Tesla Model S is Finally Ready for Its Close-up

The Tesla Model S has been a long time coming. Rumors surrounding the battery-powered electric sedan began swirling in 2008. Now, some three years later, there are sightings and drive reports. Is it all it's cracked up to be?

240 Miles per Charge!

Road and Track wowed Tesla Motors fans with the announcement that the company was moving from San Carlos to San Jose and break ground for a facility that would produce its newest product: the Model S. It would be a four-door luxury sedan seating five adults. Traveling 240 miles per single charge -- and going zero to 60 in less than six seconds -- it was to be a sporty zero-emission vehicle. The base price was rumored to be approximately $60,000.

Do I hear 300?

Tesla Motors may have taken a long time to develop its Model S, but the results are respectable. Unveiling the final version, performance stats are surpassing even the rumors. Going from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 5.6 seconds, the zero-emission sedan drives up to 300 miles per charge on a specialized battery -- even though a 160-mile battery will be the standard model.

After applying a $7,500 federal tax credit, the car is even affordable: $49,900 is the cost of the base model. (The automaker claims that -- compared to the BMW 535i -- fuel savings will constitute $8,000 over a five-year span.) Four USB ports and 36.8 cubic feet of storage space make this vehicle family friendly and good for hauling sports equipment as well as baby paraphernalia.

How does it drive?

For the skinny on drivability, Green Car Reports took the ride in the 2012 beta version. The rear wheel drive ride is said to be quiet, spacious and luxurious. In this manner, it presents serious competition to the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class. Google Maps powers the GPS. Even though Tesla did provide the actual driver, the passengers noted that there was no jerkiness in acceleration and deceleration. Even with the standard 160-mile range, the price tag and luxury are definite pluses for an electric vehicle that might make an impact on the downtown driver.

How to buy the Tesla Model S

Standard Model S features include a choice between 19-inch and 21-inch wheels; a black, body-color or panoramic roof as well as solid or metallic paints. If you want to upgrade and are not afraid to pay extra, opt for the battery that gives you a 230-mile or even 300-mile range. Cost increases are $10,000 and $20,000 respectively. Reserve your Model S by paying a $5,000 refundable deposit; a Model S Signature series vehicle calls for $40,000.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the middle of 2012; only about 20,000 units are expected to roll out of the factory in each year. For the inaugural 2012 edition, only 5,000 vehicles will be manufactured.

Sources

Road and Track: "Tesla Builds a 4-Door - New and Future Cars"

Tesla Motors: "Model S"

Green Car Reports: "2012 Tesla Model S - First Ride Report"