Electric SUV Showdown: Tesla vs. Audi
Kristen Hall-Geisler
at 10:15 AM Nov 5 2015
Tesla Model X
Tesla Motors
Cars // 

The Tesla Model X all-electric SUV dropped on Tuesday, with the first few Signature Series vehicles being delivered to the earliest of early adopters. Most of the Model Xs reserved so far will be built and delivered to their new homes by late 2016.

But the Model X won't have the electric SUV market all to itself for long. The Audi e-tron quattro debuted as a concept at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The company says it will be ready for the streets by early 2018.

Here's how they stack up, keeping in mind that the Audi – while close to being the real deal – is still a concept, while the Tesla is rolling on the road already:

  • Range: The Tesla gets an EPA estimate 250 miles per charge; the Audi is expected to get over 300.

  • Power: The Model X has motors front and rear; the e-tron quattro has one front and two rear motors.

  • Speed: The Model X P90D performance version with Ludicrous Speed can do 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds; the e-tron quattro will do 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds.

  • Seating: The Tesla can haul up to seven people; the Audi holds four.

Pricing for the Audi e-tron quattro concept is nonexistent, and the price for the Tesla Model X is so far shrouded in mystery—though the $5000 required to place a reservation is not. But most analysts agree that the base Model X 90D should have a price tag somewhere around $80,000.

One more point of comparison: coolest feature. It's hard to ignore the rear falcon doors on the Model X, which Tesla says makes it easier to access the rear seats. But the Audi e-tron quattro concept has wireless charging and Audi's suite of self-driving software on board. If those make it to production, they could eclipse cool doors.

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