Most pure electric cars on sale in the UK right now are supermini-sized or smaller, but the new Tesla Model S targets the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. So can an EV be a luxurious, desirable and good-to-drive executive car?
Tesla claims it has eliminated range anxiety to a large degree, offering a staggering 300-mile range in the flagship Model S – more than three times that of the Nissan Leaf (the entry-level model will take you 160 miles).
While UK charging details have not been confirmed, US versions need 8.5 hours to fully charge their lithium-ion battery pack, which sends power to a 416bhp direct-drive electric motor.
Equally impressive for this range-topper is the car’s 4.4-second 0-60mph time – the same as the BMW M5’s and only a tenth shy of the Mercedes E63 AMG’s.
The Model S is longer and wider than its rivals, but it rides lower to improve aerodynamics, which in turn boosts its range.
Inside, wood grain, chrome and silver detailing surrounds clear instruments that display the car’s speed, remaining range and how much energy is being regenerated by the car’s brakes. Overall quality is good, but it’s not quite up to BMW standards.
What does set new standards, though, is the stunning internet-equipped 17-inch screen (the largest one ever fitted in a production car). It performs the majority of dash functions, so the only physical switches in the Model S are the window controls, column stalks and steering wheel buttons.
Select D, push the pedal and acceleration is immense thanks to 600Nm of torque. Backed by a surreal hum, it’s an oddly calm experience as the Model S quietly storms to its 130mph top speed on the Autobahn. The chassis remains stable under braking and acceleration, while the air-suspension rides comfortably.
The Model S handles well, but the seats need better bolstering – you’ll slide out of them long before you reach the limit of grip.
The electric drivetrain offers clear advantages inside: the boot is huge and there’s also room under the bonnet. Total luggage space is 744 litres – a substantial 204 litres more than the E-Class. You can also fold the rear seats down, expanding capacity to 1,845 litres.
There’s excellent rear passenger room, too: a flat floor means the middle rear seat is the most comfortable, as headroom is a little limited on either side.
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"Overall quality is good, but it’s not quite up to BMW standards." Could you give some details consering this? Or is it just your subjective meaning?
bernob,
The overall perception of quality isn't quite as good as it is in a BMW 5 Series. When you close the door, for example, it's not quite as solid and there's a little more creaking in the cabin. The Model S is still good quality, but the leather doesn't feel as high a standard and it doesn't feel as robust as its German rivals overall.
There is always the feeling that when it comes to electric cars we do not get the full truth. Why is for example the top speed limited to 130mph? For a car with >400 it should bemuch higher. What would be the range If one cruises on the autobahn with 120mph,? Fifty miles?
Because that's as fast as the motor will turn (remember it only has 1 fixed gear), which if I remember right is about 14,000 rpm. Speed is controlled via frequency applied to the motor as opposed to having to work with a limited power band run through various stages of gearing. Most cars tend to plummet in terms of economy at speeds over 100
A 5-Series rival 3x the price of one!? Sell 'em at £35k then we'll talk electric.
I have driven a Model S and the car was so quiet that I would have heard if there was any "creaking in the cabin" and independent testing shows it to be quieter inside the cabin than a BMW. Any BMW
peterw, I'm not talking in terms of NVH, but more in the realm of fit and finish; the way the door trims are finished; the leather not being as nice a quality etc. Of course it's quieter than any internal-combustion-powered car, but it doesn't have as high a quality feel, nor do the doors shut with such solid conviction. The Model S isn't poor inside by any means, the perception of quality just isn't as good as its German rivals.
1) Actually, the article states: "the new Tesla Model S targets the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6"And I'm sure you're aware that all three of these start from around £30k.
The article's charging accusation is bonkers. A 70amp AC charger does 1mile per minute so 60miles of charge in an hour. The DC Supercharger network TESLA is building will give 180miles of charge in 40minutes.
Also the article does not mention the mid level version with a 60kWh pack that has an EPA rating of 208miles with better possible given a smart driver.