Audi Q4 e-tron vs Tesla Model Y
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Q4 e-tron starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $58,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $26,000.
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 $93,390 and $64,790 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q4 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 8 in the Tesla Model Y. The Audi Q4 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model Y misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q4 e-tron gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 194kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y). DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 204mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 334L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.1m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 Q4 e-tron) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q4 e-tron if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y 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 Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q4 e-tron by $26,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the most range at 524km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Audi Q4 e-tron accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y 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 Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q4 e-tron makes the most power at 210kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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