It’s no understatement to say that Tesla was lightyears ahead of the competition when it came to making electric cars desirable, interesting and easy to use.
While Nissan and Renault helped to make EVs affordable, it was Tesla that helped drive the growth of electric cars to become truly appealing. You only need to look at how enthusiastic Tesla owners are to see this in action.
Tesla had things its own way for many years with the Model S and Model X, but now firms such as Jaguar, Mercedes and Audi are catching up.
The e-tron is Audi’s first EV, which is making a very compelling case for itself in the bold world of luxury EVs. Here’s why we think it will be a strong Tesla rival in 2020.
The e-tron has the price advantage
While the Audi e-tron is by no means an affordable EV for everyone, it has a clear advantage over Tesla’s Model X SUV when it comes to price. If you were looking for a new Model X, you would have to spend £82,700.
Contrast this to the Audi e-tron, which is admittedly slightly smaller but remains a practical family SUV, and you could save yourself £11,140, as the e-tron starts from £71,560.
Audi’s superior built quality
Audi has a long history of producing some of the best interiors around, and you only need to look at the difference between the e-tron’s cabin and the Model X’s to see the difference.
While the Tesla’s interior is a technological showcase, some of the interior quality feels poor for a car costing up to £100,000. Owners frequently report rattles and squeaks from their cars (often insignificant, but irritating nonetheless) which help to take the shine off the car’s experience. On the other hand, the e-tron shouldn’t suffer from these issues with its superior build quality and classy cabin.
Less fussy design
While many love the Model X’s brash and imposing styling, and fall for the showstopping ‘falcon wing’ doors, for some it’s a bit over the top.
If you think like that, and would rather drive something that doesn’t show off about being electric, the e-tron could be the better option. Next to other models in Audi’s range – including the flagship Q8 – the e-tron’s more simplistic design is a winner, especially if a more understated look is your thing.
Impressive comfort and refinement
Electric cars nearly always stand out for their superb refinement, with no engine or transmission to contend with, they are impressively smooth and relaxing to travel in.
While we haven’t tried a Model X and an e-tron back-to-back, the Audi’s outstanding comfort and refinement makes an exceptionally strong case for itself.
The e-tron will be an easier model to switch into from a petrol and diesel car
Many are 100 per cent committed to EVs, but for other buyers, they are still nervous and unsure about whether going electric is right for them. The Model X’s outlandish looks, interior and exceptional performance are easy to buy into if you’re tech savvy and want something different. But it’s a big switch to make out of your petrol or diesel SUV.
That’s where the e-tron comes in as it helps to make electric cars feel ‘normal’. Sure, that won’t appeal to all, but for many the Audi’s familiarity will make the switch to electric a simpler move. It drives like a normal car, it feels like one and it looks the same, too. For those reasons, we think the e-tron is a strong rival to Teslas in the luxury electric car world.
