Compared: 2023 Audi e-tron vs. 2023 Tesla Model X
Exploring minimalist and opulent approaches to premium electric SUVs.
Audi | Tesla
The premium midsize SUV market had a new electric-vehicle sales leader in 2021, with the 2021 Audi e-tron quietly surpassing the 2021 Tesla Model X. Although Tesla gets many of the headlines from mainstream media outlets, Audi's, all-electric SUV has become a worthy and tough competitor.
The e-tron checks many of the wants of EV consumers looking for a luxury SUV, such as competitive price points, sporty performance, and an interior richness that contrasts with the minimalist approach of the Tesla Model X.
Audi
2023 Audi e-tron Beats Tesla Model X in Price, Not Performance
The 2023 Audi e-tron starts just below $72,000 with the top-trim Chronos Edition carrying an $88,000 base price. Meanwhile, the 2023 Tesla Model X starts right below $82,000.
Some options for the e-tron include a $750 towing package that can haul up to 4,000 pounds, rear passenger side airbags that add $400, and a $3,500 convenience package that adds glossy exterior embellishments and safety-focused features such as a panoramic camera system.
Tesla
The 2023 Tesla Model X offers Enhanced Autopilot as a $6,000 option, 22-inch Turbine wheels for $5,500, and what the company calls Full Self-Driving Capability for $12,000. Although the system is not fully autonomous, it's able to slow down and stop the vehicle for traffic lights and stop signs.
The top Plaid trim level comes in around $110,000 and boasts a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.5 seconds and 1,020 horsepower. The fastest the e-tron can get to 60 mph is 5.5 seconds with its maximum output of 402 horsepower.
Tesla
Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X Interiors Implement Contrasting Approaches to Luxury
Tesla's Model X has a trapezoid-shaped steering wheel with a small cadre of buttons instead of turn signal stalks and dials. The interior is sparse but functional with a 17.0-inch screen dominating the dashboard and a supersized windshield with a sweeping view of the road.
Audi
The Audi e-tron's Virtual Cockpit places two touchscreens in the center and spreads controls throughout the driver's area. The roughly $79,000 Premium Plus and top Chronos Edition trims offer a high-zoot Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Chronos also has massaging front seats in upgraded leather. The Audi emphasizes opulence and soft touches, while the Tesla focuses on cutting-edge technology.
Tesla
Model X and e-tron Are in Different Leagues in Terms of Range
The Model X offers EPA-estimated driving ranges between 311 and 348 miles. A 250-kW Tesla Supercharger can charge the Model X in around 30 minutes to an 80% level. A 50-kw charger will take approximately 90 minutes, and a 240-volt Level 2 home charger will require closer to 15 hours for a full charge.
The 2023 Audi e-tron has the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain on all trim levels, giving an estimated electric driving range of 226 miles and 402 horsepower. While the Audi will take around 10.5 hours to fully charge from zero on a Level 2 charger, a 150-kW fast charger provides an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. These fast chargers are available through Electrify America in most metropolitan areas.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Steven LangSteven Lang is a special contributor to Capital One with nearly two decades of experience as an auto auctioneer, car dealer, and part owner of an auto auction. Some of the best-known auto publications turn to him for his expert insight. He is also the co-developer of the Long-Term Quality Index, a survey of vehicle reliability featuring over two million vehicles that have been inspected by professional mechanics.
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