Tesla single-handed spearheaded the jump-start of the automobile electric revolution. So, you will hear a lot of "Tesla killers" now and then. The benchmark set by Elon Musk and Tesla is damn impressive that it took more than 10 years for the competition to finally catch up. Tesla still has the upper hand in terms of charging infrastructure and performance, but the Germans sure know how to face the American EV giant, and it's striking straight at its weaknesses.
Tesla has had a bad run in terms of quality, and fit and finish. And its minimalistic interior is not everyone's cup of tea. And that's where the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4 come in. Charging tech and range is still something to be worked upon by the Germans, but these two now come very close to toppling the Tesla Model X., And the Audi e-tron GT along with the Mercedes EQS would take care of Tesla Model S, including the notorious Model S Plaid.
Both these Germans have managed to undercut the Tesla Model Y MSRP of $54,990. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron starts from $43,900 and the VW ID.4 starts from an even-lower $46,700. The only Tesla that undercuts these two is the Model 3 that starts from $41,990. But now you get more options and can choose the better of these promising Tesla Rivals.
The Germans have finally caught up on what Tesla started, and things are getting interesting.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Pricing And Trims
Via: Caricos.com
Both these Germans are in the same vicinity when it comes to pricing. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron starts with an MSRP of $43,900, tops out at $56,200; and comes in 3 trim levels - Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Premium and Premium Plus are offered in RWD as standard and get AWD with an additional $6,000. The range-topping Prestige comes only in AWD.
Via: Caricos.com
Volkswagen ID.4 starts with an MSRP of $39,995, tops out at $48,175, and comes in 2 trim levels - Pro and Pro S. A RWD layout are standard here, and AWD will cost an additional $3,680. Audi sure is the pricier one of the two but for the right reasons. You see, both these cars come under the same umbrella corporation headed by VW and it is rightfully pointed out that the Audi Q4 e-tron is a more luxurious Volkswagen ID.4.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Powertrain And Performance
Via: Caricos.com
The Audi Q4 e-tron is offered in two powertrain layouts. The base called 40 has a single 201 HP electric motor and is a cozy machine that takes almost 8 seconds to reach 60 MPH. The more powerful iteration is called 50 packs dual-motors, one on each axle, and pumps out 295 HP, doing 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds. The 40 comes with RWD and 50 offers AWD as standard.
Via: Caricos.com
Volkswagen ID.4 essentially packs the same base motor layout and performance figures as the Audi with 201 HP and RWD layout. But when it comes to the more powerful AWD dual-motor layout, Volkswagen is slightly ahead with 302 horses. The RWD model reached 60 MPH in about the same time as Audi's does, but the AWD unit is fiercer with just 5.4 seconds to 60 MPH.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Charging And Driving Range
Via:Google.com (custom)
Audi Q4 e-tron packs a 77 kWh battery pack and returns 250 miles on a full charge. It also supports quick charging up to 125 kW and can juice things up from 10 to 80 % in about 30 minutes. On the flip side, Volkswagen ID.4 also comes with the same battery pack size but churns out 10 more miles, at 260 miles on a full charge. It supports fast charging and can only be juiced up using either a 110V or 240V connector. Either way, the Germans are still behind the Tesla Model Y that has a maximum range of 316 miles.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Tech-Laden Interior Face-Off
Via: Google.com (custom)
Audi has a more space-age-like interior layout with sharp and industrial-looking elements. Even the lux-appeal is a notch above, after all, it's an Audi. The dashboard has a unique driver-centric layout with lots of screens and a squared-off steering wheel. Audi also gets the upper hand in terms of technology with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen running the famed Audi MMI system.
Via: Caricos.com (custom)
Volkswagen ID.4's interior is more of the calming type with a lot of lighter tones and smoother surfaces. The dashboard is minimal and gets smaller screens than its corporate cousin with standard 10-inch infotainment and a 5.3-inch instrument cluster. The infotainment can be upgraded to a 12-inch unit with an optional Statement package. VW has the more minimal interior layout of the two but lux-appeal is dull with cloth seats for the base trims, and faux leather for the top ones.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Muscular Exterior Face-Off
Via: Caricos.com (custom)
As both these cars are based on the same platform and form factor, they have similar real estate. Audi has an unmistakable futuristic design language courtesy of the LED lighting. VW has gone for a more muted and curvy exterior form. Both are unique and will appeal to different sets of audiences. VW adds a bit of funkiness with dual-tone layouts.
Audi Q4 e-tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4: Let's Talk Safety
Via: Caricos.com
Surprisingly Volkswagen has the upper hand here as it comes with more standard driver-assistive and safety features than the Audi. While Adaptive Cruise Control and Semi-autonomous driving mode is standard on the ID.4; it is an optional extra for the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Via: Caricos.com
The standard list is equally impressive for both cars with features like Forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking coming in as standard. VW somehow manages to fare marginally well here.
Sources: Caricos.com, Media.audiusa.com, Audiusa.com, Media.vw.com, Vw.com, Caranddriver.com, Edmunds.com, Cars.com