When it comes to luxury cars, German automakers tend to dominate many lists. However, that is not the case when it comes to luxury hybrid and electric cars. Here’s a comparison between the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model S against other competing luxury green cars.

Tesla tops the top 5 luxury hybrid and electric cars list

U.S. News ranked the five best luxury hybrid and electric cars on the market, and Tesla easily came out on top. U.S. News looked at these cars and compared them based on everything from their interior to their safety to their fuel efficiency equivalent.

The Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model S were both at the top, with the Model 3 taking second place and the Model S taking first place. The Porsche Taycan was in third place, the Lexus ES hybrid was in fourth place, and the BMW i3 came in fifth place.

That said, this list from U.S. News only compared luxury hybrid and electric sedans. Many luxury automakers are instead focusing on making luxury hybrid or electric SUVs such as the Lincoln Aviator or the Ford Mustang Mach-E. While Tesla does have a luxury electric SUV in the Model X, Tesla’s main market is in electric sedans.

Due to that fact, Tesla was able to easily have the best luxury hybrid electric sedan on the market today. But, while the Model S was in first place, the Model 3 wasn’t far behind it. 

Comparing the Tesla Model S with the Tesla Model 3

Off the bat, the main difference between these two Tesla models is the price. This is also the source of many of their other differences. U.S. News says that the Model 3 starts at about $35,000 and can cost up to $57,000. The Model S, on the other hand, starts at $75,000 and can cost up to $133,000. As one can imagine, this massive price difference leads to a lot of other differences as well. 

For instance, the Model S is simply equipped with a more powerful powertrain and it’s also equipped with longer range batteries. As a result, the Model S can accelerate faster, hit a higher top speed, and travel farther distances than the Model 3 can. Both Tesla vehicles have options, though, that will allow owners to determine how high-performance their Tesla model will be, but the Model S is clearly better. 

Another difference is in their interior. While both cars are equipped with massive touch screens, the Model S has a bigger one at 17 inches. The Model 3’s is only 15 inches. And, while their standard infotainment systems are very similar, the Model S simply has more of everything. It has more USB ports, more speakers, etc. Additionally, their seats are different as well. The Model S has fancier seats while the Model 3’s are plainer.

Which luxury model is better?

Ultimately, this comes down to personal taste. U.S. News gave the Model S a 9.1 out of 10 for its overall score and the Model 3 an 8.7 out of 10. That’s because, in most areas, such as their safety capabilities, they’re very similar. In everything else, the price difference gives the Model S an edge. 

Due to that fact, for any customer who simply wants the most luxurious electric car available on the market, the Model S is that car. But Tesla designed and produced the Model 3 for a different reason. The Model 3 isn’t supposed to be the most luxurious electric car on the market.

The Model 3 is supposed to be a more affordable Tesla, and that’s exactly what it is. So, if you just want a great luxury electric car at an affordable price, then the Model 3 is the best option.