Audi A5 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $25,000.
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 $87,890 and $60,390 respectively.
The Tesla Model 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A5 and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi A5 and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 8 in the Tesla Model 3. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model 3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.
The Audi A5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Tesla Model 3.
Drivetrain
The Audi A5 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A5 measures 4,762mm long on a 2,821mm wheelbase, 42mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 282L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A5 and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A5 by $25,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A5 and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model 3 makes the most power at 208kW. The Tesla Model 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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