Motor Trend Suggests Tesla Model S may be Most Important New Car since Ford Model T

Though the buff site had previously released a video featuring a range-testing excursion from LA-to-Vegas (and back), this time its cameras were out to capture whether it proves its worth as a car.

For MT's Carlos Lago, the criteria involved in the equation includes important things like, "How fast is it, how fun is it to drive." And while he does spend some tire-smoking time testing the five-door hatchback's performance parameters, the approach overall is more holistic than some we've seen.

Adding up the performance, style, technology and price, Lago compares the Tesla favorably with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Porsche Panamera. He says it feels "like car 3.0." It all kind of gives us hope our favorite fastback will come out on top when MT reveals its Car Of The Year sometime in November.