Spearheading the automotive revolution is a daunting task for any automaker, let alone for one of the youngest carmakers around. Yet, that’s exactly what Elon Musk and the people from Tesla, Inc. (née Tesla Motors) are doing. They are reshaping the auto industry as we know it by offering an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. In the 15 years they’ve been around, the electric vehicle company has become the best at its job, which is probably the reason behind their continued survival in the dog-eat-dog world we call the auto industry. No automaker today can offer the available range/charging/speed combo that Tesla does. Still, the EV carmaker isn’t immune to business-conducting related issues. There’s a thin line between the Model 3’s unveiling (when more than 500,000 deposits were placed on it) and behind-schedule deliveries of the car, which are still dragging along and tormenting respective depositors. But, what about the 2019 Tesla lineup?
The Tesla lineup of models is nothing like a conventional automaker’s lineup due to the sheer nature of their business model. At the moment, only three Tesla cars can be spotted on the roads (if you’re lucky enough to spot the Model 3), while the upcoming Tesla Roadster Mk. 2 has very slim chances of appearing prior to MY 2020. Despite their limited portfolio, the situation definitely seems to be improving for Tesla on that part since, prior to 2015 and the arrival of Model X, the only vehicle they offered was the flagship Model S.
Now that the Tesla lineup is beginning to take shape, we’ll try and give you an insight into what to buy, and what to stay away from when it comes to the California-based company. Note that you can’t simply walk into a Tesla dealership, cash in, and take your new car home though. There’s a waiting list for every single one of their models due to a limited nature of their facilities and their aforementioned business model. Moreover, the waiting list for the latest Model 3 is now intimidatingly long. Especially for someone who hasn’t already placed a deposit on one. Given the circumstances, getting a new Tesla Model 3 during MY 2019 is a big ask for anyone filed under that category.
2019 Tesla Model 3
Introduced in 1908, the iconic Ford Model T singlehandedly revolutionized the auto industry by becoming the first mass-production car an average Joe could afford. More than a century later, the new Tesla Model 3 aims to do the same – this time, on the all-electric vehicle market. With a starting price of $35,000 prior to the federal tax credit of $7,500 and additional local incentives, the Model 3 offers unparalleled all-electric range for its price. Only thing, you can’t get one just like that. The company estimates it’ll take them between 12 and 18 months to deliver a freshly reserved Model 3, which is understandable considering the sheer amount of pre-ordered units. The problem is, even these deliveries are behind schedule, which puts a strain on their already limited production process.
The base Tesla Model 3 with a standard 50 kWh battery pack can take you 220 miles on a full charge. The long range 70 kWh model offers 310 miles, but also warrants a higher sticker of $44,000 before incentives. Both battery packs utilize the latest production technology introduced with the Tesla Model S P100D that renders them denser and enhances performance in the long run. Speaking of a 100 kWh battery pack, the Model 3 is unable to accommodate one due to its short wheelbase, but another performance model is incoming. It might even don the famed Ludicrous Mode badge. The Tesla Model 3 started off as a rear-wheel drive vehicle during its inaugural production year, but as of 2018, the California-based company has also added all-wheel drive. Every Model 3 owner can, of course, use the company’s supercharger infrastructure, but there’s a catch. Unlike the premium Model S which comes with no limitations in that regard, Model 3 owners will be allowed to charge their cars on a pay-per-use basis. Prices still haven’t been announced, but they shouldn’t be a burden on anyone’s budget. Those lucky enough to get their hands on a new Tesla Model 3 during 2019 will get one rather advanced zero-emissions vehicle with a higher level of practicality than most of its competitors. Others might start thinking about placing a deposit if they’re planning on getting one at a later date.
Pros: affordable, long-range, impressive technology
Cons: production already behind schedule, waiting lists longer than 1 year, questionable build quality, will it deliver what was promised?
2019 Tesla Model X
Tesla’s first (and still only) crossover debuted in 2015, but it’s already evolved to a level where its initial 90 kWh battery pack has been discarded in order to make way for two newer options – one that’s more affordable and another that delivers better performance. Unlike the Model 3, the Model X’s production is in full swing and waiting lists aren’t nearly as long. Then again, with a price tag of $67,800 for a base Tesla Model X, the all-electric crossover is a much more expensive affair than the affordable Model 3. Not to mention that even a base rear-wheel-drive 75D’s price can quickly get out of control by ticking off a number of expensive option boxes. At the same time, a long-range 100D model starts from $84,300, while the performance-oriented P100D Model X costs as much as $128,300. The latest of the three accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and comes with mandatory all-wheel drive, whereas a similar setup on non-performance models costs around $12,000.
Speaking of range, the base Model X 75D offers up to 237 miles on a full charge, whereas the long-range 100D model raises the bar with 295 miles of range. Performance P100D model might be a champion in acceleration, but it falls short of the conventional 100 kWh battery model by 6 miles in terms of available range. All three Model X versions are subject to a federal credit of up to $7,500 in select states. All three can also be ordered with either a $6,000 option, which adds a third row of seats and brings the total seating capacity to six, or a $3,000 option, which allows the Model X to accommodate up to seven passengers. The pleasure of including what’s lately become a controversial option we know as the Enhanced Autopilot will cost you $5,000, on the other hand. If you, however, desire full self-driving capability for the mentioned autopilot, you’ll have to put aside $3,000 more. Needless to say, the list goes on. The 2019 Tesla Model X shouldn’t bring too many changes compared to the current model, but it should still remain one of the better zero-emission SUVs on the market.
Pros: long range, an abundance of cargo space, impeccable acceleration, fun to drive, advanced tech
Cons: inconsistent build quality, the second row offers less room than competitors and doesn’t fold flat, falcon doors are cool yet impractical
2019 Tesla Model S
The linchpin of Tesla’s lineup (at least until the Model 3 hits full swing) isn’t only their best-sold and most critically acclaimed vehicle, but one of the best luxury sedans on the market as a whole. Ever since its arrival in 2012, the Tesla Model S has gone from strength to strength by constantly improving in all relevant fields. Technological advancements, larger batteries and longer range, shorter charging times, better performance, etc. You name it, the Model S has improved it. Then again, it wouldn’t become one of the most advanced vehicles on the market today had it remained unchanged for more than 5 years. The 2019 Tesla Model S pushes the limits even further by bringing a number of new technology upgrades and a fresh design to boot. Automatic windshield wipers are one of the upcoming upgrades, while all future units should be offered strictly in a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup as well. This also goes for the aforementioned Tesla Model X.
At the moment, the Model S comes in three different choices. The base 75D boasts a range of up to 259 miles. The long-distance Tesla Model S 100D offers up to 335 miles on a single charge, while the performance-oriented P100D can take you as far as 315 miles before requiring a recharge. The latest in line also accelerates to 60 mph from a standing start in just 2.5 seconds, which renders it faster than most hypercars around. Prices amount to $62,700, $82,200, and $123,200 respectively. As it is the case with the Model X, the enhanced autopilot with a full self-driving capability is available here as well. Despite being arguably the most advanced piece of technology in the automotive industry at the moment, use of Tesla autopilot should be exercised with caution. If not for safety’s purposes, then to avoid being fined for reckless driving or worse yet, for riding on a passenger’s seat while leaving the driver’s seat vacant.
Pros: ludicrous acceleration, luxurious, yet practical feel, great range, advanced tech
Cons: still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, top models can reach supercar-level price tags
2019 Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster from 2008 was the company’s first electric vehicle. Tesla gave it the ax as soon as they were ready to put the Model S on the market, but now they’re giving the nameplate another go. The upcoming Tesla Roadster will be a much different car than its predecessor, but a connection can’t be denied. Both are sports cars capable of achieving blistering speeds in blistering amounts of time. The second Tesla Roadster, however, likely won’t be available prior to 2020. There’s only an off-chance a few of them might appear during 2019, and precious few of us might be lucky enough to lay our eyes on one. Still, as a now-integral part of the Tesla lineup, we can’t miss any of the available or even only announced Tesla models, including the new Roadster.
The second Tesla Roadster promises to become one of the fastest cars in the world when it finally arrives. With a projected top speed of 250 mph, it should easily beat the likes of the famous McLaren F1, Pagani Huayra, Ferrari Enzo, and many more. What’s more, the California company promises it’ll have otherworldly acceleration, the likes of which has already been teased at the official Roadster announcement event. The Roadster Mk. 2 should be able to hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 1.9 seconds. And that’s only the base model. A 200 kWh battery pack and a trio of electric motors should also provide a range of up to 620 miles, but in order to achieve that, one will have to restrain him/herself rather than try and utilize the Roadster’s roof-topping potential. There’s also the price issue, as the new Roadster probably won’t be available for less than $250,000. Considering it’ll likely be a low-volume vehicle, the waiting lists shouldn’t be that long, at least. Once the production actually commences, that is.
Pros: blistering top speed and otherworldly acceleration, straight-to-the-point design, impressive range
Cons: production still to commence, extremely high price tag, will it actually deliver?