I've driven every Tesla model you can buy. Here are my favorite features.
1. Original Roadster. The first Tesla to hit the road, this straightforward electric sports car captured hearts and changed minds — an EV didn't have to be a glorified golf cart! Now discontinued, the original Roadster can still be picked up used.
It's still my favorite Tesla, although the Model 3 has me rethinking that position. I love it's open-air style.
But what I truly adore is the simple joy of driving it. The speed is electric lightening: 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. And the feedback-heavy steering is point and shoot. Driving this car of the future is surprisingly old-school.
2. Model S. Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year! I've driven various trim levels, including a P90D that I took on an ill-fated but instructive road trip.
The Model S is luxurious and speedy, as well as a pleasure in long highway cruises. But where it really shines is in its versatility: it can carry as much cargo as a good-sized SUV, thanks to a rear hatch and a front trunk, or "frunk."
The Model S was also my introduction to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network — a fast-charging system that no competitor can really match.
3. Model X. Tesla threw every idea, good and bad, it could into its expensive SUV.
The dramatic falcon-wing doors sounded goofy when I first heard about them, but in the flesh, they're sci-fi cool.
But the best feature about the Model X? Honestly, it was how much my dog loved the vehicle!
4. Model 3. Tesla's newest and most important set of wheels debuted in 2017. I didn't truly get my hands it until 2018, however.
The interior is the grabber. It's a study in elegant minimalism. Almost all vehicle functions are accessed via the central touchscreen.
The Model 3 was sheer joy for me. The perfect Tesla, crammed with great ideas. My eight-year-old certainly enjoyed it.
5. Model 3 Performance. At almost $80,000, the P3D — high-performance, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive — is the Model 3 turned up to 11.
But what really got me was the white interior. I first experienced it on the Model X, but in the more compact confines of the Model 3, it was stunning.
I know I said the Roadster is my favorite Tesla of all time. But the Model 3 Performance is probably my new darling. Electric bliss on four wheels!
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