2014 Tesla Model S vs. BMW i8 in MotorTrend Comparison Test! Tesla Model S Claims Victory!!

Where is the automobile headed in our gradually warming world? Fully electric like the Chevy Spark, Nissan Leaf, or Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive? Plug-in hybrid like the Chevy Volt, Ford Energi models, or Porsche 918? Flying cars like the Terrafugia Transition? Something else entirely? One thing's for sure: Wherever it's headed, folks buying at the pointy end of the price pyramid will get there first and help field-test the tech for the rest of us. If you have both the means and the inclination to live your automotive life on the green-tech bleeding edge -- or if you need the world to think that's how you roll—allow us to present the two most compelling options available today.

The reigning green-car champ is the surprisingly high-performance, fully electric Tesla Model S P85+. The car world's lone successful Silicon Valley startup earned Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year calipers on the strength of its M5-like driving dynamics, giant iPad-esque user interface, innovative optional 5+2 seating, front and rear trunks, and epic 265-mile EPA-rated battery range. And during the year we've spent driving a long-term Model S, the expanding network of Superchargers has made long-distance electric travel (at least in our bottom half of California) a surprising reality.


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chewy - 8/11/2014 2:14:13 PM

+2 Boost

Pretty even performance wise. It would be interesting to see the i8's figures once the electric assist runs out.

scenicbyway12 - 8/11/2014 3:07:36 PM

+1 Boost

This a dumber comparison test than the M3 vs. 911.

cidflekken - 8/11/2014 3:53:06 PM

+1 Boost

Nonsense comparison, which, apparently, most publications seem to be resorting to these days. Very similar to the M4 vs 911 comparison. And, to a lesser degree, the CLA vs A3 comparison.

Really looking forward to the RR SVR vs Audi RS7 comparisons. I mean, they both have at least 550 hp, AWD, and rear seats, so should be a fair result, right?

Yonder7 - 8/11/2014 4:43:30 PM

-2 Boost

Is a Valid Compare, but Tesla for the price, destroy the I8 definitely BMW I8 is not a match for it. Good attempt in design but Tesla is undisputed ....superior by a long way. Give me you numbers and your Facts, not feeling here please.

scenicbyway12 - 8/11/2014 5:10:28 PM

+1 Boost

"Give me you numbers and your Facts"

According to Motor Trend the I8 is faster, handles better, is more fun to drive, and was beat in braking by 1 foot and the price difference as tested the Tesla only had a 12K advantage, not a lot at this price point.

Why this test is silly,

These cars do not compete with each other
No one, I mean no one will ever cross shop them.
The I8 is a hybrid, the Tesla is a electric car.
At this demographic the clientele is more likely to own both cars than choose between either one.(which no one ever will)

It's a Stupid test.

Yonder7 - 8/11/2014 4:59:59 PM

0 Boost

Why non sense? In fact It have a lot sense for me cause you are paying 135,000.00$ for an Electric Sport Car, my expectation is that It will be better (By far) than a sedan which is almost 1300 pounds more heavier than the "sport" car. I8 won for tenths , is a lot more expensive, with smaller range and usability and having all carbon fiber, it should be better, (and I am not saying that is not a great achievement of BMW)...but Tesla is without any doubt a better achievement for a lot less and more range...

cidflekken - 8/11/2014 11:28:10 PM

+1 Boost

If it has to be explained to you, then you have no business on this site. Yes, that's a bit blunt, but come on, now. Use some common sense. The only things they have in common are their powertrains and their price. End of story.

Yonder7 - 8/11/2014 5:07:59 PM

0 Boost

To be clear : Range for this is Electric range, also, what will happen to the performance as soon as electric power is depleted on the I8?.. can you call a high performance car to this 3 cylinder engine?...The I8 is good for very short commutes in the city...or long runs, but not so comfortable on this tiny engine.

Yonder7 - 8/12/2014 7:38:07 AM

0 Boost

My point is that an sport car should be BY FAR better than a Sedan so heavy like this...but instead it give BIG surprise to the I8, so imagine If Tesla decides to build an Sport car or just improve this one...I8 would be out of business...and yes they are completely different car, therefore, performance wise, should be apart, but guess what they are not...