In a world dominated by huge automobile manufacturers, it’s hard to believe any brand can now come into the current market and offer something that will not only attract buyers but turn a little-known company into a household name. When Tesla first appeared on the scene (then known as Tesla Motors, Inc.), it was hard to believe that they might have any lasting impact with their futuristic ideas. However, looking back now, it’s easy to see that Tesla came about at a time when everyone in the world was aiming for something a bit different when it came to cars and car manufacturing. Electric and hybrid vehicles were on the rise, and Tesla slipped right into the mainstream of this growing hype. However, it clearly hasn’t just been hype.
Initially, Tesla was only to be a car manufacturer. Still, since its inception, the company has evolved into many different facets of technology, including automotive, batteries, chargers, and clean energy solutions. The average person will mainly know them for their vehicles. Starting with the Tesla Roadster in 2008 (which was discontinued in 2012), the full car lineup now includes the Model S, Model 3, and Model X, with the Model Y and all-new Roadster available for pre-purchase and reservations.
The Lineup
If you don’t know much about Tesla, then just know that, at the moment, they are a premium car brand. Meaning, in general, their cars cost quite a bit more than any of your standard makes and models out there. However, you should also know that a premium brand comes with some premium features. For instance, all Tesla vehicles are all-electric and feature some real “get-up-and-go” power that has become a hallmark for the company. The style is also quite unique with each vehicle, quite often prompting a second or third glance when you see one on the road.
Additionally, one of the biggest features of a Tesla is having the option to add on the Full Self-Driving Capability. Autopilot is already included on all Tesla models, which enables the car to automatically steer, accelerate, and brake for other vehicles and pedestrians. The Full Self-Driving Capability, though, allows for navigating on Autopilot, auto lane changing, auto park, and summoning your vehicle. Additional features to be added include recognizing and responding to traffic lights and stop signs and automatic driving on city streets — very futuristic stuff.
Model S
The Model S started production in 2012 and is still being produced. It is an all-electric sedan (five-door) vehicle that has won numerous awards, including multiple Car of the Year awards. It also set a distance record (for production electric cars) in 2017 by traveling 670 miles on a single charge. This is quite a feat considering the standard Long Range model of the Model S has a 373 mile estimated range.
All Model S vehicles come with Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, adaptive air suspension, premium interior, and sound. The Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive means there are two independent motors that will digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels, which will help significantly if your car were ever to be in a situation where it might get stuck. Additionally, the Model S comes in two trim levels, the Long Range and the Performance.
Model S: Long Range Trim
The Long Range starts out at $79,990. If you weren’t sure Tesla sold premium cars, you could be assured that this price tag verifies it. According to the Tesla website, the Model S Long Range purchase price would be $72,615 after potential savings, which include potential incentives (for electric vehicles) and gas savings.
The Long Range has an EPA estimated range of 373 miles, a top speed of 155 miles per hour, and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. The closest competition might be the Porsche Taycan 4S, which is slated to hit dealerships in Spring 2020. Although an EPA estimated range hasn’t yet been released at the time of writing, the Taycan 4S will also have a top speed of 155 miles per hour and a slightly slower 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. However, the starting MSRP is $103,800, which would put this more in the price range of the Model S Performance.
Model S: Performance Trim
The Performance starts out at $99,990, or $92,615 with potential savings. The Performance has an EPA estimated range of 348 miles, a top speed of 163 miles per hour, and a 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds. Based on those factors alone, it seems like the Model S Performance outperforms the Porsche Taycan 4S, but, of course, there are always other factors to consider. Maybe the Taycan 4S will have double the EPA estimated range of the Model S Performance? It must have something, other than the Porsche name, to have worse performance and still cost more.
Model 3
The Model 3 is Tesla’s answer for the Model S being a bit too pricey for the average person. However, it’s still in the range of a pricier sedan or a normal, larger SUV. The three trims available are the Standard Range Plus ($39,490), Long Range ($47,990), and Performance ($56,990). As per the norm, the Model 3 is all-electric.
The Standard Range Plus has a 250-mile range, 140 miles per hour top speed, and a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. The Long Range has a 310-mile range, 145 miles per hour top speed, and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. The Performance has a 310-mile range, 162 miles per hour top speed, and a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds.
All interiors include of these trims include a tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection; auto-dimming, power-folding, heated side mirrors; music and media with Bluetooth connectivity; and
and custom driver profiles.
The Standard Range Plus only has a Partial Premium Interior, which includes12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, premium seat material and trim, upgraded audio – immersive sound, a center console with storage, 4 USB ports, and docking for two smartphones.
The full Premium Interior (on the Long Range and Performance) has additional features, including a 12-way power-adjustable front and rear heated seats, premium audio, premium connectivity (1-year), LED fog lamps, and interior floor mats.
The Standard Range Plus comes in Rear-Wheel Drive while the Long Range and Performance both come in Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive.
Model X
The Model X is Tesla’s first SUV and is, of course, all-electric. You can find it in two trims, which by now you may have guessed, the Long Range ($84,990) and Performance ($104,990).
The Long Range has an EPA estimated range of 328 miles, 155 miles per hour top speed, and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. The Performance has an EPA estimated range of 305 miles, 163 miles per hour top speed, and 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds. The Performance also includes additional features such as Ludicrous Mode and enhanced interior styling.
Both the Long Range and Performance include premium interiors and self-presenting and closing front doors. They also both have Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. While both come standard as 5-seaters, you have the option to make them a 6-seater ($6,500) or 7-seater ($3,500).
These are just Tesla’s current models; only time will tell what the Model Y and Roadster will bring us.
