I should have said the best electric vehicle
for me. I bought the ELR over the Model S for several reasons:
First, it has features that I use frequently which aren't available on the Model S (like Adaptive Cruise Control and Regen Paddles), but I realize not every potential Tesla customer is going to care about such things.
Second, I like the futuristic styling of the ELR much more than the Ford/Audi/Jaguar styling of the Model S. Also, I find the interior of the Model S rather bland and unrefined, not to mention ergonomically challenging. (I sure hope the Model X integrates that giant 17-inch iPad better than in the beta model, because it looks even more ridiculous in that prototype than in the production Model S.) I always preferred the
original integration of the touch screen in the Model S prototype, and was disappointed to see it turn into nothing more than a large rectangle (and also to see the steering wheel lose its bottom hand grip).
Third, I drive long distances from time to time, and would much rather spend 4 minutes at a gas station (which I can find anywhere) than 30-90 minutes at a supercharger (which are far and few between, if available at all in some regions). Also, on a full charge and full tank of gas, I can drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas comfortably at full speed without stopping, which isn't possible in the Model S.
Fourth, my normal daily commute outside of long trips is 36 miles, so the only time I ever use gas is on the rare long distance business trip or our annual Vegas vacation.
Fifth, the ELR was much less expensive than a similarly-configured
* Model S 85 kWh which was the one I considered (since 60 kWh wouldn't cut it)... it was $96,770 vs. $78,876.85 excluding anticipated tax credits/rebates but including dealership incentives.
(* there's obviously some apples-to-oranges problems with comparing the two cars, but you get the idea.)
Sixth, I don't need to accelerate 0-60 in 5.4 seconds or less, as fun as it might be to beat other drivers to the next stop light over and over again. The ELR is good enough at 8.8 seconds (or 7.8 with the engine running), even if the ELR
is the slowest car with an MSRP above $75k.
Seventh, I don't need more than a 2+2 coupe since the only people who would ever ride in my back seat are friends shorter than 5'6" and children. My back seat passengers are always comfortable and I never hear any complaints.
Eighth, at least here in Los Angeles, everyone and his brother now seems to own a Model S, so it's not so special anymore (which is a good thing for Tesla).
Ninth, I have a reservation for a Model X (to replace our Rav4 EV), so my wife and I will be getting our Tesla on next year. As such, I don't feel deprived!
