Model S vs. high-end luxury sedans
From the start, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has positioned the Model S to compete with pricier luxury sedans. The first Model S vehicles built were the highest priced with the greatest battery life and range.
Tesla galleries were established in upscale retail centers near some of the most affluent communities in the United States. When the company established its lease residual value guarantee, the benchmark was set above competing luxury brands.
So, after being sold for a year, how does the Model S stack up against other high-end luxury sedans like the BMW 5 series, the Mercedes E-Class, S-Class and Porsche Panamera.
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Compared with those models, the buyer profile of the Model S is most similar to the Porsche Panamera, which starts at just over $78,000.
"It [Model S] is actually lining up very similar to a Porsche Panamera which is also something a younger affluent buyer might like because it is not as comfort oriented it is more sporty," said Riswick.