2017 Audi SQ7 v Tesla Model X P100D Comparison Review – Electrifying Large SUVs
Efficiency and excess are strange bedfellows. Yet from opposite sides of the world both the Audi SQ7 and Tesla Model X P100D each attempt to arrange forced marriages for these two seemingly opposing traits.
Neither large SUV comes cheap, costing $150,000 and (well) beyond. The best technology is expensive, and heavy. Both the German Audi and American Tesla seat up to seven people inside their identically sized 5.0-metre-long bodies. Weighing between 2330kg (SQ7) and 2497kg (P100D), these really are heavyweights.
Yet size, and weight, and a high price, apparently isn’t a curb to efficiency. Of course the Model X is all-electric with zero emissions, able to be recharged from a currently-free Tesla-supplied ‘supercharger’ network in an hour-and-a-half or so.
While the Volkswagen Group has been caught up in a certain diesel emissions scandal over the past couple of years, the SQ7 returns here with a mighty V8 oiler, but with an electrically powered compressor to help spool the turbo and eliminate lag while increasing efficiency. Optionally, it has active anti-roll bars to attempt to eliminate bodyroll, and four-wheel steering to aid agility, with some self-driving ability.
In short, this Audi is the closest shot from a traditional brand to the controversial technology upstart that is Tesla. Yet this contest doesn’t simply distil down to diesel versus electric – read on, becomes it soon becomes much more than that.
TESTEDAudi SQ7 ($153,616 plus on-road costs)
Tesla Model X P100D ($261,132 plus on-road costs)
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OVERVIEW
On paper, there is a $107,516 pricing difference between the SQ7 and Model X P100D. And yet with the press of a button that can be reduced substantially.
Tesla could only supply its P100D flagship for testing, which has Ludicrous mode that enables a claimed 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Switch that mode off, and it does the same in 5.0sec – the time set by the $175,852 (plus orc) 100D that would have been a better fit here. Ludicrous is one very pricey ($85,280) party trick, then.