The Tesla Model S became Tesla’s first vehicle to win Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award in 2013.
Motor Trend praised the Model S for combining long electric range, strong acceleration, useful passenger space, and an unusual large touchscreen. The award helped establish Tesla as more than a niche manufacturer of the original Roadster.
The Model S entered production in 2012 as Tesla’s second production car. It was a larger four-door electric liftback, unlike the Roadster, which used a sports-car design based on the Lotus Elise. The Model S later received several battery, software, and styling updates.
A common mix-up is confusing this award with the European Car of the Year prize or with awards for the Model 3. The 2013 Motor Trend honor specifically recognized the Model S.