The Tesla Roadster is a great idea, but its high price and limited range have restricted its appeal. It has put the Tesla name to the forefront of electric vehicles, however, and now the North American firm is set to capitalise on this with its much more practical Model S.

The Model S is a five-door hatchback about the same size as a BMW 5 Series with Maserati-esque looks. However, Tesla squeezes seven seats in, with five normal seats and a small pair for children to make it more of a rival for the BMW 5 GT.

Tesla hopes to attract buyers not just keen on the car's green credentials, but also those looking for a performance executive class car. The Model S deals with 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 120mph, so its acceleration puts it on a par with a BMW 535i.

However, the Model S boasts zero exhaust tailpipe emissions and a range of 160 miles on a single charge. There are extended range packs of 230- and 300 miles available at extra cost, though these will add significantly to the price of the car. The new Tesla can be quick-charged in 45 minutes with a plug-in charger.

Tesla has yet to confirm UK pricing for the Model S, but it goes on sale in the USA priced from $49,900. This equates to a UK price of about £30,750, but the on-the-road price in the UK is likely to be around £40,000 to put the Model S in direct competition with the BMW 535i.

The Model S uses aluminium for its body construction and all versions will come with a high specification to include satellite navigation, internet connection and a 17-inch touch-screen to control most functions.

Sales of the Model S are set to start in mid-2012 in the USA, followed by left-hand drive European cars towards the end of 2012. Right-hand drive models will then arrive in the UK in the spring of 2013.

Alisdair Suttie - 9 Mar 2011