Audi SQ5 vs. Audi e-tron vs. Tesla Model Y

Off-Ramp
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Putting this in the off-ramp because it’s not strictly about leasing (though ultimately it is), but my 2020 Audi SQ5 lease is coming up in November and I’m struggling with how to approach it. (Current lease payment is $617/month after tax, car was originally $66k MSRP.)

Basically I love my SQ5 and how luxurious it feels, yet sporty with great performance, great handling, etc. I’ve never felt tempted to be an early adopter of EVs because I love old school combustion performance cars (previous cars before I had kids: M240i, M135i, G35, etc.) … but I recognize that at some point, it’s time to pull the trigger on the future. So I rented an e-tron and love it. Not quite as nimble as the SQ5, and not as quick in some ways, but quicker in other ways… I felt like it’s a car I could own and enjoy. So I decided that maybe I’d buy a used e-tron at the end of the year.

But now the $7500 tax credit on the Teslas has me intrigued. In some ways, I think it feels like a more futuristic car, better tech, clean vibes, etc. Obviously not a slow car, either. And between the recent price reduction and the tax credit, this is probably the cheapest moment to buy a Model Y than it’ll be in the future. But I hear a lot about how it feels cheap and plastickey, which I wonder if the build quality and ride quality would ultimately make me wish I had an Audi. But the new e-trons are way too expensive, so I’m probably comparing a used e-tron to a new Model Y, and getting a brand new Model Y for effectively $52,500 (I assume my total build will come out to about $60k one way or the other) feels like a pretty good deal.

As someone who loves the SQ5, likes the comfort and ride and relative performance of the e-tron, but intrigued by the overall package of the Model Y … I’m trying to figure out how to parse this decision, both from a financial standpoint as well as the standpoint of my spirit/soul as an auto enthusiast.

I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question so I appreciate any advice or insights folks may have, especially the marriage of performance/quality/value.

Thanks in advance, all.

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If you are planning on getting the Y in Nov, there’s no telling what the price of the Y will be then (due to Tesla price adjustments and federal EV amount).

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That’s right. I’m considering pulling the trigger early. Any overall thoughts given what I shared and your opinions of the cars and the pricing market?

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Have you test drove the Y? Maybe you won’t like it, despite its price.

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I like the quick power delivery, and the tech. I don’t love the build/ride quality and interior material quality. Totally of mixed mind but it’s hard to evaluate on a short trip. Curious what you think???

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For starters, you have time. Starting your search early is what I would recommend to anyone looking to buy or lease in this current market. If you have not signed up for a Penfed membership, I would recommend doing so asap. There is a thread about how to join. After 60 days of being a member, you will be able to generate an incentive certificate that can be applied towards a new Audi (https://penfed.truecar.com/). Other manufacturers also participate in this program (Alfa Romeo, Ram, Jeep, Mercedes- Benz, etc).

What is your budget if you planned on leasing again?
Are you open to leasing something that is not an e-tron? If yes, you might have options

Sounds like my '21 A6 55 P+. That V6 makes it go.

I would not recommend buying a used e-tron. EV technology keeps improving year over year. If I were in your shoes, I’d rather look into leasing a new e-tron when your lease is up. I would suggest taking a look at broker deals in the Marketplace to get an idea of what pricing looks like.

If you have not sat in or test driven a Tesla, I would suggest doing both. If you plan to go the EV route, will you be able to charge at home? That’s another thing to consider with EVs.

The build quality and luxurious feel of an Audi is much better than that of a Tesla, IMO. Although I am yet to drive a Model Y, I’ve sat in a Model 3 and Model Y. I was not impressed. I was not a big fan of the simplistic design.

How long are you planning/hoping to keep your next car? More than 3 years if financed?

I would price out all costs associated with buying a used EV. A few things to think about:

  1. Would you be purchasing an extended warranty plan? That’ll be a few thousands, unless you go with a CPO.
  2. You should set aside some $$ for when your brakes will need to be replaced. If you buy new, you can delay the clock.

I have also thought about going the EV route sooner rather than later. However, I am not seeing any reasonably-priced luxury EVs that currently appeal to me. I did like the Lucid Air, but its pricing was not within my budget. I have 1+ years left on my current lease, so time is also on my side

I hope this info helps.

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As a kindred spirit (E90/92/60 M-sport, all RWD) who has also driven multi thousand miles across several Tesla, I’ll say get the model 3 or go home. Don’t get the Y.

The 3 is the spiritual EV successor to the E90 and has the same pros and cons. If anything the pros are slightly better. Steering response: quick. Turn in: quick. Balance: almost mid engined (even though the BMW was 50:50 front and rear, much of the weight was between the driver and the front axle). Understeer: very little. Ride: stiff but not punishing.

The Y has all the cons and none of the pros from this perspective. Steering response and turn in: way slower. Understeer: way more. Way more top heavy. Way more lean and pitch. Ride is more jittery. It has all the downsides of the 3 with absolutely 0 payoff.

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How much underwater will you be if you exit the SQ5 lease early? Also, I’m going to disagree with @max_g and say if you do a lot of “SUV” stuff with your vehicle like hauling furniture, people in the back seats, etc, the Model Y is definitely the way to go. If you’re primarily doing highway miles, there’s barely going to be a difference in enjoyment between the model 3 and the model Y IMO.

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The Q4 also exists as well as the upcoming A6 e-tron, EQB, EQE, i4, and all of the Kia/Hyundai EVs. Also it’s entirely possible to get a great deal on a Q5e for close to the same price as a Model Y, which on paper is faster than the SQ5.

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Thanks to those who have taken time to throw in some comments so far! A few notes/clarifications:

  1. I do have time, but my urgency is evaluating the Model Y in time for the tax credit. I assume if I don’t buy it in March, I won’t want to buy it in November for $7,500 more (assuming the tax credit goes away, which is a fair bet, though nobody knows). So I am open to getting out of my SQ5 early IF it makes sense - but ONLY if it makes sense.

  2. I’d like to stay in the same general ballpark, but I understand the exact $ amount may change because owning factors in equity, an EV would save me a couple hundred bucks a month in gas, and so on. So I want to consider the overall economics, not just the monthly price. Also, interest rates are obviously much higher than 2.5 years ago. I’m open to leasing OR buying the next car, depending on what makes sense. Curious what people think here. If I financed it, I would probably be inclined to keep longer than 3 years… but who knows what I’ll want for dinner next week.

  3. I do own a single family home so could install a charger in the garage.

  4. My RV on the SQ5 is around $37k, so I think my payoff today is in the low 40s. And the car currently only has like 18k miles on it (pretty good for a 2020!) … so my assumption is I might have a couple grand in equity on it. Maybe more. Maybe none. But probably (PROBABLY) not underwater. I don’t think I’d getting out of it early if I was underwater, would rather see what’s what in November.

  5. I’m open to the Q4 e-tron, but at first blush, not a fan. It seems slow. It reminds me of the Q3, which we used to have… zero soul. If I’m wrong about the Q4 e-tron, however, please let me know!

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TLDR: loved my etron, used etron prices should continue falling, and MY not as comfy of a ride.

I had a ‘21 etron for about 18 months. Best car I’ve ever owned. I ended up trading it for a ‘23 XC90 PHEV because we needed room for 7. I regret letting go of the Audi. While the Volvo build is also high-quality, the ride is not as smooth and I’ve already had it in the shop for 3 weeks due to battery issues (LH folks will come after me saying XC90s are amazing but this is my experience).

Given all the etrons that were leased during 1H21, I assume many will be returned soon as 24month leases end. That might drive prices down. For reference, the one I traded in last November is still on the lot and has dropped from $70k to under $60k. Also, the etron will become etron Q8 and will have close to 300mile range. I imagine current 240mile etrons will be less attractive (although 240 was more than enough for us).

Lastly, I had a model Y for 3 months last summer. I got it because I contemplated having two cars instead of one 3 row suv. Nice tech but my fam regularly became nauseous in the back seat due to bumpy ride without air suspension. Sold it at a slight profit thankfully. If you like sportier/stiffer ride, Tesla probably is fine

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That’s actually a good note, because my wife gets car sick easily. I don’t mind a stiff ride, but I have a family now, which is why I’m not driving around in a BMW M240i anymore cries - haha

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FYI - Model Y(non-performance) has been getting the new “comfort” suspension at Austin factory since Aug 22.

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That’s a good move on their part. Would be a great deal if it’s comparable to etron air suspension now.

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Comfort at the expense of good handling? Or better handling and better comfort?

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Have a ‘21 Model Y. Agreed that the interior isn’t great, nor is the ride quality. It drives like a minivan, but with extra weight that makes it a harsh ride. I’m convinced the bushings won’t last 3yrs and the shocks probably will give out before then. It’s only quick in a straight line, any lateral movement will feel twitchy. Driving quickly on rough roads is nerve wracking, and there’s no confidence in the vehicle’s ability.

So why do we have one? It’s the closest EV minivan that appealed with the wife-acceptance factor, so it’s her car. Kids like it because it has Netflix :joy:

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This is the kind of straight up feedback I came here for. Thank you.

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Not sure if you saw this recent post. Although you mentioned you have a garage, Tesla’s build quality should be concerning.

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Model Y Long Range and Performance both have new suspension since around November I believe - in my forum snooping it looks like both Austin and Fremont builds have it. As an anecdotal view - my 2023 Model Y Performance has comfy suspension for us, even on the 21s. No complaints and it replaced the last family car that was a RX 350. And to much surprise, not a single build quality issue :slight_smile:

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If you intend to do any long trips with the vehicle, suggest you either keep the SQ5 or get the Model Y. Non-Tesla charging infrastructure is very weak and makes traveling truly stress inducing. (had an F150 Lightning before my Model Y and couldnt deal with the EA and chargepoint issues)

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