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AModelBEVvsBSQ5Petrol
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  • SpecsModel · SQ5

Tesla Model X Plaid vs Audi SQ5 SUV: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

large SUV · 2022 vs 2026 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model X Plaid

1020 hp · 1424 Nm · 2,445 kg · 2022

VS
AudiPetrol

SQ5 SUV

367 hp · 550 Nm · 2,040 kg · 2026

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model X Plaid

2.63 s

Gap1.79 sin favour of Model X Plaid
BAudi SQ5 SUV

4.42 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel X PlaidSQ5 SUVGap
0–100 km/h2.63 s4.42 s1.79 s · Model X Plaid
400 m standing start10.09 s12.76 s2.67 s · Model X Plaid
1,000 m standing start18.56 s23.50 s4.94 s · Model X Plaid
Top speed (electronically limited)262 km/h250 km/h12 km/h · Model X Plaid
Power-to-weight ratio2.40 kg/hp5.56 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model X Plaid

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

TeslaBEVModel X Plaid
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
AudiPetrolSQ5 SUV
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageModel X PlaidSQ5 SUV
0–30 km/h0.78 s1.06 s
0–50 km/h1.31 s1.78 s
0–80 km/h2.09 s3.15 s
0–100 km/h2.63 s4.42 s
0–120 km/h3.27 s6.02 s
0–160 km/h5.15 s10.50 s
0–200 km/h7.78 s17.55 s
400 m standing start10.09 s12.76 s
1,000 m standing start18.56 s23.50 s
Top speed limited262 km/h250 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Tesla

Model X Plaid

2,40kg/hpratio better by 3,16 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power1020 hpTriple Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque1424 Nm
Weight2 445 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
Audi

SQ5 SUV

5,56kg/hpcompensated by −405 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power367 hpPending
Torque550 Nm
Weight2 040 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox7-speed S tronic

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model X Plaid hits 100 km/h in 2.63 s versus 4.42 s for the SQ5 SUV. The instant torque of 1,424 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model X Plaid leads by 1.79 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model X Plaid is doing 184 km/h against 142 km/h for the SQ5 SUV. The gap is 1.64 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model X Plaid crosses the line in 10.09 s versus 12.76 s. The 2.67 s gap represents roughly 123 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model X Plaid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 256 km/h versus 196 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model X Plaid finishes in 18.56 s versus 23.50 s, with a 4.95 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (262 vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model X Plaid is capped at 262 km/h, the SQ5 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 6.96 seconds. The 1.79 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

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Model X Plaid vs iX xDrive50

AudiVSBMW

SQ5 SUV vs X3 M40i

TeslaVSBMW

Model X Plaid vs iX xDrive40

AudiVSBMW

SQ5 SUV vs X3 M40i

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model X Plaid wins (2,63 s vs 4,42 s).

Model X Plaid goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,63 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model X Plaid: 1020 hp, ratio 2,40 kg/hp. SQ5 SUV: 367 hp, ratio 5,56 kg/hp.

Model X Plaid: 262 km/h. SQ5 SUV: 250 km/h.