Audi
e-tron
Tesla
Model S
Audi e-tron vs Tesla Model S: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Tesla Model S comes out ahead of the Audi e-tron on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
e-tron
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context. For the e-tron SUV/Sportback (now Q8 e-tron), long-term owner reports are generally positive regarding its exceptional comfort, quiet ride, luxurious interior, and real-world reliability, especially for 2021+ models. However, this is contrasted by very frequent and severe criticism of its software, mobile app, and infotainment system, which are described as unreliable and poorly executed.
Best version to buy
For the e-tron SUV, the 2021 and newer models with the MIB3 infotainment upgrade are strongly recommended over 2019-2020 MIB2 units, which suffer from neglected software support. The 'Advanced' or 'Prestige' trims are noted for maximizing luxury features like massage/cooling seats and acoustic glass.
Known issues
- ⚠Unreliable mobile app and remote connectivity (e.g., climate control): frequent disconnections, commands fail to send or execute, system downtime. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Buggy and slow infotainment software: system freezes, laggy response, requires reboots, older MIB2 systems are unsupported. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Extreme depreciation: values can drop 60-70% over 5 years, making new purchases financially unfavorable. Frequency: very frequent.
Model S
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation. Long-term owners of older models (specifically pre-2021, with mentions of a 2015 model) report severe dissatisfaction with long-term reliability and ownership costs, describing the vehicle as poorly designed for longevity with frequent, expensive failures. In contrast, discussions of newer models (post-2021) are more focused on competitive positioning, with feedback indicating they are perceived as technologically capable but lagging in interior luxury, build quality, and overall refinement compared to newer premium electric vehicles.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Long Range vs. Plaid) as the "best" among community discussions.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor long-term reliability (older models): Multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12V battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms).
- ⚠Full Self-Driving (FSD) / Autopilot system flaws: Phantom braking, unreliable object detection due to cameras-only sensor suite, hard braking for shadows, erratic lane changes, and general inability to be trusted without constant supervisi…
- ⚠Subpar build quality and interior materials: Described as "low build quality," lacking the refinement, comfort, and quietness expected in the luxury segment.
The verdict
The Tesla Model S is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Audi e-tron, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Audi e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi e-tron or the Tesla Model S?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi e-tron and the Tesla Model S. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi e-tron or the Tesla Model S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi e-tron is classed as a SUV, the Tesla Model S as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi e-tron or the Tesla Model S?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi e-tron or the Tesla Model S?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Tesla Model S than the Audi e-tron. See the known issues comparison above.