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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Tesla Model S

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Overview

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2013 Tesla Model S Review

By Micah Muzio

Why don't people buy electric cars? Perhaps elevated vehicle costs, charging infrastructure challenges, stunted battery development, and limited driving range have something to do with it. The 2013 Model S electric sedan is Tesla Motors' attempt to tackle those issues head-on. Unlike the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus electric the Model S's structure was purpose-built with electrification in mind. This clean-slate approach allowed Tesla to create a sedan that handles well and accelerates like a theme park ride while providing surprisingly abundant passenger and luggage space. The Tesla Model S isn't just a better electric car – it is a radical reinterpretation of automotive fundamentals. Though recharge times remain an issue, the Model S is the first electric car to make a combustion-free future seem desirable.

You'll Like This Car If...

Sure, the Tesla Model S dazzles environmentalists and fans of energy independence, but the sleek sedan's appeal goes much deeper than that. Play with the slick 17-inch infotainment screen, fill the cavernous cargo areas with gear, or just floor the accelerator and, provided you have a pulse, we're guessing you'll be impressed.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Making the Tesla Model S your primary mode of transportation would be unwise, or at least inconvenient, if your living situation excludes the installation of a home-based charging station or you regularly partake in long distance travel.

How It Ranks

#1

out of 6

MPG

#5

out of 5

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.8 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Model S now has the ability to receive over the air software updates, providing buyers with new features and services as they become available.

Driving the Model S

2013 Tesla Model S Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The Tesla Model S is the antithesis of a boring electric car. Even in slowest form – the 60-kWh version – the Model S accelerates from standstill to 60-miles per...

hour in a mere 5.9 seconds. The pace quickens further in the 85-kWh model, peaking at a supercar-like 4.4 second 0-to-60 time in the raciest 85-kWh Performance model. Matching the thrill of seamless and instant electric thrust are agile handling enabled by the vehicle's low center of gravity and a quick steering ratio that is fun while also hindering stability at speed. Unlike some electric cars, the Model S cruises effortlessly at freeway speeds, easily overtaking slower traffic when the need arises. Lacking an engine, the cabin is oddly quiet when the vehicle is in motion, an initially strange but quickly appreciated trait.

Favorite Features

17-INCH INFOTAINMENT SCREEN
The Model S's standard 17-inch touch screen is remarkable and not just due to sheer size. The screen is easily reconfigurable, bright, vivid, intuitive, and reacts to taps, pinch and drag gestures with snappy immediacy. It is almost certainly the best in-vehicle infotainment system available.

REAR-FACING JUMP SEATS
Like wood-paneled wagons of yore, the Model S can be equipped with rear-facing jump seats that boost total seating capacity from five to seven. The smallish jump seats feature 5-point seatbelts and make fine supplemental seating for children eager to taunt whomever their parents have just passed.

2013 Tesla Model S Details

2013 Tesla Model S Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Absent a gasoline engine, the Tesla Model S boasts a staggering amount of cargo and passenger space. In addition to a sizable rear cargo area, the Model S's hood hides a supplemental front trunk, or "frunk" as Tesla calls it. Passenger accommodations are ample in the front seat, becoming progressively tighter as you move rearward. Headroom in the second row can be tight for taller passengers, and the optional rear-facing jump seats are sized for children only. Though some areas could be improved, material quality is generally good throughout the simple modern cabin.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard Model S features include 12-way-adjustable heated front seats, cloth/synthetic-leather upholstery, eight airbags, a 7-speaker 200-watt audio system that lacks a CD player but includes two USB inputs, and a 17-inch screen handling climate, entertainment and vehicle controls. Interestingly, the Model S also lacks any sort of "ignition" or start button – just buckle up with the key in your pocket, put your foot on the brake, pull the gear selector into drive, and the car is ready to go. Black or white exterior paint is offered free of charge but for any other color expect to pay extra.

Optional Equipment

If driving a vision of the future isn't interesting enough, consider indulging in options like a panoramic glass roof, Nappa leather, a 580-watt 12-speaker premium audio system, or a Tech Package that bundles features like HID headlights, navigation, a backup camera and a power rear liftgate. An active air suspension is offered as well, which adapts to current road conditions and allows the vehicle to raise itself to clear steep driveways or lower itself for improved aerodynamics at speed. Lastly, an optional wall connector allows for charging at home while a second on-vehicle charger helps shorten recharge times.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Model S lineup is defined by a battery hierarchy. The 60-kWh, 85-kWh and 85-kWh Performance models each offer increasing levels of driving range, power and performance. All versions feature rear-wheel drive and an 8-year battery warranty with varying mileage limitations. Tesla is also in the process of constructing a network of "Superchargers" strategically placed along heavily trafficked corridors, giving owners of 85-kWh and properly equipped 60-kWh Model S's the ability to quickly replenish their batteries to 50-percent charge in 30 minutes. By exponentially speeding recharge times Tesla's Supercharging network hopes to make pure-electric long-distance travel a reality.

60-kWh
302 horsepower @ 5,000-8,000 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 0-5,000 rpm
Range 230 miles @ 55 mph

85-kWh
362 horsepower @ 6,000-9,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 0-5,800 rpm
Range 300 miles @ 55 mph

85-kWh Performance
416 horsepower @ 5,000-8,600 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 05,100 rpm
Range 300 miles @ 55 mph

Pricing Notes

Taking into account a $990 destination fee, a $180 vehicle-preparation fee and a $7,500 federal tax credit, pricing for a 2013 Model S with a 60-kWh battery starts at about $63,570. The 85-kWh and 85-kWh Performance models are each about $10,000 pricier than version beneath them. Add all the options to a top-of-the-line Model S and the price tag lands around the $100,000 mark. Electric cars like the Ford Focus Electric, Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i are all much less expensive than the Tesla Model S but the performance, design and general appeal of the Tesla do plenty to justify its elevated costs. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for the most up-to-date pricing of the 2013 Tesla Model S in your area. Due to low production volumes Kelley Blue Book doesn't yet track the residual values of the Model S, though it is worth noting that limited availability tends to drive higher resale numbers.

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2013 Tesla Model S Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.8

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.9/10
Comfort

9.7/10

Styling

10.0/10

Awesome car

By JB (NJ) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Efficiency, touch controls and a joy to drive"

Cons: "Too few cup holders, missing a couple features"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've driven lots of nice cars, from BMW's to Porsche's, and my Model S is the best car I've ever owned or driven. To be able to combine the performance of an exceptional sports car with comfort of a luxury car AND the efficiency better than any hybrid is what I find to be most remarkable. Range is the biggest compromise, but my range so far has been close to rated (200+ miles on regular charge with the 85kw battery and limited use of climate control), which is fine for me 95% of the time (will swap with my wife's car for longer trips where I don't want to worry about it). Also, love the touch screen center stack...definitely ahead of its time and it works great. The car has a feel of quality. Yes, it's missing some features (parking sensors, blind spot monitor, etc), but the sum of the car more than makes up for the lack of a couple missing options. I have also had a couple minor hiccups -- defective 3G antenna needed to be replaced and waiting on a fix to the tire pressure warning that keeps popping up, but overall, I love the car. Best advise for anyone doubting the performance or otherwise on the fence is to drive the car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love it!

By Vegas Guy (NV) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Economical, fast and a blast to drive!"

Cons: "seating is stiff"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car. Have had it for only two weeks, but it has been great. Charging with the High Powered Wall Charger is easy, Nevada Power gives a special low cut rate, so it is cheap! Very quite when on the freeway, very powerful, easily overtakes traffic. I own a 12 cylinder Mercedes-Benz AMG, and the pick up on this car is just as exciting! I can't wait to try to make it to Southern CA., have already checked out the Barstow Tesla Supercharger station and have had a 240V outlet installed at our home in Huntington Beach."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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MAKES ME HATE DRIVING MY OTHER GASOLINE CARS

By Navy Sailor (CA) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fast, Quiet, Solid, Beautiful"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my Model S for 3 months now and I've also owned 2 Hondas, 1 BMW, 2 Fords, 1 Jag, 2 Chevy's, 1 Pontiac, 2 Cadillacs, and 3 Chryslers. I was nervous when I bought a Tesla because many things about the car are revolutionary, but my Tesla Model S is BY FAR the best car I've ever owned. I have yet to get f/b from another owner that wasn't effusive. No oil changes. No smog checks. No transmission or transmission problems. I hardly ever use brakes because they're regenerative . . . so no brake jobs. There are plugs everywhere so I hardly ever charge at home. So I'm driving FOR FREE. It's extremely solid, well-built, whisper quiet and I can beat pretty much any car from a stop. The torque and acceleration will blow your mind!"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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I love my tesla model S performance

By DarrenG (CO) on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 350

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Amazing to drivel, never stopping at a gas station"

Cons: "No parking sensors and touchscreen gets filthy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love my car, I admit their are a few features I miss that I had on other cars I have owned that are not included in the Tesla, but the pros do the car make up for it."

16 people out of 19 found this review helpful

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I love my Tesla S

By sunnysailor (IL) on Saturday, January 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just got my Tesla S and I love it. It is stylish, really fast, and quiet. It has amazing torque. You just plug it in at night and drive the next day."

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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Most innovative vehicle in history

By DVclifford (FL) on Friday, January 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,350

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Thrift, safety, comfort, style, innovation, web"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the sleekest, quietest, fastest, safest, most reliable most economical vehicle I have ever driven. The ride puts my Lexus to shame. The handling is absolutely perfect. Absolutely hugs the road with low CG. Air suspension, 21"wheels, more storage room than an SUV because there is no engine, radiator, transmission, fuel tank, exhaust pipe, muffler, catalytic convertor, etc. Rated equivalent 89MPG. My 1350 miles used 450 KWh of electricity at 9.8 cents per KWh. My Lexus RX400h hybrid would go 300 miles on that same $45 worth of gasolene."

15 people out of 17 found this review helpful

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