Opinions on vehicles are certainly subjective. Sure, on paper some may perform better than others. However, factors like looks, feel, and driving position can sway our opinion away from the factual sense. For example, to some, the look and feel of a BMW may be better than the look and feel of a Tesla. Therefore, BMW is their vehicle of choice even though Tesla offers more range and performance. Numbers aren’t always the sellers; people often buy cars irrationally and heavily depending on how they make them feel. This is why vehicles like Alfa Romeos or even old Land Rovers are so loved. With that in mind, we thought we’d list 10 vehicles that can be considered better than a Tesla.
1 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Porsche Taycan is a four-door electric sports car that offers an impressive blend of speed, luxury, and technology. The Taycan Turbo S (fastest variant) is powered by two electric motors that deliver up to 616 horsepower. These numbers lead to a 0-60 time of just 2.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest EVs on the market. However, the Taycan isn’t just fast. It also offers a range of luxury features and advanced technology. The interior is outfitted with premium materials and a large touchscreen display that utilizes latest infotainment system. It is safe to say that the Taycan Turbo S is a great alternative to the Tesla Model S as it offers similar performance, features, and a premium feel. For those who value driving, the Taycan is surely the EV to get.
2 Mercedes-Benz EQS
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the first full-on luxurious electric sedan. Mercedes was a pioneer in the luxury segment with the S-Class and their reputation continues into EVs. From the outside, the design of the EQS is a bit controversial due to its round lines. However, its features and performance certainly make up for it. Powering the sedan are two electric motors that produce 580 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque combined. The stint from 0-60 happens in just 4.1 seconds. Beneath the floor of the vehicle, you will find a 108 kWh battery pack that leads to an impressive range number of 400 miles. Finally, on the inside, the EQS is equipped with one of the most impressive interiors on the market. Aside from amazing materials and design, it features a massive 56-inch curved touch display that covers the entire dashboard and integrates everything from the infotainment system to the instrument cluster. The EQS doesn't offer the performance of the Tesla, but it is a much more luxurious and comfortable alternative.
3 Audi e-tron GT
With the e-tron GT, Audi produced a vehicle that is sleek and stylish while also offering a unique blend of performance and comfort. Powering the Audi are dual motors that can deliver up to 637 horsepower in the top-spec RS model. This propels the e-tron GT from 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds. Of course, speed and performance on their own wouldn’t be enough to take on Tesla. So, Audi has equipped the vehicle with a range of luxurious features, including a beautifully crafted interior that is designed with premium materials and great attention to detail. As you would expect from an EV of this caliber and type, an early version of autopilot (similar to the one on the Tesla) is included as well as many other features that make life on the road more comfortable and safer.
4 Lucid Air
The Lucid Air is one of the most impressive vehicles we have seen in many years. At its core, it is a luxury electric sedan that offers a blend of style, performance, and sustainability. However, its most impressive parts are perhaps the drivetrain and packaging. The Lucid can deliver up to 1,080 horsepower in its top-spec Dream Edition. This allows it to go from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Its performance is enough to put to shame most sports cars on the current market – both electric and internal combustion. Now, all this power is housed in a body roughly the size of a Mercedes E-Class. However, once you step in, you are greeted with the space of an S-Class. Lucid engineers have done a great job maximizing space within the vehicle. But the fun doesn’t stop there. With this amazing machine, you will be getting 517 miles of range. One of the most impressive numbers in the current market. If you are looking for a Tesla alternative, the Lucid will give you all that Tesla offers and even more. In fact, it has been characterized as Tesla 2.0.
5 Mercedes-AMG EQE
The Mercedes EQE AMG and Tesla Model S are very close in terms of performance; however, the Mercedes takes the hand when it comes to luxury and a premium feel. The Mercedes can do the stint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds thanks to its 677-horsepower powertrain. Of course, the Plaid Tesla Model S can do that even faster and offers more range, but certainly falls behind in terms of ride quality, build quality, and comfort. Mercedes has been pumping out some amazing interiors during the past few years and this is no exception. The EQE offers a huge dashboard with an integrated infotainment screen, beautiful leather, and sturdy materials. Just like the Genesis G80, the EQE AMG might not have the Tesla in terms of performance (it is close though), but it is certainly miles ahead when it comes to quality and luxury.
6 BMW i4
Such a list would not be complete without the BMW i4. The i4 is pretty much an electric version of BMW’s 4 series sedan. Kidney grills aside, this is a vehicle with impressive features that will serve you well daily. The drive train delivers an impressive 340 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque which propel the 4 series from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Electricity is stored in an 81.5 kWh battery pack that can yield up to 300 miles of range. BMW’s driver assistant is available and will make your journeys far more relaxed thanks to autonomous functions. Granted, like all the systems, this still requires the driver’s attention, but there is no denying the added ease of use it provides. If you love the BMW architecture, then the I4 is certainly a car that can replace a Tesla Model S.
7 Genesis Electrified G80
The Genesis Electrified G80 falls into the luxury sedan category. The Tesla Model S might have the upper hand when it comes to performance, but the Electrified G80 is certainly more classy and luxurious. Starting from the powertrain, the Electrified G80 offers roughly 365 horsepower which is enough to propel the big sedan to 60 in 4.9 seconds. The range is in the ballpark of 285 miles depending on conditions. As you can see, these numbers are not as good as the ones available on the Tesla. However, the G80 offers a far more comfortable and pleasing interior. Step inside and you will find a spacious cabin that offers features like a 14.5-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The design of the interior feels extremely luxurious and has a vintage feel to it. It is certainly miles ahead of the simplistic and empty feeling interior of the Tesla. So, if luxury is what you are looking for, this is the car to get.
8 BMW i7
Granted, the BMW i7 falls into a slightly larger category than the Model S. However, this doesn’t mean it isn’t a viable alternative. Inside the BMW you will be greeted with technology and comfort that can’t really be found in any other vehicle. From electronically opening doors to a 31-inch cinema theater (for rear passengers), the BMW I7 will make the perfect daily companion. The power figure for the i7 is 536 horsepower which catapults the heavy seven series to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The range available is 318 miles. Remember, this isn’t a vehicle that is meant to be fast. First and foremost, it is an insanely comfortable and luxurious hauler that will annihilate any long journey. For this reason, it is surely worth getting over a Tesla Model S.
9 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Strictly speaking, it is tough to deem the Ioniq 6 as better than the Tesla Model S. However, it is certainly a good alternative thanks to a much more affordable price tag (roughly half the price of the Tesla). As you would expect, the Hyundai offers less power, but can still achieve a decent amount of range. The numbers are 320 horsepower and 361 miles. As many EVs now do, the Ioniq 6 can be controlled via a smartphone application (for functions like climate control and battery information). The above specs are interesting, but the most impressive fact about the Ioniq 6 is the interior. Its electric drivetrain and clever design lead to an interior that is immensely spacious. Adults have no issues fitting in the rear and there is plenty of cargo space. The design in general is also very futuristic. With that in mind, we can deem the Ioniq 6 as a viable, low-cost alternative to the Tesla Model S.
10 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 might be the best Tesla to buy. First and foremost, it is far less expensive than the Model S. Depending on spec, it may cost you half the price of the company’s range-topping vehicle. The best part is that the Model 3 still gets an array of great features. For example, the top-of-the-range model has an EPA range rating of 358 miles and the performance version can hit 60 in just 3.1 seconds. Obviously, the Model 3 can also use Tesla’s supercharger network and can gain up to 170 miles in just 30 minutes. Inside, the Model 3 also features a minimalist interior with all main functions being incorporated inside the main screen. Best of all, the entry-level Tesla offers one of the brand's most exciting features which is the Autopilot. So, other than mind-bending acceleration times, there isn’t much else to lose by going for the Model 3.