
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
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 2012 Audi A7 is a tech powerhouse and design standout, showing that hatchback practicality can indeed be sexy. |
The 2012 BMW 5-Series appears somewhat conservative on the outside, but it packs an armada of advanced-tech firepower, and new fuel-efficient engines, without interrupting its sport-sedan mission. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the plug-in electric car you drive as far as you want--if you can find one to buy. |
The 2012 Nissan Leaf is, quite simply, the first battery electric vehicle built in volume by any major carmaker; if you can get comfortable with its range of 70 to 100 miles, it's the greenest car you can buy. |
MSRP From | ||||
$57,400 | $59,250 | $46,900 | $39,145 | $35,200 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 35 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | ||
Engine | ||||
Electric | Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Electric/Gas I4 | Electric |
EPA Class | ||||
NA | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size | Compact Cars | Midsize |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan | 4-Door HB quattro 3.0 Premium | 4-Door Sedan 528i RWD | 5-Door HB | 4-Door HB SV |
Drivetrain | ||||
Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | 4dr Sedan | Hatchback | 4 Door Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
NA | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Tesla Model S vs. 2012 Audi A7 | 2012 Tesla Model S vs. 2012 BMW 5-Series | 2012 Tesla Model S vs. 2012 Chevrolet Volt | 2012 Tesla Model S vs. 2012 Nissan Leaf |