Y is superior when it comes to cost, advancement, technology, and overall features. We’ll have to wait and see what Audi will come up with in the following years regarding the range and their prices.

Tesla Discounts:

Greg

The articles here on ThatTeslaChannel.com are created by Greg, a Tesla vehicle and Tesla solar expert with nearly half a decade of hands-on experience. The information on this site is fact-checked and tested in-person to ensure the best possible level of accuracy.

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