Pros: Head-turning looks; surprisingly robust acceleration; low per-mile operating costs
Cons: Steep pricing; limited availability; unknown long-term reliability
CG Says: Tesla hasn’t released official information on the 2014 Model S, but it’s unlikely that the car will change much from the 2013 version. The Tesla Model S is an all-electric 4-door sedan with room for a total of 7 passengers (5 adults in the first two seating rows and two children in optional jump seats in the cargo area). The Tesla Model S uses electric motors hooked to the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. An electric car doesn’t suit everyone–especially when it starts at about $65,000–but the Model S is an impressive effort. It’s plenty roomy for four adults, the interior is well thought out, ride and handling are exceptional, and performance is terrific (especially in the top-line Performance model). Furthermore, its “fuel” costs are far lower than in any comparable gas vehicle, and the EPA-estimated range is 208 to 265 miles–by far the longest of any electric car. However, use all that range and recharge times can get long unless you’re at one of Tesla’s Supercharger stations, which cuts the times considerably and is free to owners.
