Electric vehicles are the new talk of the town, thanks to constantly advancing technology. As demand grows, more sophisticated electric vehicles are being introduced onto the market.
The market has recently launched Tesla Model 3, from which high expectations are being held. On the other hand, Audi is nowhere less in fortifying its position in the world of electric vehicles with the introduction of the Audi E- Tron.
The Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback e-Tron have just launched into the market, and these two seem to be the most beautiful vehicles we’ve ever seen. Both are highly constructed EVs with modern technology and iconic Audi qualities that make them highly appealing to purchasers.
Now the question that arises is, is Tesla Model 3 the new super EV that will take over the market, or is Q4 e-Tron better? For sure, both of them are in good competition, and none is any lesser than the other. Continue reading to learn about the comparative analysis of the two.
Tesla Model 3 vs Audi Q4 e-Tron
There is no doubt in saying that both cars have flushed the market with superseding technology. Take a look at these points to find the differences the cars have and figure out which one is better for you.
Overview
While Tesla might be appealing to the new-gen kids, it just doesn’t seem like the car you should spend over $100,000 on. The Model 3 is Tesla’s entry-level offering of a luxury EV mid-size sedan.
Depending on the model of choice, it offers various options, with between 267 and 358 miles of range, and its performance also varies. The first new models at the base, which you can get for a lesser price, offer a rear-wheel-drive, while on the other end of the scale, you see the Performance variant that can offer a very low 3-second speed up the time from 0-60 mph with the potential to hit 162 mph.
While the Model S did blow up the market, the question is, is its so-called compact sibling worth your consideration? And on the other end of the bargain, Q4 e-Tron is appearing to many as the deal of the day.
The recent 2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback are the new “demanding” cars of the town, and nobody seems to get their eyes off them.
And the best part is, even though it has a gorgeous interior coupled with an ever-fancy body, it is pretty affordable for all that it is offering. The base entrant in Audi’s e-Tron range of EVs, the Q4 e-Tron gives you a promising range of 250 miles with a starting price of under $45,000.
Exterior
The Model 3 cannot be said to be the type of EV to fall over if you see it from the POV of design and exterior. It is not much, but it isn’t ugly either. In a statement, the car looks bulky.
It has a tinted roof, a standard Tesla design, and the rear is smooth as well. It has 18-inch Aero wheels, which are regulars on the lower trims, and these can also be upgraded to 19-inch sports wheels.
The Model 3 Performance variant offers 20-inch Uber Turbine wheels, which have lower suspension, and a carbon fiber spoiler that further adds to the car’s sharp looks. The car also has LED Fog Lights.
On the other hand, the exterior design of the Audi Q4 e-Tron is the first thing that will make you notice the car. The EV is styled in a very new, supposedly GenZ way with muscular haunches, LED taillights of full width inspired by the e-Tron GT, and a slanting roofline. The car has a very appealing look.
Like all standard Audi designs, it has a rather complex front grille. Its matrix-designed headlights complement the look perfectly. The car looks sleek with slim roof rails, sporty wheels, and a comparatively high height.
Well, one thing is for sure the Q4 model smashes all the stigma about EVs not being good-looking cars. Audi claims that the upcoming Q5 will be even better than this.
Interior
When you first open the doors of a Model 3, two of its most impactful features are the size of the car is much bigger than what it appears to be from the outside, and a large 17-inch screen that offers all kinds of auto control modes.
The interior of this car has a very clean and on-time look overall and is pretty functional too. One of the features that acts both as an advantage and a disadvantage is the fact that the car has no physical buttons or knobs.
Everything has to be controlled via the large screen on the dashboard. The interior spacing of the car is really good as well. The Model 3 is a 5-seater, ideal family car. It is relatively comfortable, but the slanting roof provides very little headroom for the front seaters. It also has very good legroom, which allows passengers to sit comfortably.
Similar to Model 3, this too has no central transmission tunnel. The passengers in the rear seats get more legroom while the ones in the front are offered more storage space.
Only one flaw that might be noted is that even though the body looks perfect from the outside, the addition of a new steering wheel for the Q4, which is a squared shape and four-spoke design, might not be the best work for Audi.
However, you are offered a much better view of the 10.25-inch digital driver display or even the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. On the center of the dash, there is a 10.1-inch touch screen which is angled facing the driver for their convenience.
You also have an option to charge your phone wirelessly on a floating panel with transmission controls.
One of the best things about this car is how eco-friendly it is, not only in terms of being an EV but also in that the cabins in the interior are made of recycled materials, yet they look polished and have premium quality cabinets.
Specifications
As a classic to the brand, Tesla Model 3 offers 12-way power-adjustable front seats added with the heating feature, power-folding wing mirrors, a tinted glass roof, and remote access through a mobile application available on Android and Apple Store.
On top of that, it also offers keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights with automatic high beams, a brake hold feature, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a dashcam. The advanced technology also has Dual-zone climate control and a lane departure warning system and lane keep assist.
The auto-pilot or cruise control is a classic Tesla feature along with other features like traffic sign recognition and forward-collision warning like it has been in previous models.
It also has an autonomous emergency braking attached with the Autopilot to provide semi-autonomous driving help. The Full Self-Driving Capability is indeed the next level, with an option that adds more features like:
- Summon
- automatic parking,
- auto lane change,
- traffic light/stop sign control,
- automatic steering
- auto rear lid control.
When it comes to the Audi Q4 e-Tron, it does cost quite a fortune for a car, but the performance you get for what you are paying is amazingly impressive. The car uses an 82-kWh battery unit with an initial capacity of 77 kWh.
The US market offers two variants which are 50 and 60. The 60 variant produces 201 horsepower, which it supplies to the rear wheels, while the Q4 50 e-Tron has been equipped with a second electric motor on the front axle, which thrusts out an approximate output of 295 hp.
No claim has been made on the mileage, but Audi has pointed out that the 40 variants should be able to pull 250 miles on a single full charge.
You can do 11 kilowatts with AC and up to 125 kW on a DC fast charger when it comes to charging. The estimated charging speed goes from 5 to 80% on a fast charger in under 40 minutes.
Take a look at the table to understand the comparative analysis between the two cars.
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Audi Q4 e-Tron |
| Year of production | 2018 | 2021 |
| Country of manufacture | USA | Germany |
| WLTP Range | 567 Km | 341 Km |
| Battery Pack Capacity | 75 kwh | 55 kwh |
| AC Charge | 11kwh | 7.2kwh |
| DC Charge | 210 kwh | 100 kwh |
| Top speed | 233 Km/h / 145 mph | 180 Km/h / 112 mph |
| Engine torque | 493 Nm / 363 lb.ft | 460 Nm / 339 lb.ft |
| Engine power | 441 PS / 435 bhp / 324 kW | 299 PS / 295 bhp / 220 kW |
| Efficiency | 14.2kwh/100km | 11kwh/100km |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 469.4 cm / 184.8 inches | 458.8 cm / 180.63 inches |
| Width | 184.9 cm / 72.8 inches | 184.9 cm / 72.8 inches |
| height | 144.3 cm / 56.81 inches | 161.7 cm / 63.66 inches |
| Curb weight | 1831 Kg / 4037 Lbs | 2135 Kg / 4707 Lbs |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| No. of doors | 4 | 5 |
Tesla Model 3 vs Audi Q4 e-Tron: which one do we recommend?
The choice of which car you should buy depends mostly on your requirements. If performance is what you are looking for, the Tesla Model 3 is the one you should go for, and you might also get it for a lower price as the base models of this range are quite good.
It covers a range of an impressive 272 miles and also has exceedingly good acceleration. However, if you are already spending thousands, we would recommend you to do that to also gain access to all the features like Autopilot/Full Self-Driving features and also get access to future upgrades over time.
This car will give you a good EV experience at a reasonable price that is below $60,000. But one thing that you will undoubtedly miss out on will be the premium build quality and luxury of the Audi in a big way.
The base Q4 e-Tron starts at around $45,000, which is a significantly low price for how the car looks and all the amazing features it offers.
Audi also claims to be able to qualify for up to $7,500 less in federal tax incentives. With its high tech and clever engineering of angles, lighting, and colors, Audi Q4 makes a stunning car with great charging time and mileage.
In conclusion, both the cars have their respectable features, and both of them are sure to provide a mind-blowing experience. Find yourself the best car you can get with the help of the above-mentioned comparison.