Though the Model 3 is all the rage, the larger 2019 Tesla Model S remains a stunning achievement and design trendsetter, albeit somewhat dated in the details.
Pros Handsome, elegant exterior design Supercar-shaming acceleration Good ride comfort Ease of the Supercharger network Updates keep making car better
Cons Not quite a luxury car inside Tight rear-seat entry/exit Continual updates keep changing features Fussy doors Six-figure price tag for most desirable versions
The 2019 Tesla Model S ranked #1 in Luxury Large Cars. Currently the Tesla Model S has a score of 9.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 35 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Robust acceleration and nimble handling Astounding all-electric range Abundance of cutting-edge technology Roomy seating and cargo areas
Cons Infotainment system can be distracting Lacks advanced smartphone integration
The 2019 Tesla Model S comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive.Revised trim level availability and pricing structure.Improved driving range.
PROS Electric range is impressive Wicked quick acceleration across the board Liftback design affords abundant cargo space
CONS Lacks the luxury polish of some similarly priced sedans Small dealer network means few service centers nationwide Large pricing jumps between mechanically identical trim levels
Favoring a more simplistic arrangement, Tesla has altered the Model S's lineup for 2019. Gone are the 75D, 100D, and P100D and in their place is the base Model S and the Model S Performance. The entry-level car comes with a battery capable of delivering a 310-mile driving range but buyers can select the Extended Range package—either at the time of purchase or anytime after that—which boosts the range to 335 miles. The Model S Performance comes with a range of 315 miles but focuses more on acceleration times; Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.0 seconds. For $20,000, Tesla will unlock the car's Ludicrous Mode, which drops that claimed acceleration time to an incredible 2.4 seconds.
Pros So quick it'll make you dizzy, fun-to-drive nature, class-leading maximum driving range.
Cons Cabin isn't as nice as the price suggests, large infotainment screen is distracting at times, rear passengers have no space to store small items.
The 2020 BMW X5's #3 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the BMW X5 has a score of 8.4 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engines Refined ride and handling User-friendly infotainment system Large cargo area
Cons Optional third-row seats are cramped
The 2020 BMW X5 comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.New turbo V8-powered M50i model joins the lineup.Keyless entry now standard on 40i base trim.Debut of plug-in hybrid xDrive45e expected in early or mid-2020.
Pros Strong performance from both models Luxurious, comfortable cabin lives up to its price tag Spacious cabin and cargo area
Cons Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots Limited interior storage Wide doorsills inhibit entry and exit
This year, the big change to the X5 lineup can be summed up in three words: even more performance. BMW has added a fourth member to the stable, the M50i, which pummels the asphalt with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8—up 67 horsepower and 74 lb-ft from the xDrive50i's similar 4.4-liter V-8. The M50i package includes a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, an M Sport exhaust, bigger brakes, and sportier suspension tuning with adaptive dampers.
Pros Inspiring engines, top-notch build quality, easy-to-use infotainment system.
Cons Steering feel is in short supply, third row is for small fry only, no Android Auto capability.
