In not too much time at all, Tesla has gone from an obscure all-electric car company to one that is trying to dominate the motoring scene with modern design and impressive performance.
With the Model 3, S, X and upcoming Roadster on offer, the American company run by Elon Musk is revolutionising the electric car culture and how we think about non-fossil fuel-using vehicles.
But if you aren’t quite to rock down to Electric Avenue, what other cars can rival companies offer to tickle your taste buds for a similar price and function?
Model 3
This is the newest addition to the Tesla line-up, and with it comes a more affordable package for all-electric driving that is at a much lower price point than other models. Coming with a central 15-inch touchscreen, emergency braking and collision avoidance – along with plenty of premium features aside – the Model 3 has lots of good things to offer. But with production delayed and the project behind schedule, what car can you buy for around the same price – £30,000 – and offer excitement and similar levels of equipment?
Alternative: Alfa Romeo Giulia
Stylish, good to drive and fun to own, the Alfa Romeo Giulia may not have any electrification options – but it provides similar practicality and can be much better to own for the moment. With Super, Speciale and Veloce models on offer that all look excellent, you also get plenty of tech, comfortable accessories and options, and an interesting engine line-up that offers good economy and surprisingly low emissions. With prices from £29,875, it is cheaper than the Model 3 and may be a good car to own until full-electric saloons are more affordable and the technology is more advanced.
Model S
Arguably the most refined vehicle in the Tesla range so far, the Model S is an attractive saloon that comes with electric all-wheel drive, great performance and decent range that can get you very far indeed. With a classy interior finish, a huge 17-inch touchscreen and great features, like Wi-Fi, active safety technologies and almost 900 litres of boot storage, the Model S is a superb all-electric model. Prices start from £58,200, which for a quality product is not bad at all, but if you want electrified driving with an even-higher end finish, Porsche is one place you could look…
Alternative: Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo E-Hybrid
Yes, it is some £25,000 more expensive than a starting Model S and yes, you will have to pay for petrol. But look at it this way, you have a reliable, well-performing Porsche that has gone from being an ugly duckling, to one of the most desirable premium saloons on the market. And it’s a hybrid! Under the bonnet is a combined 455bhp from the electrical system and six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine, which is paired to an all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The only problem is that there is less boot space due to the presence of an engine, but it could be a better option over the next few years.
Model X
Coming with large amounts of interior space, up to seven seats, a built-up ride and plenty of excellent safety systems, the Model X is – according to Tesla – the safest SUV ever. The stylish falcon wing doors are arguably the stand out feature that can be controlled remotely, and with the open plan cockpit design, the Model X is a rather cool model to get your hands on. But with prices starting in excess of £70,000, are there other options on the market that can be practical, stylish and come in at a lower price point? Well, there’s a hybrid Volvo that can do just that…
Alternative: Volvo XC90 R-Design Pro T8
It ticks many of the same boxes as the Model X. It’s an SUV, it has lots of space to offer and it is very stylish both outside and in. The XC90 T8 comes with a electrified setup that offers 400bhp and low emissions, and is arguably more comfortable and premium than the Model X. Seven seats are also fitted as standard. Volvo also claims that its vehicles are the safest on the world’s roads today, and with plenty of assistance technology and a seriously high safety rating, it is difficult to look past the XC90. Prices for T8 versions start from £69,405.
Roadster
Although this model is seemingly a hypothetical at the moment, the Roadster could very well be the brand’s stand out model before long. With stats that beggar belief – a 0-60mph time of 1.9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 250mph – the Roadster could be one of the fastest cars on the planet in no time at all. But there is a long way to go before we see it on the roads, as Tesla’s electric drive technology isn’t quite at that level yet. So, what car could you get this year that can offer great performance and open-top driving with an electrified feel?
Alternative: BMW i8 Roadster
Probably one of the coolest-looking vehicles on sale right now, and after only being revealed this month it is a fresh face on the scene. With the same futuristic looks as the coupe version, powertrain and interior feel, it could be the fast, forward-looking roadster that you are waiting for while you wait for the Tesla. Prices are expected to start in excess of £100,000, but that is still a good £80,000 down on the expected pricing of the Tesla Roadster – which isn’t due for couple of years yet.
