2013 Tesla Model S Electric

The 2013 Tesla Model is offered in two trim options, the base Model S and the higher-performing, Model S Performance. The main difference is in the performance itself as the base model has a 60kWh battery pack which is upgraded to an 85kWh unit in the Performance model. The Model S can also be opted with the 85kWh battery pack without choosing for the Performance trim and that model will be higher powered than the base model but weaker than the Performance trim. The following table shows the important features and prices of the Tesla Model S trims-

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The 201 Tesla Model S Performance is what we would suggest, despite the drastic price difference. Because the Performance model as the name suggests is much more powerful and therefore much faster than the base model. And also by having a higher capacity battery pack, it delivers more rage also. All of this makes the Performance trim the best option.

All models of the Tesla Model S are powered by a water-cooled single electric motor mated to a 1-speed direct-drive transmission. In the Performance trim, this powertrain combination produces a strong 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of maximum power and torque. The battery pack that powers the Model S is a 60kWh Lithium-Ion module in the base trim while the Performance model gets a larger 85 kWh battery. 

All of the torque is available at the moment the car is turned on and this means that the Model S, especially the Performance model accelerates phenomenally. The car takes just 4.4 seconds to gain a speed of 60mph and crosses the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 130mph. The Model S is a mind-blowing performer in terms of raw power output as well as acceleration. 

The Model S smokes the Panamera in terms of power output as well as speed. There is a significant difference in the 0 to 60 as well as quarter-mile times. The Porsche however, can reach a significantly higher top speed compared to the Tesla limited at 130mph. The Tesla Model S definitely wins the numbers game. The Porsche is also an impressive competitor, but these machines are of different breeds and also perform differently.

The Model S being an electric-powered car would surely be the more cost-efficient option. The higher capacity battery models can travel up to 265 miles with a full charge, while the lower capacity models have a range of 139 miles. The mpg figures are calculated to be 88 miles in the city, 90 on the highway, and a combined efficiency of 89 mpg. Recharging takes around 7-hours for the lower capacity battery and around 8 hours for the larger battery pack from a 240v home charger while the Tesla supercharger network can top up the Model S to travel around 200 miles with an hour of recharging. 

A direct comparison comparing the efficiency of these machines is not possible as one of them is fully electric and the other one is a hybrid. The Tesla is obviously the cos-efficient option while the Porsche has a much higher range. However, it is expected that in the future, electric powertrains would evolve drastically and would come with a higher range and much faster charging ability.

The interior of the Tesla Model S is not at all flashy or super-luxurious compared to other cars offered at that price, and that price is certainly very high. Tesla, however, has tried to keep it as simple as possible by not including many flashy, chrome-covered parts or anything that stands out much except for the huge infotainment screen. Overall the interior is simple and nice-looking.

The interior of the Model S is spacious and both rows offer a lot of legroom. The seats are covered in leather and offer great support and comfort. The Model S is also offered with a third row which is not the best option as the third row is cramped. The cargo capacity offered is 31.6 cu-ft which is a lot and plenty enough for all the luggage you intend to carry with you. 

The Model S is the more spacious option, but the Panamera Hybrid is definitely the more luxurious option. The Model S has a great cabin while the interior of the Panamera is a wonder to look at and feel. The overall quality and the features present as standard as well as available options are all better inside the Porsche. The following are some of the most important interior features of the 2013 Model S- 

• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Cloth/Premium Vinyl Upholstery
• Heated Eight-way Power Front Seats (With Four-way Power Lumbar)
• 60/40-split-folding Rear Seats
• Power Tilt-and-telescoping Steering Wheel

How intuitive is the 2013 Tesla Model S’s infotainment unit?

The 2013 Tesla Model S features a huge 17-inch central touchscreen unit. This infotainment screen acts as the central control unit of the basic as well as advanced functions of the Model S. The touchscreen unit is intuitive, easy to use as well as one of the best in the market today. A standard audio system is a 7-speaker unit that could further be upgraded to a 12-speaker surround sound system. The following are some of the most important infotainment features inside the Model S-

• 17-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, 
• Seven-speaker sound system with dual USB ports 
• HD radio
• Cellular connection
• Internet radio 
• WiFi connectivity

The 2013 Tesla Model S looks beautiful and upmarket from the outside. Especially in a metallic grey shade, it looks both fast and luxurious. The design language is one that enhances the aerodynamics of the whole machine while making the car look sleek and fluidic. The front end features a blacked-out grille accompanied by smooth and sleek headlamps which make the front-end look elegant. 

The wheels are 19-inches in size as standard while there is an option to upgrade to larger 21-inch wheels as an option. Ground clearance offered in the Model S is of 6.0-inches which is practical and can take on most of the bumps and humps in the urban jungle. The Model S is a superb-looking machine with a simple design language which makes it look expensive and sporty.

The 2013 Tesla Model, as well as the Panamera Hybrid, are both beautiful-looking machines. The Tesla is the longer, wider and heavier one while the Panamera is overall smaller. The Tesla has a higher weight due to the battery pack which is super-heavy. But the Tesla manages to keep the handling and performance on the higher side by effective structural management and impressive power output. The following are some of the most important exterior features of the 2013 Tesla Model S- 

• 19-inch wheels 
• Available 21-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Blacked-out front grille
• LED headlamps

The 2013 Tesla Model S is one of the safest cars, not just in the segment but also in the world as of now. NHTSA has awarded the Model S with an overall safety rating of 5-stars and the same rating in all individual tests which translates to the Model S being a super safe machine. This Tesla, however, lacks some driver assistance features including lane departure warning of adaptive cruise control. The following are some of the important safety features of the 2013 Tesla Model S-

• Traction control
• Electronic Stability Control
• ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The 2013 Tesla Model S is the sole competitor in a segment that resides on its own. The Model S comes with a superbly powerful and efficient electric powertrain and a network of superchargers that offers what their name clearly depicts. It is also a super-safe machine that ensures the safety of all the occupants at all times. However, it;s reliability is questionable and it could be more luxurious for the price paid. Overall, if you need a mind blowingly fast electric luxury sedan, the Model S is your only available choice as of now.