@e46jb - have you had an opportunity to drive a Model S? There are a few owners here who would be happy to give you some real-world experience (of course you can also test drive at Chinook).
Maybe I'll share with you some of my background and how I turned into a Tesla fan(natick!). Coming from "luxury brands" (BMW/Mercedes) in the past and being a "car guy" myself, I certainly count myself among the converted. I can say now that it is virtually impossible to compare a Model S to, say, a 6-series Gran Coupe from BMW. Both are about the same cost and size, both are sleek sedans and both perform well. That's where the similarities end. If you compare "on paper", the BMW has a way nicer interior (personal opinion) and prestige. This was the vehicle I was shopping for at the time - I also had a requirement of AWD. I wanted a car that wasn't too common either which the 6GC fit the bill for as you don't see too many around. I had seen the Tesla Model S online but it was only RWD at the time. October 11th(?), 2014 I woke up and saw that Telsa had just announced the "D" - which made the Tesla AWD. My mind was made up - I'm ordering a Tesla! It will be unique and a little more understated than the BMW and I was ready for something new. I kept reading and the Insane Mode was (as Lon pointed out) "icing on the cake".
I didn't really know what to expect but I ordered sight unseen - all the options - and received my car January 26, 2015. From that moment on, all other gas/diesel cars felt like dinosaurs... how could we have not progressed any further than this in over 100 years! The Tesla was/is light-years beyond the other vehicles on the road when it comes to overall driving experience. Because of this I am in the process of going all-electric - if you had told me 3 years ago I was going all electric I would have thought you were nuts!
I truly wish other options were out there with the similar electric platform so there were more choices but for now, the only real option for us is Tesla... and what a good option it is.
Not everyone has such a positive first impression - I'm surprised when others go for a test drive at the store and come back completely underwhelmed. Not sure why that is but I have certainly been in driving bliss since owning a Tesla.
Good luck with your decision... and if you do end up ordering one I hope to see you around at some of the local events!