Which is the better car– the Audi Q8 e-Tron vs the Tesla Model Y? According to this Model Y owner, there’s one clear winner. That’s right, I own a Tesla Model Y. I didn’t say I like my Tesla Model Y. I just happen to own one, and I like it just fine. But because I’m an automotive lover, my lukewarm feelings for this vehicle inherently make me sad, so I’m always on the lookout for a better EV. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the Audi Q8 e-Tron stole my heart. Let me tell you why.
What’s The Q8 e-Tron 55?
So if you head to an Audi dealer, you may find yourself looking at two versions of the Q8 e-Tron: the Q-8 eTron 50 and the Q8 e-Tron 55. The differences look like this may mean a lot, to some.
Essentially, Audi decided to do a mid-year refresh of this model (which is exactly what it sounds like; they refreshed it in the middle of the model year) to make it more competitive with Tesla. As a result, the Q8 e-Tron 55 charges a bit faster than the previous model, and it gains a bit of hp. If this doesn’t impress you — turn that water into wine and find a dealer who will sell you one of the 50 models. It would be a deal!
Range & Charging: The Tesla Wins over Audi
As per the 55 conversation above, the Audi doesn’t quite have the range of the Tesla Model Y. Plus, the Tesla comes with that wonderful Tesla charging network. This is one category where Audi simply can’t compete.
Luxury In Tesla Model Y vs Audi Q8 e-Tron
Between the plush leather seats, the beautiful wood accents, and the delightfully haptic responses of the e-Tron’s buttons, the Audi is miles ahead of Tesla when it comes to luxury. Unless you consider it a luxury to sit in rock-hard seats whose upholstery tears with a fingernail—a true story, courtesy of my daughter’s gels.
The Drive: The Q8 e-Tron Beats Tesla
Although the Tesla Model Y is officially quicker off the line than the Q8 e-tron, you’ll find that the minute you hit a turn, you wish you were in a German car. The Q8 e-tron handles like its cousin is a 911, which of course, it is. The Model Y’s first cousin is a rocket ship, which may be great off the line, but I sure wouldn’t want to parallel park it.
The Q8 e-Tron’s Build Quality Crushes The Model Y
From the minute I exited my Model Y, with its ripped seats, plastic interior, and finicky a/c system, and relaxed into the leather-wrapped goodness of the Q8 e-Tron, I knew I was in trouble. Then I pulled the door shut and listened to the delicious ‘swoosh’ of the soft-closing doors, and there was no going back.
Technology Tesla Model Y vs Audi Q8 e-Tron: Tesla Wins
Leaving the Tesla and entering the Audi is a glorious experience until you turn on the screen. The Q8’s technology does feel clunky and outdated compared to the Model Y. However, after a year of ownership, I do miss physical buttons more than I expected.
The Q8 e-Tron’s Sunroof Opens (Drops Mic)
It may sound like a minor detail, but the fact that the moonroof in my Tesla Model Y never opens makes me nuts. Sure, it makes the interior feel airy and lighter. It allows beautiful sunlight to wash my cabin in a gorgeous blue hue during our endlessly sunny California days. But you know what else is good? Not using all of your battery power on cooling that sun-baked cabin. Not to mention airing out that cabin while driving along the breezy Pacific Coast Highway.
Ultimately, I prefer the Audi Q8 e-Tron over the Tesla Model & (Performance package), even though the Audi’s starting price is higher. But that charging network is still quite seductive, particularly when you’re on a road trip and the Electrify America system just seems impossibly broken. What do you think? Which do you prefer. Let me know on social or in the comments!