Tesla has enjoyed the throne for far too long. No! This isn't us being jealous, but the fact that no other automaker was able to catch up to Tesla's jumpy supremacy in the EV world, not until now! Enter the Audi Q4 e-tron which ironically made a lot less noise than the highly buzzed Audi e-tron line-up. But this bunch turned out to be quite pricey and couldn't topple the Tesla lords.
But now we have something that Tesla should pay close attention to. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron is the corporate cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4 and is a convincing package that can take people's attention from the long-reigning Tesla Model Y. The budget crossover EV segment was a barren land where Tesla Model Y ruled.
But now it has a befitting competition in the 2022 Q4 e-tron because it undercuts the Tesla Model Y in a lot of sectors, even in pricing with an MSRP of $53,300. The blow that Audi has landed on Tesla is a strong but tricky one. Tesla has been around for far longer than the German, and one prime area where it clearly edges over the Audi is the super-charger network.
Updated August 2022: We have updated this article with the latest information on why the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron will continue to have an edge over the 2022 Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y finally meets its nemesis in the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron, but still plays catch-up.
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Undercuts Tesla Model Y By Over $4,000
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No matter the package, pricing plays a very crucial factor when it comes to winning. And Audi seems to know it very well, as it has priced the 2022 Q4 e-tron from $53,300! And this is before you add any state, federal or local incentives.
On the other hand, the long-standing Tesla Model Y starts with an MSRP of $57,440 for the base Long Range model. In fact, the Q4 e-tron is a cheaper version of its superior brother - the e-tron that starts from $65,900. Let's just say that Audi learned a lesson, and has done their homework very well.
Tesla Reigns Over Audi In Performance And Range
This is the 'tricky' factor that we mentioned earlier. Yes, performance is a very crucial criterion when it comes to cars. But when we take two EVs dedicated for the urbanscape, do elevated performance figures actually matter? We think not as you aren't going to measure the 0-60 MPH timing and have top speed runs in a city where speed limit rules!
But taking performance only into account, Tesla rules here. Audi Q4 e-tron has been given the same powertrain layouts as the VW ID.4 with the Single-motor Q4 40 model with 201 HP and the dual-motor Q4 50 model with 295 HP. The battery packs are 77 kWh and 82 kWh respectively. So we are looking at a cozy 0-60 MPH time of 8 seconds, and 6 seconds with the faster dual-motor unit.
Tesla obliterates Audi here with the Model Y capable of doing 0-60 MPH in an insane 3.5 seconds and the base model does it quicker than the quickest e-tron, in 4.4 seconds! As for the driving range, the Audi e-tron is estimated to do 250 miles on the single-motor model. Tesla prevails here as well, with a maximum range of 326 miles.
Interior Face-Off: Tesla Is Minimal But Audi Packs Charisma
Tesla has portrayed an electric car's interior to be cool if it's minimal and has a huge screen in the center console. But that's not true, as it gives the Model Y a bland look. It sure tickles the right spots for people who love minimalism, but if it comes at the cost of functionality, then there's no use.
On the other hand, Audi has inculcated its DNA and art of making beautiful tech-laden interiors, for the 2022 e-tron as well. It is more dramatic and has a more inclusive layout that is practical as well as cutting-edge. Quality is the bright light here, as Tesla doesn't stand a chance against Audi's aura when it comes to making killer cabins.
Audi Q4 e-tron Is Smaller But High On Character
Tesla Model Y is a cool-looking car, no doubts. But the Audi Q4 e-tron is a much cooler option. Size-wise, the Q4 e-tron is marginally smaller than the Tesla Model Y. But it still manages to stand out from the crowd because of the classic Audi design language.
As always, the LEDs rule here and Audi has given the Q4 e-tron a muscular form factor. This is the opposite of the Tesla Model Y which has a very toned-down and curvy design language. Audi has a certain degree of aura when it comes to its design language and Tesla just doesn't stand a chance with minimalism here.
Audi Q4 e-tron Provides 'Quality', Unlike The Finicky Tesla Y
Tesla has been under fire recently with more and more quality issues complaints popping in around the globe. We saw quite the hurtful drama that unfolded at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Expo where a woman supposedly claimed that her brakes malfunctioned.
But Teslas are riddled with poor body parts that have uneven gaps, poor paint quality, and chipping. The interior also starts speaking and trimmings fall apart. Recently, YouTuber Andy Slye also posted a video stating a slew of quality issues with his 2022 Tesla Model Y.
Audi, on the other hand, takes quality control measures very seriously, and we are very sure that this aspect alone is enough to make consumers jump ship. The 2022 Q4 e-tron might be shy on performance and range, but those can be improved further on, unlike the quality issues that Tesla has not yet been able to rectify.
Sources: Tesla, Audi