Tesla Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD vs Audi SQ5 Sportback: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the SQ5 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.42 s versus 4.55 s for the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the SQ5 Sportback leads by 0.13 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the SQ5 Sportback is doing 142 km/h against 145 km/h for the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD. The gap is 0.15 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the SQ5 Sportback crosses the line in 12.76 s versus 12.83 s. The 0.07 s gap represents roughly 4 m of track — barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD maxes out at 217 km/h while the SQ5 Sportback keeps accelerating towards 250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.01 s.

Around 632 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 33 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD finishes in 23.43 s versus 23.50 s. The 0.07 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

On paper, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD combines 383 hp, 588 Nm and 1,936 kg — a clear theoretical edge over the SQ5 Sportback. Yet the SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback 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.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the SQ5 Sportback 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 0.13 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.