Earlier, I quoted
@ModelNforNerd with,
"I don't think in my posts I was setting it up as a competition between the 2 models, but more of a comparison, because, what would be a more apt comparison to make?"
To which I replied with,
"Simple. A fully loaded Model S costs far less than a fully loaded Panamera Turbo S, a fully loaded Alpina B7, or a fully loaded Mercedes-AMG S-Class. Look at the ratio of difference for each of those. Then take a look at the fully loaded price points for AUDI S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-AMG C-Class. Apply a similar percentage discount, and that is how much you would save over those ICE vehicles by getting a fully loaded Model ☰ instead. Sorted. Fairly. Done."
I'd like to expand on that somewhat. See, one thing that has always peeved me is that for some reason, Tesla Naysayers always point to the base price of the Porsche Panamera or Cayenne, then claim that the Model S and Model X are somehow
'overpriced'. However, the base price for the Panamera Turbo S is much higher than the base amount for a Model S P100D. And, you can add thousands upon thousands to the Panamera Turbo S in a veritable multitude of fashions. Also, the Cayenne Turbo S costs a lot more than the Model X P100D to start
($20,800).
$134,500 - Model S P100D Base
$167,500 - Model S P100D Loaded
$180,300 - Panamera Turbo S Base
$263,900 - Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series
$159,600 - Cayenne Turbo S Base
$205,485 - Cayenne Turbo S Loaded
$138,800 - Model X P100D Base
$168,050 - Model X P100D Loaded
About the only measurable statistic by which the Panamera may
'win' over the Model S
(or Cayenne over Model X) is in Top Speed. Which is only applicable in shorter and shorter segments of the Autobahn or on a closed circuit racetrack. Thus, in the real world we inhabit, wherein people drive much lower speeds while attempting to remain in a pseudo-legal sphere, the top speed
(of 155, 186, 191 MPH) is of no significance. Even compliance cars are generally allowed a capability to reach 90-to-100 MPH these days, most of the time.
In terms of non-measurables, there is of course the perceived
'quality of materials' used in Porsche vehicles. For some, that is worth a lot. Even to the point that they never cease complaining that the 'quality' of interiors within Tesla Motors products is somehow substandard, and thus
'not worth it'. My point is that with the tens of thousands of dollars you would have left over by purchasing a Tesla instead of the Porsche, you can definitely find a nice custom upholstery shop that will gladly take your money from you in order to
'upgrade' the Tesla interiors to your specific liking.
And, again, I expect the same level of difference between the Model ☰ and its peers. The thing is that the items most people associate with
'luxury' are not really all that expensive to put in a car. There is a reason why the Toyota Avalon XLE costs so much less than the Lexus ES, even though they are essentially the same vehicle. It's called
'marketing'. And the Camry XLE costs even less than the Avalon XLE. If you can convince people that a particular badge is worth more money, you can charge more money to acquire it.
$26,310 - 191″ L x 72″ W x 58″ H - 2017 Camry XLE
$33,250 - 195″ L x 72″ W x 58″ H - 2017 Avalon XLE
$38,900 - 193″ L x 72″ W x 57″ H - 2017 Lexus ES
I don't put much stock in claims of
'luxury'. I truly do not care about it at all. I consider most of the trappings of luxury to be naught more than window dressing, applicable to any vehicle and adding very little in terms of value and almost nothing when it comes to functionality.
So, here's my WAG regarding top-of-the-line pricing relative to the primary competitor:
$64,000 - BMW M3 Base
$82,000 - BMW M3 Well Equipped
$93,045 - BMW M3 Loaded
$54,000 - Model ☰ P100D Base
$69,000 - Model ☰ P100D Well Equipped
$78,500 - Model ☰ P100D Loaded
Of course, I could be wrong. I just sincerely doubt there will be a plethora of over $100,000 configurations available for the Model ☰ as some seem to be convinced of happening. I think the Model ☰ will be an absolute bargain to Consumers even in its
'Maximum Performance, Maximum Range' configuration.
