Tesla’s Model S definitely lives up to the hype, in terms of performance, but let’s take a look at the interior.
The first thing that will catch your eye will definitely be the humongous 17-inch touchscreen. The first thing that will escape your mouth will be “wow.” As your fingers immediately gravitate to the screen, you’ll notice its functionality is as wide as the screen itself. At your fingertips are controls for HD radio, online radio, Internet, or Bluetooth, as well as navigation through Google Maps and controls for the glass roof. You can monitor the energy consumption during your trip as well as see what’s behind you with the full HD backup camera. The list goes on, but we have other features to cover here.
One of my personal favorites in luxury rides is an all-glass panoramic roof, and the Model S delivers. According to Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), it’s constructed from lightweight glass and can open wider than any other sedan’s panoramic roof.
In addition to the tech savvy and luxurious interior, I was completely surprised to learn it can fit five adults and two children. Its rear-facing child-seat option provides the space, and it’s still optimized for safety. If you’re looking for more storage space, the Model S offers a unique solution — a drop-in center console. It slides into the existing space between front seats and can carry drinks or provide a place for phones and tablets.
To me, it’s very clear that Tesla’s Model S completely backs up the hype in every aspect and gives good old American innovation another leg to stand on. Consumers and critics are satisfied, but how about investors?
Investing takeaway
As I mentioned, Tesla’s stock has been soaring over the past couple of months. Its rise has been fueled by the success of the Model S and the company’s surprise quarterly profit.
I love the idea of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) as a long-term investment, but I’m not sure I’d buy in at this price. At today’s lofty valuation, Tesla will be forced to report years of solid revenue and profit growth to justify its share price — which it could very well do.
Let’s not forget, however, the massive balance sheets and power of the globe’s biggest automakers. Consider that Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s F-Series — America’s best-selling vehicle for 31 years — sold more than 640,000 vehicles last year, compared with Tesla’s goal of selling just over 20,000 Model Ses this year.
Tesla has a breakthrough vehicle, no doubt about it, but it also isn’t immune to copycat competition. If it goes mainstream instead of filling a luxurious niche, global automakers easily have the balance sheets to rapidly develop a vehicle to compete.
Tesla’s future indeed may be bright, but the only thing guaranteed in investing is that it will surely hit a speed bump along the way — and that may be a better point to jump on for an investment.
The article Tesla’s 2013 Model S Is a Game-Changer originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends Ford, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), and Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA) and owns shares of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA).
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