Tesla Model X Long Range vs Audi A3 Sedan: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model X Long Range hits 100 km/h in 4.30 s versus 9.87 s for the A3 Sedan. The instant torque of 660 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model X Long Range leads by 5.57 s and sits roughly 26 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model X Long Range is doing 158 km/h against 108 km/h for the A3 Sedan. The gap is 3.18 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model X Long Range crosses the line in 12.14 s versus 17.21 s. The 5.07 s gap represents roughly 174 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model X Long Range continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 221 km/h versus 150 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model X Long Range finishes in 21.65 s versus 31.24 s, with a 9.59 s lead.

The Model X Long Range features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A3 Sedan’s FWD. 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.

Electronically capped at 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model X Long Range never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 16.25 seconds. The 5.57 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.