Audi S5 Avant vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.26 s versus 4.53 s for the S5 Avant. The instant torque of 637 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.27 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 145 km/h against 142 km/h for the S5 Avant. The gap is 0.15 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.62 s versus 12.83 s. The 0.21 s gap represents roughly 10 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 199 km/h versus 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.17 s versus 23.49 s, with a 0.31 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the S5 Avant never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S5 Avant is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Long Range AWD at 233 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

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 7.09 seconds. The 0.27 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.