Audi e-tron vs Tesla Model X: used electric SUVs
Updated Report an error By Sarah Whitmore
Audi · 2019–2025
e-tron
- Power
- 300 kW408 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- 5.7 s
- Top speed
- 200 km/h
- Kerb mass
- 2,565 kg
Tesla · 2015–2026
Model X
- Power
- 190 kW258 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- —
- Top speed
- —
- Kerb mass
- 2,506 kg
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: e-tron 2 Model X 1
- City e-tron Length: 4,900 mm vs 5,036 mm; Width: 1,935 mm vs 1,999 mm
- Performance e-tron Power per tonne: 117 kW/t vs 76 kW/t
- Running costs Model X Fuel per year: €980 vs €1,100 (estimated)
- Off-road Too close to call Drive and body: All-wheel drive · SUV vs All-wheel drive · SUV
Verdict Opinion
The Model X is the faster, longer-legged and more spacious car, and it alone can seat seven. Its weak points are complexity and the number of recalls.
The e-tron is the calmer, more conventional luxury SUV. It is heavier and goes less far on a similar battery, but its conventional doors and familiar Audi cabin suit buyers who want an electric car that feels like a normal premium SUV.
— Sarah Whitmore
When Audi revealed the e-tron in San Francisco on 17 September 2018, the Tesla Model X had been on the road for three years, with first deliveries on 29 September 2015. The Tesla therefore had a three-year head start.
Both are now finished chapters. Audi built the e-tron in Brussels from September 2018, renamed it Q8 e-tron with the update revealed on 9 November 2022 and ended production in February 2025. Tesla announced in January 2026 that the Model X would end, and production stopped in May. That makes this, above all, a comparison for used-car buyers.
Audi e-tron vs Tesla Model X: power, range, space and doors
Batteries and power
The original e-tron 55 quattro had a 95 kWh gross battery (86.5 kWh usable after an update) and two motors with up to 300 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm. The smaller 50 quattro used a 71 kWh battery. With the Q8 e-tron update, the 55 grew to 114 kWh gross and 106 kWh usable, and the SQ8 e-tron reached 370 kW and 973 Nm. Tesla gave every Model X a motor on each axle; the current Long Range has 500 kW (670 hp) and 100 kWh, and the three-motor Plaid 760 kW, enough for 0–60 mph in about 2.5 seconds.
Range and charging
The Tesla goes further. On the American EPA cycle the Model X Long Range is rated at 566 km, the Plaid at 539 km. Wikipedia gives the Q8 55 e-tron 582 km WLTP and lists an EPA figure of 459 km for the Q8 e-tron. Audi's fast-charging limit is 170 kW for the 55 and SQ8 and 150 kW for the 50; the Tesla has the advantage of its own Supercharger network.
Size, weight and practicality
The Model X is 5,036 mm long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,684 mm high on a 2,965 mm wheelbase. The e-tron measures 4,901 × 1,935 × 1,616 mm on 2,928 mm, so the Tesla is 135 mm longer. The Audi is the heavier car at about 2,560 kg, against about 2,335 kg for the Model X Long Range; per kW of peak output that is 8.5 kg for the 55 quattro and 4.7 kg for the Tesla. The Model X seats five, six or seven, with falcon-wing rear doors that open upwards. The e-tron is a five-seater with a 660-litre boot under the European measure, and it offered virtual door mirrors with cameras.
Towing and safety
With its optional tow bar the Model X can pull up to 2,250 kg. Both scored well in Euro NCAP's 2019 tests: the Tesla earned five stars and 98 % for adult protection, the e-tron 55 quattro 91 %. Up to April 2025 the Model X was recalled 38 times, among them the third-row seat latches and the falcon-wing doors.
Race Stats side by side
Each figure is a 0–100 score from the catalog numbers, the same as on the 1CARS Race cards. PI is the overall performance index (100–999) and its class D–S.
| Stat | e-tron | Model X |
|---|---|---|
| PI | B · 525 | C · 473 |
| Power | 55 | 41 |
| Grip | 43 | 36 |
| Handling | 34 | 33 |
| Top speed | 38 | 48 |
| Launch | 58 | 51 |
Grip and handling are estimates from drive type, weight, height and body (hover a figure to see where it comes from). 1CARS Race
Who wins a race?
Quarter-mile (402 m) drag from a standing start, dry road, no reaction time — the 1CARS Race physics on the catalog figures of these versions.
- 1 e-tron55 quattro · electric · 300 kW (408 PS) 14.10 sat 154 km/h
- 2 Model Xelectric · 190 kW (258 PS) 14.83 sat 145 km/h · +0.73 s
Size and weight
Side view to scale, all cars from the front bumper.
| e-tron | Model X | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,900 mm192.9 in | 5,036 mm198.3 in +136 mm +5.4 in +2.8% |
| Width | 1,935 mm76.2 in | 1,999 mm78.7 in +64 mm +2.5 in +3.3% |
| Height | 1,616 mm63.6 in | 1,684 mm66.3 in +68 mm +2.7 in +4.2% |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm115.3 in | 2,965 mm116.7 in +37 mm +1.5 in +1.3% |
| Kerb weight | 2,565 kg5,655 lb | 2,506 kg5,525 lb −59 kg −130 lb −2.3% |
| Fits a standard garage? | Too wide | Too long and too wide |
Difference vs e-tron (±). Garage check: a standard single garage takes a car up to about 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in) long and 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide (width as listed in the catalog; some makers include the mirrors). Leave about 0.6 m (2 ft) to open the doors.
Full specifications
| Audi e-tron | Tesla Model X | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 55 quattro · electric · 300 kW (408 PS) | electric · 190 kW (258 PS) |
| Production years | 2019–2025 | 2015–2026 |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Class | SUV / crossover | SUV / crossover |
| Country | Germany | United States |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 300 kW (408 PS) 402 hp Better | 190 kW (258 PS) 255 hp |
| Power, all versions | 230–370 kW (313–503 PS) 308–496 hp | 190–760 kW (258–1,033 PS) 255–1,019 hp |
| Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills. | 664 Nm 490 lb-ft | No data |
| 0–100 km/h Why it matters: A shorter 0–100 km/h time means quicker getaways and safer merging onto fast roads. | 5.7 s | No data |
| Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it. | 200 km/h 124 mph | No data |
| Power per tonne | 117 kW/t 142 hp/ton calculated Better | 76 kW/t 92 hp/ton calculated |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | 4,900 mm 192.9 in | 5,036 mm 198.3 in |
| Width | 1,935 mm 76.2 in | 1,999 mm 78.7 in |
| Height | 1,616 mm 63.6 in | 1,684 mm 66.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm 115.3 in | 2,965 mm 116.7 in |
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | 2,565 kg 5,655 lb | 2,506 kg 5,525 lb Better |
| Boot Why it matters: A bigger boot fits more luggage, shopping or a pram. | 600 l 21.2 cu ft | No data |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel cost per year | €1,100/year estimated | €980/year estimated Better |
| Electric | ||
| Battery Why it matters: A bigger battery usually gives more range, but takes longer to charge fully. | 95 kWh | No data |
| Energy use | 24.5 kWh/100 km | 21.7 kWh/100 km Better |
| Safety | ||
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (2019) | ★★★★★ (2019) |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (5): Body, Class, Fuel, Drive, Euro NCAP.
Better marks the stronger figure — only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €0.30/kWh electricity.
In plain words
Audi e-tron has more power: 300 kW (408 PS) against 190 kW (258 PS) for Tesla Model X. Tesla Model X is 136 mm longer than Audi e-tron (5,036 mm vs 4,900 mm). Tesla Model X is lighter by 59 kg (2,506 kg vs 2,565 kg). At 15,000 km a year, fuel would cost about €1,100 (Audi e-tron), €980 (Tesla Model X) (estimated). Tesla Model X is the older design (from 2015); Audi e-tron arrived in 2019. On the catalog figures, the Audi e-tron is the pick for city and performance; the Tesla Model X is the pick for running costs. Our catalog has no 0–100 km/h for the Tesla Model X yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Which one to choose
Choose the Model X if you need six or seven seats, regularly drive long distances or tow up to 2,250 kg.
Choose the e-tron if five seats are enough and you value conventional doors, comfort and a simpler cabin; the 2022 Q8 e-tron with the 114 kWh battery is the version with the best range.
Other options in this class are listed in our electric cars section.
On any used car ask for a battery health report, make sure all recall work is documented and try every door mechanism, especially the Tesla's falcon wings.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the longer range, the Audi e-tron or the Tesla Model X?
The Model X: 566 km EPA for the Long Range. The Q8 55 e-tron is rated at 582 km WLTP, but its EPA figure is 459 km.
Does the Audi e-tron have seven seats?
No. The e-tron and Q8 e-tron are five-seaters. The Model X offers five, six or seven seats.
Are the e-tron and Model X still made?
No. Audi ended Q8 e-tron production in Brussels in February 2025, and Tesla built the last Model X in May 2026.
Which is safer?
Both were tested by Euro NCAP in 2019. The Model X scored 98 % for adult occupants and five stars; the e-tron 55 quattro scored 91 % for adult occupants.