2012 Tesla Model S vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

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.