New Tesla Model Y vs Audi Q4 e-tron vs Kia EV6: verdict
Tesla’s new electric SUV gets off to a great start by being based on the excellent Model 3 saloon – but is it good enough to beat its front-running rivals from Audi and Kia...
Our verdict
The Model Y is strong in a number of areas that are important to electric car buyers, including performance, range and boot space, but we can’t help but wonder how much better it could have been if Tesla had spent more time polishing its dynamics. With a smoother ride and quieter cruising manners, the Model Y could be a class leader.
As it stands, however, the Audi Q4 is leagues ahead when it comes to comfort and refinement, plus it’s easily spacious enough for most families. If it impressed more for range and charging speed, it could easily have been our winner.
But since that isn’t the case, the EV6 takes the honours. With a spacious interior, good driving manners, loads of standard kit and ultra-quick charging, it provides everything you could ask for in an EV at this price. Just bear in mind that if you aren’t fussed about such rapid acceleration and four-wheel drive, the cheaper rear-wheel-drive version will get you farther on a charge.
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1st - Kia EV6
For Confidence-inspiring handling; ultra-quick charging; acres of rear leg room; plenty of kit
Against Boot isn’t huge; slightly firm low-speed ride; heat pump is optional
Recommended options Heat pump (£900)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full Kia EV6 review >>
Find Kia EV6 deals >>
2nd - Audi Q4 e-tron
For Comfy ride at all speeds; solid interior; quietest cruiser; light but accurate steering
Against You’ll want to add a few options; least efficient; slowest charging rate
Recommended options Comfort and Sound Pack (£1295), heat pump (£950)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Audi Q4 e-tron review >>
Find Audi Q4 e-tron deals >>
3rd - Tesla Model Y
For Access to dedicated supercharger network; longest range; fastest acceleration; biggest boot
Against Lumpy ride; noisy cruising manners; high list price; nervous handling
Recommended options Enhanced Autopilot (£3400)
What Car? rating 4 out of 5 stars
Read our full Tesla Model Y review >>
Find Tesla Model Y deals >>
Specifications: Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro S Line
Engine Dual electric motors
Peak power 295bhp
Peak torque 339Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 6.3sec
30-70mph 5.6sec
Top speed 111mph
30-0mph 9.1m
70-0mph 47.9m
Noise at 30mph 55.9db
Noise at 70mph 59.5db
Kerb weight 2210kg
Tyre size (std) 255/45 R20
Estimated range 201 miles
Official range 291 miles
Efficiency 2.6 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 76.6kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 135kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr 15min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 33min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Kia EV6 GT-Line S AWD
Engine Dual electric motors
Peak power 321bhp
Peak torque 446Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.0sec
30-70mph 4.6sec
Top speed 116mph
30-0mph 8.4m
70-0mph 45.5m
Noise at 30mph 56.5db
Noise at 70mph 63.0db
Kerb weight 2090kg
Tyre size (std) 255/45 R20
Estimated range 203 miles
Official range 314 miles
Efficiency 2.8 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 72.5kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 233kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 11hr 45min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 16min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Tesla Model Y Long Range
Engine Dual electric motors
Peak power 351bhp (est)
Peak torque 364Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 4.9sec
30-70mph 3.7sec
Top speed 135mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 46.0m
Noise at 30mph 58.1db
Noise at 70mph 64.2db
Kerb weight 2071kg
Tyre size (std) 245/55 R19
Estimated range 247 miles
Official range 331 miles
Efficiency 3.3 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 75kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 210kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 30min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Test weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro S line with Geyser Blue metallic paint (£575), front sports seats in Nappa leather (£1825), panoramic glass sunroof (£1250), Matrix LED headlights (£1075), Function Package (£325), at top and bottomed steering wheel (£285) and 20in wheels (£150)
Kia EV6 GT-Line S AWD with Runway Red paint
Tesla Model Y Long Range with Pearl White paint, Enhanced Autopilot (£3400) and Black and White premium interior (£1100)
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