Best Tesla S Alternatives For 2025
Image source: Top Gear
In 2024, the Tesla Model S continues to be a benchmark in the electric vehicle market, but the landscape of luxury electric sedans has dramatically evolved. With a legacy of long-range electric performance since its 2012 introduction, the Model S set the standard for what an electric vehicle could be. Today, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and other manufacturers have emerged in the EV market, offering compelling alternatives that challenge Tesla's dominance. In 2023, Tesla stopped selling the right-hand drive (RHD) version of the Model S in the UK because of “mechanical and logistical complexities” and to “ramp up production and improve quality more effectively.” Tesla offered their customers three options, £2,000 of credit towards a Model Y or 3, buy a left-hand drive version of the Model S or cancel their order and get a full refund.
This article will explore the top alternatives to the Model S, looking at key factors like range, performance, technology and design. Despite the Model S not being available to salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme, all of the cars mentioned in this blog are, so head on to our quote tool to get a personalised price based on your salary and lease terms. From the iconic Mach-E to the sport-car-inspired Porsche Taycan, there will be a car in the list to suit you and your driving needs… all in right-hand drive!
BMW i5
Image source: Top Gear
The BMW i5 blends electric luxury and performance, offering a compelling blend of sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and an impressive range - designed to meet the needs of luxury seekers and families. As BMW's fully electric midsize sedan, the i5 delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with a good build quality typical of the BMW brand.
Its sleek exterior design seamlessly merges aerodynamic efficiency with classic BMW styling, while the interior boasts premium materials, advanced digital displays, and a comfortable, tech-forward cabin. It has a range of 295 miles for the single-motor rear-wheel drive model and 256 miles for the dual-motor all-wheel drive model.
The electric powertrain provides quick acceleration (0-60mph in 6 seconds), especially if you choose the M60 model which has a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and can generate 593hp. Its handling maintains BMW's renowned driving dynamics, making it an attractive option for those seeking an elegant and environmentally conscious luxury electric vehicle. It has a 490-litre boot, 10 litres more than the BMW 3 Series, making it great for any occasion.
While the Tesla Model S is celebrated for its performance, technology and minimalistic design, the i5 is for BMW fans who want to become more eco-conscious and switch to an EV. The Model S outshines the i5 in terms of performance and range, with faster acceleration and the ability to travel further on a single charge, but the BMW i5 has a more refined driving experience tailored to everyday use.
| BMW i5 | |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 356 miles (depending on model) |
| Charging | DC Fast Charging up to 205 kW, can add around 100 miles in 10 minutes |
| Technology | BMW iDrive 8, curved display, advanced driver assistance, AR navigation |
| Design | Sleek, traditional BMW luxury styling, elegant interior |
| Safety Features | Active driving assistant, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation |
Porsche Taycan
Image source: Top Gear
The Porsche Taycan is a very exciting car, representing the pinnacle of electric sports car engineering, blending Porsche's legendary performance heritage with cutting-edge electric technology. It proves EVs can be thrilling to drive as well as being sophisticated, designed for ‘petrol heads’ who love speed.
You can choose from four power options, the base model '4' with 476 horsepower, the 4S with 571 horsepower, the Turbo with 680 horsepower, and the high-performance Turbo S with a whopping 761 horsepower. The Turbo S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo has a battery with a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, and the usable capacity is 83.7 kWh. On a fully charged battery, you can expect an estimated range of about 220 miles.
You can use an 11kW charger, which will charge an empty battery in approximately 9 hours. If you have a 7.4kW charger at home, it’ll take 13 hours and 30 minutes, whereas charging publicly you can charge from 10% to 80% in around 20 minutes (using a 216kW charger). The cabin design is straightforward, featuring a curved 16.8-inch display behind the steering wheel that provides essential information like speed, power usage, efficiency, and navigation through the built-in infotainment system. There’s a dual touchscreen set up in the centre. The main infotainment screen sits at the top, while the lower screen manages climate control, boot and charge port openings, and infotainment shortcuts.
The Model S and Porsche Taycan represent two distinct approaches to high-performance electric cars. The Model S focuses on efficiency and practicality, with a great range, autonomous driving features and a minimalistic interior. In contrast, the Porsche Taycan focuses on delivering a thrilling, driver-centric experience with precise handling, sports-car agility and a luxurious cockpit-style interior.
| Porsche Taycan | |
|---|---|
| Range | Between 206-304 miles |
| Charging | Up to 225kW at a DC fast charging station. Can charge from 10-80% in 21 minutes at DC fast charger. |
| Technology | Porsche Advanced Cockpit, dual touchscreens, performance-focused tech |
| Design | Sports car-inspired design, typical Porsche performance aesthetic |
| Safety Features | Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, 360-degree camera system, collision prevention |
Audi E-Tron GT
Image source: Audi Center Doncaster
The Audi E-Tron GT first hit UK roads in March 2021 and has since been updated in the summer of 2024. This car is a flagship model for Audi’s electric cars and is based on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan. You can choose between two versions: the standard e-tron GT and the faster RS version.
The newer version of the e-tron GT will set you back £107,730. Its range spans between 364 and 374 miles on a single charge and its top speed is 155mph. It is also extremely quick off the mark, with the RS GT Performance achieving 0-62mph in as little as 2.5 seconds.
Inside, its interior is comprised of premium craftsmanship with high-quality materials, advanced digital interfaces and a driver-focused cockpit that balances comfort with technological sophistication. The electric powertrain delivers impressive performance, with rapid acceleration and a smooth, refined driving experience that demonstrates Audi's ability to translate its performance DNA into the electric era.
Comparing the Model S to the Audi e-Tron GT, while the Model S appeals to drivers who want an innovative yet practical car, the e-tron GT is tailored for drivers who value style, and craftsmanship and are already fans of the Audi brand.
| Audi E-Tron GT | |
|---|---|
| Range | 238-270 miles depending on the model you choose |
| Charging | Up to 270kW DC fast charging, 5-80% in less than 23 minutes |
| Technology | Virtual cockpit, MMI infotainment system, advanced driver assistance |
| Design | Sleek, aggressive sports sedan design, shared platform with Porsche Taycan |
| Safety Features | Audi pre-sense safety system, adaptive cruise assist, active lane assist, emergency braking |
Mercedes EQS
Image source: Which Car?
The Mercedes EQS is a great alternative to the Tesla Model S and you can even choose between a sedan or SUV. The EQS 450+ variant offers a remarkable potential range of up to 453 miles and accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. However, its weightiness, tipping the scales at 2,400kg, is notable. With a price range spanning from £105,610 to £119,610, the EQS embodies luxury and innovation, representing Mercedes' commitment to redefining the boundaries of electric vehicle excellence.
The EQSs has a coupe-like silhouette with LED tail lights and 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. It has several features which make driving the EQS that bit more enjoyable like adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering and an eco-assistant that analyses traffic and speed limitations. Beyond its visual and technological appeal, the EQS delivers a serene driving experience with whisper-quiet operation, impressive range, and the kind of refined ride quality that has long-defined Mercedes-Benz flagship vehicles.
Comparing the performance of the Model S to the Mercedes EQS, the former delivers on range and acceleration, especially appealing to drivers who want to prioritise speed and tech innovation. The Mercedes ESQ on the other hand focuses on spaciousness and interior luxury, offering a quieter and more refined driving experience. If you’re looking for comfort and space, the EQS is the car for you.
| Mercedes EQS | |
|---|---|
| Range | Between 350 and 420 miles |
| Charging | Up to 200kW DC fast charging, can charge from 10-80% in 31 minutes |
| Technology | MBUX Hyperscreen with augmented reality navigation and an AI-powered assistant |
| Design | Aerodynamic design, smooth lines and a luxury interior |
| Safety Features | Active emergency stop assist, evasive steering assist, PRE-SAFE system |
Ford Mach-E
Image source: 2GB
The Ford Mach-E boldly reimagines the electric crossover, bringing Ford's performance heritage and practical design philosophy to the electric vehicle market. The Mach-E is a good alternative to the Tesla Model S because it can achieve 379 miles on a single charge, and if you opt for the GT Performance upgrade, you will be able to achieve 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds. You can choose between a standard-range 70kWh battery or the extended-range 91kWh battery pack.
Inside, the Mach-E combined practical functionality with a huge, vertically orientated touchscreen. There is plenty of room to store things in the cabin and enough room to fit five people comfortably. There is a list of standard and optional features you can choose to add, like customisable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a panoramic roof and even a front boot lined with hard plastic. Overall, if you’re looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model S, you should be considering the Ford Mach-E.
| Ford Mach-E | |
|---|---|
| Range | 230-312 miles depending on the model you choose |
| Charging | Up to 150 kW DC fast charging, 10-80% in less than 45 minutes |
| Technology | SYNC 4A infotainment, over-the-air updates, smartphone integration |
| Design | Crossover SUV design, muscular stance, modern electric styling |
| Safety Features | Ford Co-Pilot360, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control |
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Image source: Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a distinctive look, characterised by sharp angles and lines. It has the spaciousness of a family SUV with a lot of room for passengers and everything that comes with them.
You can choose between two battery capacities, 63kWh or 84kWh, and within that, you can choose between the various configurations from all-wheel to rear-wheel drive. The Ioniq 5 has 800V charging technology as standard, which allows for ultra-fast charging at public charging stations. The Ioniq 5 is fast - the 84kWh battery version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds.
Its angular, origami-like exterior pays homage to Hyundai's past while firmly pointing towards an electric future, featuring unique design elements like parametric pixel lights and an innovative modular interior concept. It also has a sliding central console and reclining rear seats, making it a comfortable option if you’re travelling further distances. Its spacious, versatile interior, an impressive range of options, and competitive pricing position it as a compelling choice for those seeking a forward-thinking, practical electric car.
The Tesla Model S outpaces the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in performance, offering faster acceleration and a longer range. The Ioniq 5, however, prioritises spaciousness and practicality with a roomy, versatile interior and retro-modern design, making it ideal for families and everyday use. While the Model S is focused on performance and innovation, the Ioniq 5 stands out for its affordability, comfort, and futuristic charm.
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | |
|---|---|
| Range | Between 220 and 303 miles |
| Charging | Up to 350 kW charging, 10-80% in less than 18 minutes |
| Technology | Large touchscreen, augmented reality head-up display, smart parking assist |
| Design | Retro-futuristic design, unique angular styling, spacious interior |
| Safety Features | Hyundai SmartSense, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring |
Volkswagen ID.4
Image source: CarExpert
The Volkswagen ID.4 represents the brand's thoughtful entry into the electric crossover market, offering a pragmatic and accessible approach to an EV. The ID.4 has an RRP price range of £42,640 to £54,205, making it one of the more affordable options included in this list.
You can choose between two battery options: a 52kWh battery for the Match model and a 77kWh battery for the Life Pro model. The Match model has a range of 224 miles, while the Life Pro model has a range of u to 337 miles. It has a top speed of 99mph and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds.
Designed to appeal to mainstream consumers, the ID.4 combines clean, understated styling with practical functionality, creating an electric vehicle that feels familiar and approachable. Its design prioritizes interior space and comfort, with a minimalist interior that focuses on user-friendly technology and excellent visibility. Some nice interior features of the ID.4 include a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting and an illuminated smartphone storage compartment. It has plenty of space inside the cabin, including a big centre console storage area and enough room in the back seat for three adults.
The ID.4 aims to make electric driving mainstream by providing a comfortable driving experience, decent range, and pricing that makes electric vehicles more attainable for a broader audience.
| Volkswagen ID.4 | |
|---|---|
| Range | 270-335 miles on a single charge depending on the configuration |
| Charging | Up to 170kW DC fast charging. Can charge from 5-80% in half an hour at a fast charging point |
| Technology | Intuitive touchscreen, touch controls, connected services |
| Design | Clean, modern crossover design, practical family EV styling |
| Safety Features | IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance, emergency braking, lane keeping |
Used Tesla Model S
The pre-2021 Tesla Model S was one of the earliest luxury sedans. In 2021, Tesla stopped producing right-hand drive versions of the Model S in the UK. Tesla decided to make this change to focus on demand for its cheaper Model 3 and Model Y cars.
Its minimalist interior, dominated by a large central touchscreen, set a new standard for automotive user interfaces, while its powerful electric powertrains offered acceleration that challenged sports cars. Despite newer models now available, the used Tesla Model S remains an attractive option for those seeking a well-established, technologically innovative electric vehicle with a proven track record.
| Used Tesla Model S | |
|---|---|
| Range | Between 270-335 miles of range |
| Charging | Supercharger V2 up to 150 kW |
| Technology | Large central touchscreen, over-the-air updates, basic Autopilot |
| Design | Pioneering electric sedan design, minimalist interior |
| Safety Features | Basic Autopilot, collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking |
If you are interested in any of the electric cars mentioned in this blog, you can visit our quote tool which will give you a quote personalised to your salary and lease terms. It will also show you how much you can save every month through electric car salary sacrifice schemes, like The Electric Car Scheme.
Last updated: 23/12/24
