The Tesla Model S has already received much praise from the likes of Motor Trend and Automobile magazines, and now it’s received a unique celebrity endorsement.
Christian von Koenigsegg – founder of the eponymous Swedish supercar builder – has purchased a Model S, and says it’s more fun than a BMW M5, according to Auto Motor and Sport.
For a luxury sport sedan, praise doesn’t get much higher. The M5 is the benchmark, and Koenigsegg reportedly said that the Model S accelerates faster, handles better, and is more fun to drive.
Koenigsegg was probably talking about the top Model S P85, which has the biggest battery pack (85-kilowatt-hours) and is tuned for performance. It’s rated at 416 horsepower, compared to 362 hp for the regular 85-kWh Model S.
Tesla says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.
The M5, on the other hand, has a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that produces 560 hp. With the seven-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission, the factory says it will do 0 to 60 mph in the same 4.2 seconds as the Tesla, while top speed is 155 mph.
The two cars are fairly well-matched. While the BMW’s superior power means it will eventually outrun the Tesla in an outright speed contest, the Model S’ electric powertrain provides instant torque regardless of velocity, which is definitely fun.
In the hands of Automobile Magazine, a Model S actually beat an M5 in a 0 to 100 mph drag race.
Both sedans look like Toyota Camrys compared to the supercars Christian von Koenigsegg slaps his name on, but the man does have a green streak.
He backed the first attempt by solar power company NLV to build an electric luxury sedan, showing the NLV Quant by Koenigsegg concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
