A Shocking Comparison: 2019 Audi E-Tron vs. 2020 Tesla Model X
Comparing the 2019 Audi E-Tron to the 2020 Tesla Model X is almost like comparing apples to oranges in that each car sits at a different price point, has different battery sizes and ranges, and offer vastly different features. The reality is that some consumers that are in the market for an electric car only have a few to choose from.
And in the electric car segment, the Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model X offer the most room and utility for everyday needs. So, we’re going to compare a few of the beneficial features that each has to offer, including the range and drivability, then sum up the pricing differences so that those in the market can make a better-informed decision on which model would work for them.
How Does the Audi e-tron Measure up?
The 2019 Audi E-Tron is a five-passenger, all-electric SUV that’s bigger than an Audi Q5 and a little smaller than the Tesla Model X. It has a dual-motor setup, with one motor in between the front axles and a second motor that sits between the rear axles, giving it Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive technology.
Power-wise, those two motors equate to 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, which propels the car to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. On the inside, the Audi E-Tron is available with a Virtual Cockpit digital dash display, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a top-view camera system with a virtual 3D view, and Valcona leather seating surfaces.
The motors are powered by a 95-kWh battery pack that runs along the length of chassis and provides up to an EPA-estimated 204 miles of range. One main highlight is that the Audi E-Tron can be charged up to 80 percent of its battery life in just 30 minutes using a 150-kw/440-volt DC fast charger, which can be found in many different locations across the U.S. However, if you’re charging at home, expect a 9-hour recharge time from empty to full using a 220-volt charger and a 90-plus hour recharge time using a 110-volt outlet.
How Does the Tesla Model X Measure up?
The 2019 Tesla Model X comes in a five, six, or seven-passenger seating setup and has two different electric motor choices: Long Range and Performance. Both iterations run on an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup, just like the Audi E-Tron.
The standard Long Range model uses a 90-kWh battery that powers the car to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a 325-mile range, while the Performance trim can propel the car to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds (in Ludicrous mode), but has a shorter 305-mile range.
Jaw-dropping performance aside, a few key features that the Model X has are a large 17-inch touchscreen (which handles just about every function in the car), a large amount of headroom and cargo room, and let’s not forget about the much-coveted Autopilot system, a driver-assist feature that does most of the driving for you.
Which One is a Better Value?
Since there are different ways to configure both cars, the most even comparison would be between the base Audi E-Tron (Premium Plus), which starts at $74,800 (before destination charges) and the Tesla Model X Long Range with the five-seat setup, which starts at $84,990. In these configurations, we would say that the Tesla would be a better value just from the longer range and performance figures alone.
However, if you wanted to add more to each car, that’s where the comparison gets tougher as the Audi E-Tron will top out around $85,000 with all the options selected, while the Model X price can skyrocket well over $120,000 when opting for the Performance trim with Autopilot.
With all the boxes checked on both cars, then we would say the Audi E-Tron would most likely be a better value if we were only concerned about getting the most driving range and features for the money. In either case, we recommend choosing which one best fits your budget and makes the most sense for your commute, unless you’re just itching for performance.