I'm a current 2012 A7 owner and am looking at a new vehicle. I'm on the fence between a '16 A7 and a '15 Tesla S85D (all wheel drive). I've been very happy with the A7 but am drawn to the cool factors of the Tesla.

I drive about 150 miles per day and apx 6 times per year max out at about 200 miles. The range appears to work on the Tesla.

Has anyone else compared these two beauties and have any insight?

Thanks,

Eric

 

I am sold on buying an A7 TDI but am going to drive a Tesla P85 before I buy the Audi, just in case... I'm a believer in torque, and other than the fact that I would pay $30 K more for a Tesla spec'd out the way I want my A7, I think the P85 is viable. The 8 year battery warranty coupled with the $12K battery replacement policy after that alleviated a lot of my concerns.

 

So, I ended up going for the Tesla S85D. It's truly an amazing car. It's faster than the A7(and I didn't get the P), gets better over time due to over the air upgrades, and I never have to visit a gas station again. The match worked out that it was also less expensive over a 3 year period. I think Audi is in big trouble. Let me know what you think after the test drive. The P85D is truly insane - but I don't think you be making any compromises with the S85D.

Eric

 

My S85 test drive is this coming Friday, I'll let you know how it goes!

 

Eric,
Have you done any long road trips in your Tesla yet? As I get ready for my test drive I'm trying to think through every situation where an EV might differ from an ICE car, and long trips really stands out. Rerouting to incorporate SuperChargers in addition to charging time seems like it could make for a long journey. Any experience yet?

Mike

 

So I had my test drive. Though I requested an 85D when I set up my appointment (they asked what I was interested in so they could arrange for me to drive the right car) when I got to the showroom the saleslady told me the 85D had just gone out. They had a 70D ready to go, so I was happy to take that one out. As expected, I lived everything about the experience (torque, interface with the car) EXCEPT the comfort of the car's interior. It's beautiful, but my wife was uncomfortable in the back and I was uncomfortable in the driver seat after only 20 minutes in the car. It seems like they paid so much attention to the aesthetic value of the interior's design that they sacrificed comfort. So, though I love the whole Tesla concept and experience, I will definitely go with an A7 for the luxurious comfort of the car's interior.