The Tesla Model S Ranks Dead Last Among Luxury Electric Vehicles
Tesla makes only electric vehicles. That puts the brand ahead of the curve in this market. However, Elon Musk’s car company doesn’t hold a monopoly on quality and consumer confidence. In fact, the 2023 Tesla Model S is the lowest-ranked EV in its class.
Which model ranks at the top of luxury electric vehicles?
The BMW i7 stands atop the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best luxury electric cars of 2023. This new electric sedan is the halo model for the German automaker, delivering a full-size electric car with excellent styling, smooth lines, and dynamic driving elements. The i7 should set the tone for all future BMW EVs.
Why does the Tesla Model S rank last?
U.S. News ranks cars based on their performance, interiors, and critics’ ratings. The site also considers vehicle reliability, safety, fuel economy, cargo space, and towing/hauling capacity.
Ranked 10th out of 10 luxury electric vehicles, the Tesla Model S is getting a little long in the tooth. It seems strange to say that about an EV, but the Model S has been around for nearly a decade. This luxury electric sedan is mired by:
- Subpar interior quality for the price
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration
- An annoying yoke steering wheel
In addition, the Model S received a J.D. Power reliability score of 75 out of 100. The market research firm considers that rating “average.” A score of 81 or higher is “great.”
Those negatives aside, the 2023 Model S still delivers excellent EV driving range and incredible speed.
Do any Tesla EVs rank higher than the Model S?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is fifth on the U.S. News list. This smaller and newer Tesla EV offers the modern qualities we look for in an electric car. The Model 3’s benefits include:
- Excellent driving range
- Zippy acceleration
- Sporty handling
- A simple and elegant cabin design
Unlike the Model S, the Model 3 doesn’t have a yoke steering wheel. However, one notable drawback to the Model 3 is its overreliance on touchscreen controls for nearly every vehicle function. It also shares the same “average” reliability score.
Shouldn’t electric vehicles inherently be more reliable than traditional cars?
EVs have fewer parts and wear items than internal combustion engine cars. Electric vehicles also don’t have the challenges of spark plugs and most fuels. And even the brakes on EVs don’t wear as much due to their regenerative braking systems that help recharge the batteries.
That said, modern EVs are more problematic than gas or hybrid vehicles. That’s due to the latest electric models using all-new platforms rather than existing ones. Most early EVs were built on existing platforms, with the most significant change being the electric powertrain replacing the gas-powered system.
