Audi e-tron GT vs Tesla Model S — 570 Mile Race

The all-new Audi RS e-tron GT is a very impressive car… mostly. It looks stunning, has a great interior, is shockingly fast, and even handles very well. However, it does lack the sort of range that Teslas have, which causes some criticism among EV enthusiasts. However, it does charge quicker than any current Tesla, so it might actually be faster overall over long journeys.

In this new video from Carwow, we actually get to find out if that’s true. Carwow’s Mat Watson pit the Audi RS e-tron GT against a long range Tesla Model S over a 571 mile journey. The idea was to see which car could get to their destination quickest, factoring in charging speed as well. Because neither car could make the whole journey on just one battery charge, so they both had to stop and charge at least once.

Over the journey, the Tesla Model S was more efficient, averaging between three and four miles per kWh. The Audi RS e-tron GT wasn’t too bad but still not as efficient, with an average in the high twos. However, the Audi was able to charge significantly faster, with one charge hitting almost 250 kW. Though it did have to charge more often. It’s really quite interesting to see which one was quickest over the whole journey; the car that could go further on one charge or the car that could charge quicker?

Watson also reviewed both cars; their looks, interiors, specs, tech, and driving dynamics. The Audi RS e-tron GT is the better car to actually drive, despite the Tesla’s longer range. The e-tron handles better, has a more comfortable ride, a quieter cabin, more ergonomically laid-out technology, and more storage space inside.

It’s also just as fast. In Watson’s hands, the Audi RS e-tron GT smashed its claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, doing it in an astonishing 2.86 seconds. Watson then tested the Model S Performance, which did it in 2.9 seconds, though it did just start raining before he tested it, so traction was a problem. We suspect the Model S Performance would be a bit quicker in ideal conditions but not by much and the Audi would run rings around the Tesla on a twisty road.

So which car was better in the long-range journey test? Watch the video to find out.