As everyone knows, Tesla is now a serious participant within the international automotive business. With greater than 1.3 million autos delivered final yr, it was the sixteenth best-selling automotive model on the earth, forward of Fiat and behind China’s Changan. Quantity was up 40 p.c from 2021, which means it was the second-best performer within the international prime 25, surpassed solely by BYD, up 152 p.c.
Because the autos unfold internationally, Tesla begins to seek out increasingly rivals. The corporate is a comparatively new model in comparison with the standard ones which have been producing vehicles for a century. Nonetheless, with Tesla progressively gaining floor, it’s inevitable to check the vehicles of the US producer with these of different manufacturers. A few of them belong to the mainstream market, whereas others belong to the premium market. However are Teslas true premium vehicles? Let’s have a look at collectively what falls into this definition and which traits, quite the opposite, differ from it.
Premium, Sure
The principle motive for putting Tesla within the premium section is the positioning of its vehicles, which incorporates not solely the value but in addition the best way the corporate communicates its manufacturing to the general public and the options it focuses on. As an early adopter, Elon Musk’s firm has the benefit of being acknowledged as an revolutionary and avant-garde carmaker in comparison with others when it comes to electrical car expertise and effectivity.
This positioning and the picture it enjoys among the many public enable Tesla to cost its vehicles on the identical stage as different premium automotive manufacturers akin to Mercedes or BMW. The Mannequin 3’s most important competitor within the inside combustion automotive market shouldn’t be a Toyota Camry, however a Mercedes C-class, though Tesla is somewhat restricted when it comes to devices and inside particulars.
As an revolutionary and different alternative for a lot of customers, Tesla can confidently play either side of the business, premium and mainstream. The truth that these vehicles current one thing really new and higher than most different EVs is an effective motive to incorporate Tesla’s lineup amongst premium autos.
Premium, No
Alternatively, there’s a subjective definition of premium. A premium automotive is normally related to the German trio of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, although there are definitely different manufacturers that match into this class. This trio typically sells vehicles at increased costs as a result of they’ve higher finishes, extra superior options, and just because they’re synonymous with exclusivity. Their success impressed many different automakers to hit this profitable market with youthful premium offshoots, not the least of which being Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, and Genesis.

Arguably talking, the cockpit of a Tesla shouldn’t be elegant. It could possibly have many attention-grabbing driving and software program options, however the inside is normally not as elegant as that of a daily premium automotive. The dashboard shouldn’t be solely easy (easy might be premium too) however generally poor when it comes to high quality. Some would argue even the seats are a step again from premium manufacturers.
After all, this can be a subjective matter. The standard of a automotive is decided by many various elements which fluctuate from driver to driver. The necessary a part of the story is the happiness and satisfaction of driving a automotive.
The creator of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Trade Specialist at JATO Dynamics.