Tesla Model S 85 vs Audi Q7 SUV: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Q7 SUV hits 100 km/h in 5.55 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 340 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Q7 SUV leads by 0.20 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Q7 SUV is doing 131 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.28 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Q7 SUV crosses the line in 13.87 s versus 13.94 s. The 0.07 s gap represents roughly 3 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Model S 85 maxes out at 201 km/h while the Q7 SUV keeps accelerating towards 247 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.11 s.

Around 480 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Model S 85 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 46 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 25.47 s. The 0.31 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

On paper, the Model S 85 combines 362 hp, 599 Nm and 2,108 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the Q7 SUV. Yet the Q7 SUV launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the Q7 SUV has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

The Q7 SUV features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the Q7 SUV at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.82 seconds. The 0.20 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.