Tesla Model S outsells luxury competition

As if Tesla needed any more good news this month, first-quarter sales are in and the electric Model S outsold the Mercedes S-class, Audi A8 and BMW 7-series, according to “CNN Money.” In the first three months of 2013, Tesla sold 4,750 sedans while Mercedes sold 3,077 of the S-class, BMW sold 2,338 of the 7-series and Audi sent 1,462 A8s out of the dealership.

The Model S does have its sticker price going for it. The base model can be had for $69,900 -- possibly less with tax incentives -- while the cheapest S-class goes for $93,255, the 7-series for $74,525 and the A8 for $73,095.

Last week, Tesla announced a quarterly profit that exceeded expectations, and on Thursday a “Consumer Reports” story came out giving the sedan 99 out of a possible 100 points in a review.

But, this year hasn't all been roses for Musk and his venture. The New York Times review of the car left the reporter stranded, which led to a small feud on Twitter and in the newspaper. And Autoweek's own Model S left editor Rory Carroll stuck in his driveway for two days.

The real bright spot in the past six months for Tesla, at least in an enthusiast's eyes, was when the Model S beat a BMW M5 in a drag race, which we have provided video proof of here. Granted, the Tesla in that video wasn't the base model, which moves it price squarely into German territory.

By Jake Lingeman