Tesla Model X 90D vs Audi SQ5 Sportback: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the SQ5 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.42 s versus 5.03 s for the Model X 90D. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the SQ5 Sportback leads by 0.61 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the SQ5 Sportback is doing 142 km/h against 147 km/h for the Model X 90D. The gap is 0.48 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the SQ5 Sportback crosses the line in 12.76 s versus 13.07 s. The 0.31 s gap represents roughly 16 m of track — two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. Past 400 metres, both rivals hit the same electronic ceiling at 249 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed — the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 249 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the Model X 90D finishes in 23.32 s versus 23.50 s. The 0.18 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model X 90D and the SQ5 Sportback are governed to 249 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) 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 7.09 seconds. The 0.61 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.