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Subtle though it may be, this is the first external redesign for Tesla's Model S since the car took the world by storm offering a combination of electric performance, luxury and technology previously unseen in the automotive world.
The front fascia and headlights have taken on the look premiered on the new Model X crossover, Tesla's second model, which hits the UK early next year, while the car also now features full LED adaptive headlights, which noticeably improve night-time visibility.
Inside, the open central tray is replaced by cupholders and a welcome centre storage console to give phones, wallets and other paraphernalia somewhere to land where they won't slide around.
Which is highly likely, given the prowess of even this entry-level 60kWh model. Tesla quotes very believable figures of just 5.2 seconds to 60mph. Admittedly, it's not as fast as the range-topping P100D's 2.5 seconds, but still as fast as you'll ever need a four-seat luxury saloon to accelerate.
This is the four-wheel drive version, (hence the 'D' designation in the model name). There is a cheaper 60 model, costing £59,600 before the Government's £4,500 plug-in car grant that the Tesla is still eligible for thanks to it being fully electric. The regular 60 offers a 248-mile range, five miles less than the 60D, and it's noticeable how, unlike most plug-in vehicles, the remaining range in the Model S drops at the same rate as the miles covered, making for a more relaxing and predictable user experience.
Choosing rivals is tricky because, for a number of reasons, the Model S is basically peerless. There isn't another electric four-seat luxury saloon, and the nearest is Mercedes' 57g/km plug-in hybrid E-class, which is cheaper to buy than the Model S but can't match the RVs, and only has a range of 20 miles. The Tesla stacks up on whole-life costs against the likes of the diesel-powered BMW 535d and Maserati Ghibli, beating them both comfortably.
No longer a left-field niche choice, Tesla continues to develop into the mainstream and offer a choice that will appeal to, and fit into, increasing numbers of lifestyles.
Tesla Model S 60D |
| Model price range £53,500-£114,200 |
| Residual value 39.5% |
| Depreciation £37,980 |
| Fuel £593 |
| Service, maintenance and repair £4271 |
| Vehicle Excise Duty £0 |
| National Insurance £2512 |
| Cost per mile 100.6p |
| Range 253 miles |
| CO2 (BIK band) 0g/km (7%) |
| BIK 20/40% per month £73/£146 |
| Warranty 4yrs/50,000mls |
| Boot space (min/max) 745/1645 litres |
| Battery size/power 60kWh/333hp |
VerdictEntry car is anything but the poor option as the Model S continues to amaze |
10/10 |
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BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
