Consumer Reports ranks Tesla Model S as 'Best Overall Car'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Consumer Reports named Tesla's Model S as its top pick in the 'Best Overall Car' category, in its annual Auto Issue, which rates the best and safest cars.

The Tesla beat out competitors like the Audi A6, Toyota Prius and BMW 328i in the ratings conducted by the the independent product-testing magazine. The reviewers picked the Model S for its “blistering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, compliant ride and versatile cabin.”

This is the first time a U.S. automaker has has won in the overall category, ending the domination of Japanese cars, which traditionally earned 70 percent of the magazine’s best-car spots since 1997, but only earned half that number this year.

Analysts have said that if Tesla, the youngest of the major U.S. automakers, can reduce the costs of its batteries, it could double its chunk of the global car market to one percent. The California-based automaker has said that it will see a 56 percent increase in deliveries, about 35,000 cars, this year.

“If Tesla can become the world’s low-cost producer in energy storage, we see significant optionality for Tesla to disrupt adjacent industries,” said Adam Jonas, a Morgan Stanley analyst.

The Toyota Prius continued its domination as the best “green car,” having won the accolade for the 11th consecutive year. Chrysler notched a surprise win with Ram 1500, which was selected at the best pickup truck. This is the first time Chrysler has had a win since the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.

The Volkswagen Audi A6 was chosen as the best luxury sedan, while Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s 328i was named the top sports sedan.

[Consumer Reports] [Businessweek]