In the past, forgoing fossil fuels generally meant commuting in the far-right lane of style. Hybrid and electric cars of old played the economy game well, but as a group they lacked the luxury and performance buzz of their combustion cousins. In 2003, ultra-entrepreneur Elon Musk founded Tesla Motors and charged the company to create an all-electric luxury vehicle. A dozen years later, the Tesla Model S is the ultimate blend of high-tech and high style.
With zero gas, zero emissions and a zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds, the Tesla Model S has performance worthy of elite status. The rear wheel drive electric powertrain comes in either 65kWh or 85kWh lithium-ion battery capacities. Both batteries power an electric motor, which delivers 380 horsepower and top speeds in excess of 100mph. Most importantly, the larger battery increases the car's range to 285 miles per “tank” when driving an average of 65 mph. For those who want it all, the Model S P85D Performance has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive that delivers an astonishing 691 horses and clocks in with a zero to 60 time of 3.2 seconds—a full 2.2 seconds faster than its rear wheel drive brother. However, this level of performance comes with a price—$104,500 to be exact.
Sophisticated LED lighting and an enormous 17" touchscreen infotainment and vehicle control center transmits the technology under the hood and into the cabin where plush Nappa leather seats converge with your choice of premium Obeche woods or carbon fiber accents. Tech laden and flashy, this sporty sedan also has a safe side. The Model S has a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants, the sedan, which has eight airbags, exceeded the safety score of all SUVs and minivans in independent testing. Most impressively, the Model S comes standard with a forward-looking camera, and 360-degrees of ultrasonic sensors to keep track of road in every possible direction. The sensors can respond to real world conditions, warn of potential hazards and even get you in that parking spot—automatically.
The Tesla Model S delivers the promise of a bright, fuel-free future that includes all the spoils of luxury and performance.