The Tesla line-up – which one would you buy?

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

There are currently three Tesla models on sale in the UK: Model 3, Model S & Model X, all delivering the same futuristic style and luxury that has become synonymous with Tesla yet each model provides unique benefits and capabilities in its own right. The Model Y is the latest offering from Tesla in the form of a compact SUV and UK deliveries will commence later this year.

 

Tesla was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric and that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than fossil fuel cars. Today Tesla is the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles delivering nearly 500,000 cars in 2020 and nearly 185,000 in the first quarter of 2021.

 

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Model 3

The Model 3 in the Tesla line-up is positioned as a more affordable, simpler, and smaller electric car, designed to be the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

Buyers have the option of dual-motor all-wheel drive, 20” Überturbine Wheels, and Performance Brakes and lowered suspension, and a carbon fibre spoiler to improve stability at high speeds.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The Tesla All-Wheel Drive feature has two independent motors, each with only one moving part to reduce maintenance and maximise durability. Tesla claims that the digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels produce far better handling and traction control over other all-wheel-drive systems.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The inside of Model 3 is truly breathtakingly as interiors go, you can use your smartphone as a key, and access all driver controls in the central 15-inch touchscreen. The all-glass roof is a particularly impressive feature as it extends from front to back, creating a sense of space from every seat.

 

Models 0-60mph time (secs) Range (miles)
Performance 3.1 352

Long-range

4.2 360
Standard plus 5.3 278

 

Starting price £40,490 (Standard range model)

 

For more information on the Model 3 click here

 

 

 

Model S

The Model S is Tesla’s answer to fully electric saloon transportation and claims to be the best performing saloon ever built with eye-wateringly fast 0-60 mph times and battery range that other BEV manufacturers could only dream about.

 

 

The Model S ‘Plaid’ claims to have the longest range and quickest acceleration of any electric vehicle in production and subsequently, the highest performing saloon ever built.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The Model S was designed for both speed and range in mind, with an exceptionally low drag coefficient, a wider body, and chassis, allowing the vehicle to tackle straights and corners at blistering speeds. With two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, Model S digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels producing excellent traction control in all conditions.

 

Built on the Tesla platform, the battery’s location on the floor gives Model S an extremely low center of gravity, greatly reducing the risk of rollover while at the same time enhancing handling and performance. Without an engine, Model S has a crumple zone much larger than other performance saloons to absorb the energy of a front-end impact.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The interior of the Model S does not disappoint, with a slick 17” center touchscreen incorporating media, navigation, communications, cabin control and vehicle data all in one interface. With the lack of a fossil fuel-guzzling engine up front, the Model S provides additional boot space and delivers a spacious and luxurious cabin for five adults.

 

Models 0-60mph time (secs) Range (miles)
Long-range 3.1 412
Plaid 1.9 390

 

Starting price £83,980 (Long-range model)

 

For more information on the Model S click here

 

 

 

Model X

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

 

Tesla boasts the Model X is the quickest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history and the first SUV to receive a 5-star US NCAP safety rating. The batteries are located on the floor giving the Model X an extremely low center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollover common in SUVs. With no engine up front, Model X has a crumple zone much larger than other SUVs to absorb the energy of a front-end impact.

The Model X‘s Falcon Wing doors are a real ‘head turner’, giving owners very convenient access to the rear of the vehicle. The Falcon Wing doors require less space needed to open the sliding door of a MPV making it far easier to load children into the backseat in tight parking spaces. Another neat feature is the automatically open and close of the doors as the driver approaches or exits Model X – very cool!

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The interior of the Model X is of the very highest standard which we have come to expect from Tesla. The windscreen stretches up and over the two front seats, giving passengers an expansive view ahead. A 17inch cinematic touchscreen display with 220×1300 resolution and ultra-bright resolution offers excellent driver connectivity and convenience.

The Model X comes with the option of 5, 6, or 7 seat configurations to suit your lifestyle. The three rows of seats, a front and rear boot, room under the second-row seats,  and multiple side pockets make this model exceptionally practical for families.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy? The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The Model X comes with a neat HEPA filter system which is a medical-grade air filter for the cabin. There are three modes: circulate with outside air, re-circulate inside air, and most importantly a bioweapon defense mode that creates positive pressure inside the cabin to protect occupants – perfect pub bragging rights!

 

Models 0-60mph time (secs) Range (miles)
Long-range 3.8 360
Plaid 2.5 340

 

Starting price £90,980 (Long-range model)

For more information on the Model X  click here

 

 

Model Y

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The Model Y is Tesla’s version of a compact fully electric SUV.

 

With an elevated seating position and low dash, the driver has a commanding view of the road ahead. The interior of Model Y is simple and clean, with a 15-inch touch screen, immersive sound system and an expansive all-glass roof that creates extra headroom and provides a seamless view of the sky.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Model Y  provides maximum versatility, able to carry 7 passengers and their cargo. Each second row seat folds flat independently, creating flexible storage for skis, furniture, luggage and more. The liftgate opens to a low trunk floor that makes loading and unloading easy and quick.

 

Tesla All-Wheel Drive has two ultra-responsive, independent electric motors that digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels—for far better handling, traction and stability control. Model Y is capable in rain, snow, mud and off-road.

 

Models 0-60mph time (secs) Range (miles)
Performance 3.8 298
Plaid 4.8 314

 

The Model Y will be on sale in the UK later in 2021 with prices expected to start from £45,000.

 

For more information on the Model Y click here

 

 

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla claims to have the world’s fastest charging network with over 2,500 Supercharger stations and more than 25,000 Superchargers.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

The Tesla Superchargers deliver energy rapidly and gradually slow down as the battery fills. When on charge Tesla owners receive automatic alerts when there is enough energy to continue the trip. Tesla points out that with their extensive network of Superchargers along popular routes, charging above 80% isn’t typically necessary.

 

The Tesla line-up - which one would you buy?

 

For more information on Tesla Superchargers click here.

 

 

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