2012 & 2013 Tesla Sedan Reviews & Ratings

Named after the noted Serbian physicist, Nikola Tesla, Tesla Motors specialises in producing electric cars. Tesla's first commercial model, the Roadster, began production in 2006 and was a hit with consumers who wanted a sporty, stylish yet environmentally conscious set of wheels. Telsa's sedan model, the Tesla Model S, is also electric, therefore unlike any other sedan car in the world. It is built to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and the Audi 5, but what sets it apart ... (full review continues below)

Named after the noted Serbian physicist, Nikola Tesla, Tesla Motors specialises in producing electric cars. Tesla's first commercial model, the Roadster, began production in 2006 and was a hit with consumers who wanted a sporty, stylish yet environmentally conscious set of wheels. Telsa's sedan model, the Tesla Model S, is also electric, therefore unlike any other sedan car in the world. It is built to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and the Audi 5, but what sets it apart from its rivals is that it is powered by battery, rather than by gasoline.

The Tesla Model S is a very new car - so much so that the first orders will not be delivered until mid-2012. Many aspects of its performance can only be speculated on at the time of writing. However, it is known that the Model S Tesla sedan is a large car, and can seat up to five adults and two children in rear-facing child seat. The fact that the Model S is an electric car, as well as features like a touch-sensitive dashboard and wifi access, means that it also has appeal to gadget-loving executives as well as trendy families. It is intended to have a range of uses, including commuting, weekend breaks and more. As electric cars are becoming more commonplace, this Telsa sedan will only get easier to recharge and maintain.

Tesla will release four types of the Model S, with three differing battery sizes of 260, 370 and 480km ranges. These will cost $57,400, $67,400 and 77,400 dollars respectively. A limited edition "Signature Series" will have a 480km range and enhanced features, and will cost something in the region of $85,000. If these models are appealing but way out of your budget, then don't be too disheartened - sales revenues from the first models will be ploughed back into developing cars for eco-conscious consumers on a smaller budget. Some jurisdictions also award incentives to customers who buy electrical cars - if you are intending to buy a Tesla sedan, check regulations where you live, to see if you can offset any of the cost against tax.

Proud, eco conscious owners will find that the Model S will take longer to top up than traditional cars - between 3 and 5 hours to charge up the battery of a Tesla sedan. However, Tesla intend to market battery packs to enhance the car's range, and the batteries are intended to be easy to swap, so it should be feasible to have a spare charged up and ready to go for when your existing battery runs out of juice.

The Tesla sedan will be launched into a crowded marketplace. BMW, Rover, Volkswagen and many other manufacturers produce models aimed at the same or similar consumer groups, and so the Model S will have a fight on its hands to gain market share. Tesla are also collaborating with Toyota and Daimler to produce other electric cars.

The Model S is unique in that it's the first of its kind - and the future looks electric.