
This year, two all-electric cars enter the fray as competitors to the Tesla Model S.
One is the Chevy Bolt EV, the first mass-priced battery-electric car with range approaching that of a Tesla, at a rated 238 miles.
It’s an upright, compact, five-door hatchback at half the price of a Model S, but it’s the first of a growing number of less-expensive long-range electric cars.
It’s also a Chevy, which may be its biggest flaw in the eyes of Tesla shoppers.
Then there’s the company’s own Model X--another hatchback on the same running gear--and the Model 3, which is smaller, has fewer features and a much plainer interior, but similar range for prices one-third or more lower.
If you’re not already on the reservation list, it may take you a year or more to get one, but Model 3s are now reaching buyers.
On the other hand, the large German luxury sedans—BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Porsche Panamera—all offer plug-in hybrid versions, albeit with minimal electric range.
They’re undeniably more luxurious inside and offer a wider array of luxury features, but they’re not electric, and that may take them out of contention.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2018 Tesla Model S still delivers unequaled battery-electric performance, though its style and safety are beginning to show their age. |
The 2018 BMW 7-Series is a plush ride with plenty of powertrain options and customizable features that places it among the full-size greats. |
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV remains the only affordable, available electric car that offers more than 200 miles of range. |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz continues to push the envelope for comfort. safety, and autonomous driving aids, while improving upon its effortless power and dignified road manners. |
The 2018 Porsche Panamera is a worthy four-seater for the vaunted Porsche badge. |
The 2018 Tesla Model X is the only all-electric SUV you can buy this year. It’s swift, pleasant to travel in, and relatively practical, save for its somewhat silly doors. |
MSRP From | |||||
$78,000 | $83,100 | $36,620 | $89,900 | $85,000 | $84,000 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
13 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | |||
Engine | |||||
Electric | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 | Electric | Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 | Electric |
EPA Class | |||||
Large Cars | Large Cars | - TBD - | Large Cars | Large Cars | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD |
Style Name | |||||
75D AWD | 740i Sedan | 5-Door HB LT | S 450 Sedan | RWD | 75D AWD |
Drivetrain | |||||
All Wheel | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | NA | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2018 Tesla Model S vs. 2018 BMW 7-Series | 2018 Tesla Model S vs. 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 2018 Tesla Model S vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 2018 Tesla Model S vs. 2018 Porsche Panamera | 2018 Tesla Model S vs. 2018 Tesla Model X |