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2018 Model S

These days, it seems that nearly every automaker touts its latest model as a "game-changer," but Tesla's all-electric Model S luxury sedan may be one of the rare instances where such a claim is completely justified.


What sets the Model S apart from every other electric car on the market is that it matches or betters its gas-powered rivals in terms of performance, technology and value while requiring little compromise in terms of driving range. In addition to a spacious and forward-thinking interior, the Model S can sprint from zero-to-60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds and travel up to 335 miles on a single battery charge. And it accomplishes those feats while costing no more than a comparable fossil fuel-powered premium sedan.

Unlike most of the somewhat dowdily-styled EVs on the road today, the Model S sports a sleek but conventional look with a coupe-like roofline similar to that of the . Short front and rear overhangs not only give the Model S a clean, sporting look, but also allow for the maximum interior volume. Large 19 or 21-inch wheels sit at all four corners, giving the Model S a truly planted appearance.

Life aboard

Step inside the Model S for the first time and you might spend a few minutes searching for a non-existent ignition button - the sedan actually turns automatically on as soon as the driver sits down. The dashboard is dominated by a 17-inch touchscreen display - the largest on the market - that apes the look and feel of an iPad. It controls everything from the navigation system to the HVAC system to the stereo, while also offering internet search capability (the car comes equipped with 3G wireless internet).

The highly customizable system can display two functions at once (navigation and internet browsing, for example) and features numerous clever touches - to open the optional panoramic sunroof, for instance, simply summon an overhead image of the car and drag the roof as far open as desired.

In other respects, such as the stitched-leather dash, soft-touch material and high-quality furnishings (the gear shifter is even sourced from the ), the Model S' cabin is everything one would expect from a luxury sedan. In keeping with the Model S' green theme, Tesla offers chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on the interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.

Thanks to its practical hatchback configuration, the Model S offers a surprising amount of cargo space: a crossover-like 26.3 cubic feet is available behind the rear seats, while a full 58.1 cubes can be unlocked by folding the rear seats down. Additionally, there's a small frunk (front trunk) - the electric powertrain takes up less underhood space than a conventional engine - that serves up an extra 5.3 cubic inches for small items.

Should people-carrying be a priority, the Model S offers buyers the option of a pair of rear-facing jump seats (similar to the units found in stations wagons of a bygone era) to bring seating capacity up seven.

Electrifying performance

Where the Model S really shines is in its performance. Buyers can choose from three models called 75D, 100D, and P100D, respectively. Each one comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive.

The entry-level 75-kWh model hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and can drive for up to 259 miles on a single charge. Note real-world range will vary greatly depending factors such as on your driving style, how much weight you're carrying, and the exterior temperature, among others.

The 100D is the range champion of the lineup. With a 100-kWh battery pack, it drives for up to 335 miles between charges. It takes just 4.1 seconds to hit 60 mph.

Finally, the hot-rodded P100D boasts Tesla's vaunted Ludicrous Mode. Engaged, the performance mode lowers to S' zero-to-60 time to just 2.5 seconds, a figure that makes it one of the fastest cars on the planet regardless of drivetrain or body style. The additional performance limits the 100D's range to 315.

Regardless of its capacity, the battery pack can be topped up using a 240-volt outlet, or an optional High Power Home Charging System.

Supercharger network

Notably, Tesla is building a nationwide network of "Supercharger” fast charging stations that can replenish about 170 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes, thereby enabling worry-free long-distance travel -- provided your route includes supercharger stations along the way. For now, the stations are largely concentrated along the east and west coasts, Texas and key Midwest regions, but Tesla hopes to add new units throughout the country over the next decade.

Unlimited use of the Supercharger network remains free for Model S buyers if they have a referral code.

Standard and optional features

Every Model S comes standard with a digital instrument cluster, a 17-inch touch screen, navigation, Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, keyless entry, Xenon headlights, one-touch power windows, a panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, voice commands, Bluetooth connectivity, power-folding heated mirrors, a 12-volt power outlet, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, daytime running lights, a lane departure warning system, and parking sensors on both ends.

The list of standalone options includes front and rear parking sensors, LED fog lights, a 12-speaker premium sound system, ambient LED interior lighting, rear facing 3rd-row seats, and an Alcantara headliner.

Tesla's Autopilot technology is offered at an extra cost. It's a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids that help the driver keep the car in its lane and at a steady speed. Autopilot-equipped Tesla models can also change lanes and take off-ramps.

Occupant Safety

The Model S sedans comes standard with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Key competitors

As an all-electric luxury sedan with ample range and performance that rivals or surpass conventionally-powered models, the Model S has no true rivals.

Other EVs, such as the and , are in a different league due their lower price, smaller size, more modest range and lack of luxury content. Comparable gas models include the and the .