Audi Q4 e-tron vs Tesla Model S
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q4 e-tron | Tesla Model S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 286 | 670 | -57.3% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 545 | 949 | -42.6% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 16.2 | 17.5 | -7.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | 1-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $71,064 | $76,500 | -7.1% |
- Tesla Model S makes about 57% more power (670 vs 286 hp).
- Audi Q4 e-tron is the more efficient EV, using 16.2 kWh/100km against 17.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Q4 e-tron or Model S?
Audi Q4 e-tron advantages
- Energy efficiency (+7%)
- Affordability (+7%)
Tesla Model S advantages
- Engine power (+57%)
- Pulling torque (+43%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi Q4 e-tron if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the Tesla Model S if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Audi Q4 e-tron if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q4 e-tron vs Tesla Model S: which should you choose?
Audi Q4 e-tron (2026 45 e-tron Edition) — electric suv with 286 hp and 545 Nm, rated at 16.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $71,064 in the EU market.
Tesla Model S (2026 Dual Motor AWD) — electric sedan with 670 hp and 949 Nm, rated at 17.5 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $76,500 in the US market.
Audi Q4 e-tron vs Tesla Model S: Tesla Model S is more powerful. Tesla Model S makes about 57% more power (670 vs 286 hp). Audi Q4 e-tron is the more efficient EV, using 16.2 kWh/100km against 17.5.
Performance
The Tesla Model S is the more powerful, at 670 hp against 286 hp, with 949 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a 1-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Audi Q4 e-tron is the more efficient EV, drawing 16.2 kWh/100km against 17.5 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Audi Q4 e-tron is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Tesla Model S 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Audi Q4 e-tron lists lower at about $71,064 (USD-converted from the EU market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q4 e-tron better than the Tesla Model S?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Tesla Model S makes about 57% more power (670 vs 286 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Tesla Model S?
Tesla Model S makes about 57% more power (670 vs 286 hp). Audi Q4 e-tron is the more efficient EV, using 16.2 kWh/100km against 17.5.
Which is better value?
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi Q4 e-tron if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the Tesla Model S if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.