If you’re in the market for a new all-electric SUV, odds are the Tesla Model Y is at the top of your list of potential candidates. However, the segment’s growth in recent years has been massive, resulting in shoppers having a much larger pool of vehicles to consider. To get a wider perspective, the 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is another electric SUV that is worth considering.
Audi’s model debuted recently, while the Model Y has been a mainstay of the company’s lineup since it hit the market in 2020. Checking each of these vehicles will offer a broader look at the segment.
2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Audi’s Q4 Sportback e-tron sports a coupe-like roofline designed to make it look a little more aggressive, albeit at the expense of headroom for rear-seat passengers. The tapered roof doesn’t impinge on the available legroom in the back seat. Additionally, it offers less cargo space than its more conventionally styled SUV sibling.
Once inside the cabin, you’ll find an impressive array of technology, most routed through an 11.5-inch touchscreen. The driver also benefits from an impressive head-up display providing directional cues from the navigation system in addition to the usual information.
The dual motor layout provides plenty of power — 335 horsepower — and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Q4 Sportback e-tron travels an estimated 258 miles on a single charge of its 82-kilowatt-hour battery and gets 100 MPGe combined. This will propel you 0-60 mph in five seconds. Prices start at $59,395, including destination charge.
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Highlights
Superior sound: Sonos built a reputation for making excellent home audio setups and Bluetooth speakers. Now, the company is supplying Audi with crisp and well-defined systems.
Quick charge: The Audi Q4 e-tron can charge from 10% to 80% of its capacity in as little as 28 minutes using DC fast charging. This quick charge time goes a long way in easing range anxiety.
Head-up display: Featured in the Prestige trim, the brand’s augmented reality head-up display superimposes arrows on navigation instructions to make life easier for the driver. This tech feature also adds a little safety since it makes keeping your eyes on the road easier.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q4 Sportback e-tron models near you.
2024 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is the world’s best-selling vehicle, not just the world’s best-selling EV. In the United States, it doesn’t hurt that it’s eligible for the $7,500 tax credit.
The Model Y is a nice place to be with a simple exterior and uncluttered, clean interior. It also offers seating for seven passengers, a convenient extra. It also features a slew of safety and convenience technologies, i.e., Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, so any trip in a Model Y is an exciting proposition. Some of that excitement stems from the vehicle’s performance. Available in single- and dual-motor configurations. It can race from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds when configured. The base model has a range of 320 miles.
Perhaps the best part of Model Y ownership is the access to the brand’s Supercharger network. With nearly 2,000 stations in the U.S. and more than 21,850 charging ports, ensuring you have a reliable place to charge is a virtual certainty. Prices start at $46,630, including destination charge.
Tesla Model Y Highlights
Supercharging: With nearly 22,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S., range anxiety isn’t an issue. If you forget to plug your Model Y in at home one night, finding a place to charge quickly — you can add 175 miles of range in about 15 minutes — isn’t a problem.
Semi-autonomous driving: Autopilot bundles features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane-changing, automated parking, and Smart Summon. Finally, Full Self-Driving Capability further adds Autosteer on city streets and automatic stop-and-go at traffic lights and stop signs.
Lots of space: Unlike the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, buyers can have the Model Y with a third-row seat. It’s not going to get used much, but if you need to transport a couple of extra little humans, you’ll be up to the task.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Model Y SUVs near you.
Similarities
These two electric SUVs share many qualities, including comparable exterior silhouettes, spacious and thoughtful interiors, and forward-thinking technology.
Conclusion
This is not really a close race. Although the interior of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is more appealing, the Model Y wins this race: it’s cheaper, more powerful, offers a wider array of convenience technologies, and enjoys access to the Supercharger network right now.
| 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron | 2024 Tesla Model Y | |
| Starting Price | $59,395 | $46,630 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Dual AC electric motors | Electric motor |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 295 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 339 lb-ft | 309 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed automatic AWD | 1-speed direct drive |
| Fuel Economy | 107 city/92 highway/100 combined MPGe | 127 city/117 highway/122 combined MPGe |
| Also Available | N/A | Dual-motor/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/120,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5/7 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.7 inches | 187.0 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 75.6 inches |
| Height | 64.0 inches | 64.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.7 feet | 39.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.0 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.2 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.7 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 54.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 26.1 cubic feet | 30.2 cubic feet |
