Audi A4 vs Tesla Model 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 3 Oct 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Audi A4: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 6 others.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 4 others.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi A4 starts from $49,200 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $45,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $3,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,120 and $50,490 respectively.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A4 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi A4
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005076 · published 17 Mar 2022The previous replacement of the rear axle clamping nuts (as part of the recent recall REC-001665) may have caused a misalignment of the rear axle assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2021
- REC-001665 · published 3 Sep 2021Some nuts fitted to the rear axle assembly did not meet manufacturing specifications and may break.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2021
- 13 more on the model page.
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Tesla Model 3 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A4 gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A4 if: You or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Tesla Model 3: Top CarSorted Score, 55 vs 41
The Tesla Model 3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (55 vs 41), taking 3 of 3 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 19), technology (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 18), fuel economy (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 15). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A4 and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $45,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A4 by $3,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A4 uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi A4 and Tesla Model 3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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