What's the news?

Tesla Motors has now opened the doors to its first retail design store in the UK. The unit, in London's Westfield Shopping Centre, marks the arrival of the Model S to the UK. Inside the store, customers can use interactive displays and design studios to personalise their Model S before the first right-hand drive examples hit UK roads in March 2014.

The arrival of the Model S to Britain should be recognised as a fairly big occasion; as it's claimed to be the world's first premium saloon to have been designed from the ground up as an all-electric car. In addition, the Model S has also been recognised by the NEDC for having a 310-mile range between trips to the plug - further than any EV currently on sale. The electric motor is powered by either a 60kWh or an 85kWh battery pack that is mounted in the car's floor to keep its centre of gravity low and to allow for more responsive handling.

Leaving the clever technology aside, the Model S is also a striking piece of design. Its imposing and classy exterior leads into a sumptuous cabin, lined with high-quality leather. The dashboard is dominated by an enormous tablet-style display that negates the need for any analogue controls on its fascia. From here occupants can control everything from the satellite navigation to the air conditioning; with only the indicator and wiper stalks left as manual controls. The cabin is also said to be very quiet thanks to a lack of engine noise; and luggage space is also in abundance due to the compact nature of the electric motor.

As well as comfort, Tesla is also concentrating on keeping customers connected on the move with its new 'Supercharger' network. Plans are to have the network running in the first quarter of 2014, and to have the whole country covered by the end of next year.

Anything else?

Considering the expected exclusivity of the Tesla Model S, prices start from a respectable £49,900; making the new kid on the block a real alternative to the traditional German premium saloons. Furthermore, users are exempt from road tax, fuel bills, London's Congestion Charge and showroom tax. Company car users will also benefit from a BIK rate of zero per cent compared to the 24-28 per cent found on comparable conventional cars.