Tesla Model S P85D vs Audi RS Q8 SUV : which one is faster?

The launch: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S P85D hits 100 km/h in 3.33 s versus 3.87 s for the RS Q8 SUV. The instant torque of 931 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S P85D leads by 0.54 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S P85D is doing 167 km/h against 156 km/h for the RS Q8 SUV. The gap is 0.47 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S P85D crosses the line in 11.17 s versus 11.88 s. The 0.70 s gap represents roughly 37 m of track — a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S P85D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 232 km/h versus 217 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P85D finishes in 20.31 s versus 21.56 s, with a 1.25 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 vs 250 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model S P85D and the RS Q8 SUV are governed to 249 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold — an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 5.66 seconds. The 0.54 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.