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It’s time for three of the most sought-after electric SUVs to go head-to-head to see which deserves a spot on your driveway.
In one corner, we have the global best-seller - and recently updated - Tesla Model Y. It is being challenged by a fresh, high-tech rival from Ingolstadt, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, and the latest all-electric offering from Munich, the BMW iX3.
These three represent the cutting edge of premium family transport, but they each take a very different approach to design, performance, and daily usability.
The Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range remains the benchmark that everyone else is trying to beat. Known for its class-leading efficiency and unparalleled charging infrastructure, the Model Y offers a dual-motor setup that provides sure-footed all-wheel-drive traction and a 0-60mph time that puts many sports cars to shame.
Inside, it’s as minimalist as every car in Tesla’s line-up, dominated by a single massive touchscreen that controls almost every function of the car. While some may find the lack of physical buttons polarising, there is no denying the sheer amount of interior space and the clever storage solutions, including a massive "frunk" and a cavernous rear boot.
Moving to the Audi Q6 Sportback RWD Performance, we see a focus on sleek aesthetics and long-distance touring. By opting for the rear-wheel-drive "Performance" variant, Audi has prioritised range, utilising a large battery and a more aerodynamic Sportback silhouette to extract maximum miles from every charge.
Built on the new PPE platform shared with Porsche, the Q6 features an ultra-fast 800V charging architecture, allowing you to add hundreds of miles in the time it takes to grab a coffee. The interior features Audi’s new "Digital Stage" OLED display layout, although we’re not a fan of the huge bezels around the screen! Thankfully, though, there are high-quality materials throughout.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive represents the latest evolution of BMW's electric SUV lineup, now boasting a dual-motor configuration for significantly more punch than its predecessor. BMW has focused heavily on the driving experience, ensuring that even as a heavy SUV, it retains that signature "Ultimate Driving Machine" DNA with sharp steering and composed handling.
It also features a massive battery capacity that pushes its range toward the 500-mile mark in ideal conditions, and like the Audi, it utilises an 800V system for lightning-fast top-ups. The cabin features the all-new panoramic iVision display, which, while impressive, potentially offers a lot of information that isn’t that useful on a trip to the shops!
This group test isn't just about the numbers on a spec sheet; it’s about how these cars handle the real world. Mat will be putting all three through their paces, testing everything from their real-world efficiency and interior quality to their infotainment systems and rear-seat practicality. By the end of this deep dive, we’ll see if the Tesla can hold onto its crown or if the German giants have finally caught up to - and overtaken - the most popular electric SUV of recent years!
Chapters
00:00 Audi Q6 vs Tesla Model Y vs BMW iX3
00:12 Motor & 0-60 Performance Specs
00:34 EV Drag Race: Audi vs Tesla vs BMW
02:08 Rolling Race & Passing Power
03:33 60-0mph Emergency Brake Test
04:07 Range & 800V Charging Tech
04:38 BMW iX3 Exterior Design
05:05 Tesla Model Y Design
05:35 Audi Q6 Sportback Styling
06:01 Audi Interior & OLED Screens
06:25 Tesla Interior & Minimalist Tech
07:15 BMW iX3 Luxury Interior
08:27 Rear Seat Space & Comfort
10:16 Motorway Driving & Refinement
11:21 Country Road Handling Test
12:50 Boot Space & Practicality
16:17 Front Boot (Frunk) Comparison
17:31 UK Price & Value Analysis
18:03 Verdict: Which Electric SUV is Best?