The Tesla Model S Ranks Dead Last Among Luxury Electric Vehicles
Tesla only makes electric vehicles. This puts them ahead of the proverbial curve in this market. That said, this automaker doesn’t hold a monopoly on quality and consumer confidence in its products. In fact, The 2023 Tesla Model S is the lowest-ranked EV in its class.
Which electric car ranks at the top for luxury EV models?
The U.S. News & World Report rankings of the top luxury electric cars begin with the BMW i7. This new BMW electric sedan is the halo model for the German automaker, giving us a full-size electric car with excellent styling smooth lines, and dynamic driving elements. This new luxury electric sedan should set the tone for all future BMW EVs.
Why is the Tesla Model S ranked last on this list?
The 2023 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:
- Poor interior quality for the price
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- A yoke steering wheel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea
These negatives aside, the Model S Still delivers excellent EV driving range and incredible speed.
Are any Tesla EVs ranked higher than the Model S?
The Tesla Model 3 sits in the fifth spot on the U.S. News list. This smaller and newer Tesla EV offers the modern qualities we’re looking for in an electric car. Some of the items you’ll enjoy in the Model 3 include:
- Excellent driving range
- Zippy acceleration
- Sporty handling
- The simple and elegant cabin design
Unlike the Model S, the Model 3 doesn’t bring a yoke steering wheel into the mix. That said, one of the drawbacks to the Model 3 is the over-reliance on touchscreen controls for nearly every vehicle function.
Shouldn’t electric vehicles inherently be more reliable than traditional models?
EVs have fewer parts and wear items, don’t have the challenges of spark plugs and most fuels, and even the brakes don’t wear as much due to the regenerative braking systems used in EVs to help recharge the batteries.
That said, modern EVs are more problematic than gas or hybrid vehicles. This is due to the latest models using all-new platforms rather than existing ones. Most early EVs were built in existing platforms, with the greatest change being the electric powertrain that replaced the gas-powered system.
What are the best non-luxury electric vehicles?
When we look for the best electric cars that don’t come from luxury automakers, US News offers four models. These electric cars are ranked from top to bottom:
- Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Chevrolet Bolt
- Nissan Leaf
- Mini Electric Hardtop
Should you trust Tesla and Nissan?
The Tesla Model S hits the bottom of the list of luxury electric cars while the Nissan Leaf only outranks the Mini Electric Hardtop. That doesn’t make for a glowing recommendation for either vehicle.
Next, check out the most overrated electric cars, or learn more about the most reliable EV models in this video below:
