Tesla Model 3 vs Audi S4
What's the difference?

Tesla Model 3

$54,900 - $80,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi S4

—

2021 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mazda Cx-6E

Mercedes-Benz A200

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Tesla Model 3

2021 Audi S4

By James Cleary

By Malcolm Flynn

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

750 km

8.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

13.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

75.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Safety
Energy efficiency
Cabin environment

Excellent performance you can live with
Choice of five bodystyles
S4 scores a lot of new sheetmetal

Dislikes

No spare tyre
FSD unconvincing
Average ownership proposition

Still no wireless CarPlay
Three-year warranty lags behind cheaper brands

2026 Tesla Model 3 Summary

It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.

A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice.

But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.

Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.

So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.

@carsguide.com.au ‘Dog Mode’ in the Tesla Model 3 is a life-saver for four-legged friends in the summer heat.🐾 #tesla #model3 #ev #cartok #doggosdoingthings ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

View full pricing & specs

2021 Audi S4 Summary

Audi would probably prefer you not to realise this, but the five distinct versions of S4 and S5 on the market all pertain to a single performance and equipment formula spread across five different bodystyles.

Yes five, and this has been the case for more than a decade, with the S4 sedan and Avant wagon, A5 two-door Coupe, convertible Cabriolet and five door liftback Sportback all representing vastly different shapes for you to choose from, with the same underpinnings. This simply echoes the A4 and A5 ranges they’re based on of course, and BMW clearly thought it was a good idea too, given the 3 and 4 Series ranges were split into individual lines at the start of last generation.

Mercedes-Benz offers a similar array, minus the liftback, but is happy to wrap the whole lot under the C-Class label.

So, given that the A4 and A5 range scored a mid-life update a few months ago, it’s only logical that the changes flow on to the performance S4 and S5s, with the top-tier RS4 Avant following suit.

We’ve covered the latter in October, and now it’s the turn for the former, and CarsGuide was among the first to drive the updated S4 and S5 ranges at their Australian media launch last week.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model 3 2021 Audi S4

Verdict

Tesla has done enough with the introduction of this Premium Long Range RWD variant to keep the Model 3’s head well and truly above water in an increasingly competitive segment. After more than six years it still looks good, with a pleasant cabin environment, plenty of performance and leading energy efficiency. Safety is top-shelf and it stands up well in terms of practicality and driving dynamics.

That said, the ownership proposition is average, the determination to make so many functions screen-based is frustrating and the optional Full Self-Driving system is unconvincing. With the Model S and Model Y now discontinued globally it will be interesting to see how the Model 3 continues to evolve.

Verdict

The S4 and S5 range continues to represent a great formula for performance you can live with every day. They're arguably the sweetest balance Audi produces, actually. All come fantastically equipped, with cabins that feel truly special, and we’re lucky they can be had in a choice of five bodystyles.

Tesla Model 3 vs Audi S4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model 3 vs Audi S4
What's the difference?