Car and Driver created a list of GOATS – the Greatest of All Time vehicles for the July issue of their magazine. They looked at the best cars from 1955 until today, and the importance they have played in the automobile industry. The 2012 Tesla Model S is named as one of the most influential vehicles to come out of the last decade.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk did the unthinkable by unveiling an electric vehicle that was not only cool but affordable. The company’s eccentric owner once claimed that his “electric vehicles have changed the world,” and it may not be one of the craziest things he’s ever said.

The Tesla Model S broke ground back in 2012

According to Car and Driver, in 2010, Musk claimed, “Tesla’s seven-passenger EV would travel 300 miles on a single charge, hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and start at less than $60,000.”

Musk held true to his promise, and in 2012, the first long-range electric vehicle arrived. The impressive Model S left mainstream automakers trying to figure out what this car was all about. They didn’t realize how big of a deal this little startup company from Silicon Valley was about to become.

While other auto manufacturers were toying with the idea of creating electric vehicles out of existing models, Tesla was building a new kind of car. Musk challenged his engineers to design an electric vehicle that stood out among the competition. He looked at the current way of doing business in the auto industry and revamped the whole process to his liking.

Tesla took a vertically integrated manufacturing approach, which hasn’t been seen for decades in places like Detroit and Japan. The innovative company also built a network of charging stations across America, making long-distance travel not only possible but appealing in an electric vehicle.

How the Tesla Model S found success

Tesla Motors replicated the success of Apple and other luxury auto manufacturers by creating a brand that’s appealing to loyal followers. The electric vehicle maker does not advertise its products, yet it often has a waiting list for the launch of new product lines.

The software features in the Tesla Model S vehicles are second to none. The company is constantly providing over-the-air updates, creating what Car and Driver refers to as a “culture of continuous improvement.” The hidden Easter eggs and autonomous technology keeps the Tesla fan base strong.

The success that Tesla has found is unprecedented, leaving other automakers perplexed. Tesla’s arrival into the EV market less than 10 years ago, has made a substantial impact on the automotive industry. The largest manufacturers of electric vehicles are trying to figure out how to meet the technological advances found in a Tesla product. Having the capability of going 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and a range of close to 400 miles on one charge keeps other companies wondering how to catch up.

The new 2020 model

The price of the new 2020 Tesla Model S has significantly increased, with a starting price of $76,190. Car owners don’t seem to mind, though, as demand is high for this latest electric vehicle. The Model S has an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles with a staggering increase to more than 400 miles with the Long Range Plus variant.

The average charge time is reduced by 25 percent in the all-new Model S through the use of V3 Supercharging. Tesla says it made “thoughtful changes” to this year’s electric vehicle, by updating the front drive unit. Each of the axles has a dedicated motor that allows for AWD capabilities. The adaptive suspension offers enhanced performance and improved comfort. The acceleration is phenomenal, and the steering capabilities are superior.

The 2020 Tesla Model S is a comfortable ride that surpasses the specifications that Musk set out to meet less than 10 years ago.