The Tesla model S is supposed to be similar in dimension to the last 7 series BMW...
which retails for about $80k. I believe fit and finish is to be up to that par as well.
http://autos.yahoo.com/bmw/7-series/2012/
It's not close on a gas savings level, but you don't buy a Tesla for the gas savings... You buy it because it is a different type of car and to make a statement.
I'm hoping to put in a deposit for a Model S Signature as a bay area vehicle (for personal and/or company use). The 300 mile range is perfect for SFBA, and it's big enough for 4-5 people comfortably, or datacenter equipment, and has more novelty value than a lambo among geeks.
I wouldn't take an exotic (Tesla, Fiskar Karma, F or L, etc.) on long road trips in the US, especially with a non-standard drivetrain, due to the lack of service options.
Within the bay area, especially if you have 240 or 480v charging at home/office, it's perfect. I know a Roadster user who has his mainly because he hates gas stations.
frankly I don't see why they need to make it so big. Weight is one of the biggest problems for fuel efficiency, it takes a ton more juice to move a 4,000lb car vs a a 3,000lb car.
I find it interesting that they intend to make a wagon/estate version with rear-facing seats (article says 7 passengers, so my best guess is that it has to be a wagon in that form). They must really want to make the 'family' statement, because no other demographic regularly sits 7 people.
I love the Tesla guys, but I doubt they have the pricing power of BMW.
In that price range we're talking conspicuous consumption, and a beamer is definitely conspicuous, but a Tesla?
Maybe if you're a gay engineer dude, this Tesla will be a great way to score other gay geek dudes - wait or maybe it's for lesbian geeks... not sure, my point is I doubt this will make people think it can get them laid as much an equally priced BMW will.
It's not close on a gas savings level, but you don't buy a Tesla for the gas savings... You buy it because it is a different type of car and to make a statement.