Tesla Model S review

Slipping behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S is like crossing into a promising zero-emissions future. This electric luxury sports car, built by a small automaker based in Palo Alto, Calif., is brimming with innovation, delivers world-class performance, and is interwoven throughout with impressive attention to detail. It's what Marty McFly might have brought back in place of his DeLorean in  "Back to the Future." The sum total of that effort has earned the Model S the highest score in our Ratings: 99 out of  100. That is far ahead of such direct competitors as the gas-powered Porsche Panamera (84) and the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid (57).

The Tesla rivets your attention from the start. Simply touching the flush aluminum door handles causes them to slide outward, welcoming you inside. With the car-shaped fob in your pocket or purse, a tap of the brake pedal brings the Model S to life. There's no need to insert a key or press a button. You're immediately greeted by the glow of a huge 17-inch video display that dominates the center of the dash and allows you to control everything, such as adjusting the suspension's ride height and setting up a new Slacker Radio channel. And as you dip into the throttle, you experience a silent yet potent surge of power that will make many sports cars weep with envy.

With its hefty 85-kWh lithium-ion battery, our Tesla is easily the most practical electric car we've tested. Though the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf can go about 80 and 75 miles, respectively, before needing a charge, our Model S has been giving us around 200 miles: ample for commuting, running plenty of errands, and still being able to take the long, winding way home. Those results have ranged from about 180 miles on cold winter days to about 225 in more moderate temperatures. Moreover, our car has delivered the energy equivalent of 84 mpg. With a full charge costing about $9 (at the national average of 11 cents per kWh), it's like running a conventional car on gasoline that costs $1.20 per gallon.

The Tesla not only leaps beyond all normal expectations of electric cars but it also shines in several areas compared with conventional cars. From a standstill, it catapults from 0-to-60 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds, rivaling the V8-powered BMW 750Li and Jaguar XJL. Its pinpoint handling is reminiscent of a Porsche. The beautifully crafted interior calls to mind that of an Audi. And it's the quietest car we've tested since the Lexus LS.

Even the buying experience is innovative; you can order your car online directly from Tesla, with no dealer interaction.

Though the Tesla doesn't come with the usual range anxiety of other EVs, you still need to plan ahead to avoid running out of juice. And charging our battery, which is the largest available, takes a long 12 hours on a standard 240-volt electric-car charger. That's why Tesla offers a dedicated high-power wall connector, $1,200, that replenishes the battery in 5 hours. Still, that requires the $1,500 Twin Chargers option and an 80-amp circuit at your home or workplace. We've been charging in standard mode because Tesla advises against frequently using the max-range mode.

If you're driving on a major highway in California or the Northeast, you may be able to use one of Tesla's free Supercharger stations, which let you fill the battery halfway in about 30 minutes.

When it's left unplugged, we noted a parasitic loss of energy that amounts to 12 to 15 miles of range per day. That could be a concern if, say, the car is parked at an airport for an extended period. Tesla has promised a fix for that.

The Model S also lacks some high-end features that are expected at this price, including a lane-departure warning system.

Another concern is investing in a new car and startup company with no track record for reliability or resale value, and a skimpy (although growing) service network. So, yes, despite its stratospheric road-test score, we can't recommend the Model S until we have sufficient reliability data.

All of its goodness comes at a price of $89,650, which is competitive with other luxury cars. Still, even if you factor in the federal tax credit of $7,500, for about the same amount you could satisfy your urges for luxury performance and green frugality by buying an Audi A6 plus a Toyota Prius, two of our 2013 Top Picks.

You could opt for a smaller 60-kWh battery, which drops the price by $10,000. But if you're buying a Model S, you'll want the added power and range of the larger battery. It also grants free access to Tesla's Supercharging stations, which is otherwise a $2,000 option.

With no engine over the front axle and the battery mounted low on the chassis, the Tesla provides lithe, agile handling that makes it invigorating to drive.

You're also treated to a luxury-car ride. With 19-inch wheels and the optional air-suspension system, our Model S feels taut but supple over bumps, and it glides serenely on the highway. But the larger 21-inch summer tires provide less isolation.

Braking is excellent. In standard mode, lifting off of the throttle causes the regenerative braking system to rapidly decelerate the car to recapture energy. Initially that can feel like, well, you left the emergency brake on. But the system can easily be set to feel more normal.

Inside, the Tesla's seats provide good support but are frills-free. The rear seat provides good leg room but is too low for optimum comfort. Three adults will fit back there, but it's crowded.

The all-digital instrument cluster is colorful, crisp, bright, and easy to read. All except a few functions are controlled through the giant touch screen. Icons, fonts, and virtual buttons are large, clear, and easy to use. And the screen is very responsive. You can split the display between two functions—the navigation map, say, and the media player—or you can have one big display. Some functions are performed by swiping, like on an iPad.

But the system has several downsides. Most functions can't be performed without looking at the screen, even if briefly. Some simple tasks that require only one button in other cars take an extra step or two in the Model S. And some features, such as Internet surfing, can be very distracting while driving. The screen is easy to read, but it can wash out in direct sunlight. On the plus side, Tesla can download software updates and new features down the road.

With a handy smart-phone app, you can remotely control the charging, monitor battery level, and heat or cool the cabin while the car is plugged in to maximize range.

The Model S has no spare tire, no air compressor, and no run-flats. If you have a flat, you'll have to call Tesla's roadside assistance.

The Tesla Model S costs far less to operate per mile than gasoline-powered cars, even hybrids, and can go farther than other electric cars before needing a charge.