Tesla Model S to be 7-seater

By Jack Rix

January 2011

The Tesla Model S has exploded onto the scene in Detroit, quite literally! A sculpture-like expanded view of the first engineering prototype took centre stage on Tesla's Detroit stand, revealing a number of secrets about the all-electric saloon.

Most surprising of all is that despite its curvaceous, low-slung five-door body style there will the option of two rear facing child seats in the back. We spoke with one of the firm's engineers to explain why: "Because this car has been designed from the outset as an electric car it allowed us to be clever with its packaging. The boot is much deeper than in a normal saloon, and there's extra storage space under the bonnet where an engine would normally be too." In fact it boasts almost twice as much loading space as a BMW 5-Series.

The lithium-ion battery pack, which is packed flat across the floor plan, actually forms part of the car's structure - adding to the chassis' rigidity. The Model S will be available with three different ranges too - 160, 230 or 300-miles. According to Tesla a charge from 10 to 90 per cent of the battery's full capacity will take as little as 45 minutes, using a special 480v supply which can be fitted at customer's homes.

Also breaking new ground will be the Model S's enormous 17-inch 3G connected infotainment touchscreen. It will allow control of the car's driving modes, climate control and vehicle information.

This new addition to Tesla's portfolio will move away from the Roadster's low-volume, high-price philosophy. The plan is to sell 20,000 examples of the Model S each year, built in Fremont California, and prices will start from a fraction under 50,000 US Dollars (£32,000) for the base model, when it goes on sale in mid 2012.

But Tesla isn't about to rest on its laurels. A spokesman for the brand revealed to us that a whole host of variants will be produced on the Model S's platform - and are already in the design stages. "We are exploring the possibility of a coupe, convertible and a crossover, but these won't arrive until 2013 at the earliest," he revealed.