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I personally cross-shop the Tesla Model S and the Audi S7. A future Model S AWD and an Audi A7/S7 TDI would be an even more direct comparison. They price out
by rdl 13y ago
I personally cross-shop the Tesla Model S and the Audi S7. A future Model S AWD and an Audi A7/S7 TDI would be an even more direct comparison. They price out (loaded) to within $5k, if you take into account the $2500 federal tax credit and sales tax exemption in WA. The depreciation on a diesel and on a Tesla are probably comparable. Tesla would be clear savings on fuel costs, maintenance, and probably would have more curb appeal at least in SFBA. I'd probably take the Audi A7 3.0 TDI if I needed AWD today.
What I really want is the Tesla S4/S5 or 335is-equivalent, though.
- r00fus 13y ago> What I really want is the Tesla S4/S5 or 335is-equivalent, though. Sorry, I don't think the tech is there. Either the range would suffer (due to more compact frame allowing for fewer cells safely) or the power would be gimped (to allow for lower overall battery capacity). Electric cars are competing with the entire petroleum-fuel supply chain, and as such, are fighting a david vs. goliath battle. That Tesla does this, has won consistently, and wins with style is why their stock is up 500% over the past year. Of course, they've picked their battles, and fighting the S4 or 3 series isn't one of those they're ready to fight (yet). Maybe, like Apple, they never will (Apple ceded the enthusiast/gaming desktop market years ago).
- rdl 13y agoI guess the question is how much they'd gain in acceleration/performance (and thus be able to give up on battery capacity) by making the overall vehicle smaller and (ex-battery) 200-300 pounds lighter, vs. how much space for battery they'd give up. I don't mind if the S4-replacement costs $60-80k (loaded) vs. $80-100k for a Model S. I'd also take a car which had the same general size and chassis as the Model S but with a larger, more-secure trunk at the cost of seating capacity. My dream car is a 2-seat coupe with a trunk the size of a compact pickup truck bed.
- gaadd33 13y agoLike a Porsche 928?
- sologoub 13y agoIf you are willing to compromise on range a bit, Tesla could build an 4-series competitor. The already did the roadster that was lotus based.
- ricardobeat 13y agoModel X? http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx
- rdl 13y agoI want something smaller than a Model S for now. Driving a Model S into SF, and dealing with parking/etc., looks like a pain -- I've driven a Crown Vic, 745i, etc., and I hated it there. I'll solve this by being in ruralish WA by the time I get my Model S AWD. (I also tend to dislike SUVs which aren't trucks.)
- spullara 13y agoI do it all the time. You also get to park in the myriad of electric vehicle parking spots that are generally better spots than the non-electric ones.
- jstelly 13y agoI have been comparing the Model S and the S7 as well. For me the S7 wins the emotional "want-to-buy-it" comparison, but the model S wins the rational "reasons-to-buy-it" comparison. But at this price point the decision is much more emotional than rational, so while I'm not sure I'll buy the S7, I'm pretty sure I won't buy the model S. Maybe next time, though. I like so many of the things Tesla is doing. Of course here in the Seattle area there are tesla model S cars on every other street so the curb appeal story is a little different.