2012 Tesla Model S vs. Its Competition
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There's no other car exactly like the 2012 Tesla Model S on the market.
The Fisker Karma might seem to be closest, but it's not all-electric, is the least efficient plug-in sold, and sacrifices interior and trunk space for swoopy styling--plus it has had worrisome quality flaws.
The Chevy Volt is less expensive than the Model S and offers far less room, but appeals to the same early adopters and technology fans.
We have to throw in the Nissan Leaf, because it's the only high-volume battery electric on sale, but it's a compact, utilitarian vehicle with only 73 miles of EPA range--and has none of the Tesla's glamor factor.
That leaves two five-door hatchback models from German luxury makers, the BMW 5-Series GT and the Audi A7.
Both are low-volume offshoots of much better-selling sedans, but they're the closest in functionality and luxury to the Tesla.
Both have far more standard and optional equipment, but they also have gasoline engines and no plugs, which for many buyer will eliminate them immediately.
 2012 Tesla Model SGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Audi A7Get FREE Price Quote |  2013 BMW 5-SeriesGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Chevrolet VoltGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Nissan LeafGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Fisker KarmaGet FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2012 Tesla Model S sedan turns out to be a much better car than most expected; it just might meld sport-sedan driving, interior space, and comfort with zero-emission running in one revolutionary package. | The 2013 Audi A7 and S7 are design standouts, refined performers, and more exciting, practical alternatives to sedans. | The 2013 BMW 5-Series packs in the advanced technology and fuel-efficient powertrains, yet it manages to keep true to its sport-sedan mission. | If you can afford it, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is one of only a handful of plug-in hybrids on the market, and among the best. | The 2013 is the greenest car you can buy--if you can live with between 70 and 100 miles of driving range on a full battery charge. | The 2012 Fisker Karma is a curious and unique beast, a stylish, luxurious, and pricey sedan with 32 miles of electric range, low gasoline efficiency, and a tiny interior and trunk |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $57,400 | $60,100 | $47,800 | $39,145 | $28,800 | $102,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 35 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | |||
| Engine | |||||
| Electric | Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Electric | Gas/Electric I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| NA | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size | Compact Cars | Midsize | Subcompact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4dr Sedan | 4dr HB quattro 3.0 Premium | 4dr Sedan 528i RWD | 5dr HB | 4dr HB S | 4dr Sedan EcoStandard |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | N/A | 4 |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | 4 Door Hatchback | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| NA | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
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