2013 Tesla Model S details,price

2013 Tesla Model S

The Model S sports a sleek but conventional look with a coupe-like roofline similar to that of the Jaguar XF. 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.

Tesla’s advanced electric powertrain delivers exhilarating performance. Unlike the internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving pieces that spark, pump, belch, and groan, the Tesla motor has only one moving piece: the rotor. As a result, Model S acceleration is instantaneous, like flipping a switch. Hit the accelerator. In 5.4 seconds, Model S is traveling 60 miles per hour, without hesitation and without a drop of gasoline.

Model S comes from an electric motor powered a lithium-ion battery pack, routed through a single speed transmission. Two electric motors with different power levels are available as well as two battery sizes with different ranges. The base electric motor produces 362 hp at 6000 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 0 rpm, while the more powerful motor produces 416 hp at 5000 rpm and 443 lb-ft at 0 rpm. The 65 kW-hr battery earns an EPA rated 94/97 mpge city/highway and an estimated range of 208 miles, while the 85 kW-hr battery is rated 88/90 mpge and with an estimated range of 265 miles.

Tesla calls the 2013 Model S a sedan, but it's really more of a hatchback, marked by a wide rear hatch that leads to a spacious cargo area. However it's classified, we think that Tesla has crafted a handsome, restrained shape made all the more appealing by its impressively slick 0.24 drag co-efficient. Adding to the wind-cheating design are retractable door handles that automatically emerge when the key is nearby. Ride quality is generally good, even with the optional 21-inch performance tire and wheel package, but if ride comfort were our top priority we'd probably stick with the standard 19-inch wheels.

The styling of the Model S is sleek and low. Unusually for a midsize luxury sedan, the car is actually a five-door hatchback. Because the battery pack is contained entirely within a floorpan that is just a few inches tall, the designers had unusual freedom to allocate space inside the car. This means the Model S can offer an optional pair of rear-facing seats for a sixth and seventh passenger, though they are only child-sized and fitted with four point safety restraints that at least some kids may find overly confining.

The 2013 Tesla Model S comes with a backup camera, dual-zone automatic climate control and a seven-speaker stereo with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and two USB ports. Optional features include a panoramic moonroof, an upgraded stereo and a tech package that includes a power liftgate, automatic keyless entry, navigation and a high-definition backup camera.

S comes equipped a plethora of safety features including 8 airbags, stability control, traction control and tire pressure monitoring.

With a base price of $58,570 (before a federal tax credit of $7500), the 40-kW-hr Model S is competitive with entry-level Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. A loaded 85-kW-hr Signature Performance series, like the $106,900 (before tax credit) car Tesla founder Elon Musk drives, is priced right on BMW M5 and the Mercedes CLS63 AMG cars of similar performance.