Tesla Motors, Inc.(NASDAQ: TSLA) has announced that Model S, the world’s first premium electric sedan, arrived in Europe last week for a nearly weeklong press preview in Munich, Germany. This marks the beginning of marketing activity for Model S outside North America. European press and media had the chance to drive Model S on all types of typical European roads and cruised effortlessly on the Autobahn for the very first time. Tesla plans to deliver Model S to reservation holders in Europe and Asia in 2013.
“Our goal has always been to build the best car in the world and set new standards for safety, range, design and performance. We have achieved this with Model S in North America and now it’s time to introduce the extraordinary Model S driving experience to Europe,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. “Our Tesla Roadster introduced us to the world and we believe Model S will now be seen as the ideal alternative for customers seeking the most advanced luxury performance sedan available today.”
Model S has the same immediate response, instant torque and smooth acceleration that made Roadster famous. Model S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds without hesitation and without a drop of gasoline.
Model S is the world’s first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle and has been engineered to elevate the public’s expectations of what a premium sedan can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from world’s best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a luxury performance sedan.
Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options. All deliver unprecedented range, with the 85 kWh equipped car achieving up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. All three batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal management and safety.
Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. The interior features a 17” in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.