8 Of The Best EV Alternatives To The Tesla Model S (And They’re Cheaper, Too)

If you’re eyeing the Tesla Model S but don’t want the hefty price tag, 2025 brings a strong lineup of electric vehicles that match its luxury and performance at a lower cost. These eight alternatives prove you can get premium EV capability without paying full premium.

Lucid Air Touring

So, Lucid Air, honestly, I keep hearing people call it the “Tesla killer,” which is kinda funny but also   I mean, it’s gorgeous. Interior’s fancy, big digital displays that make the Model S look retro, and, uh, the ride? Silky smooth, not joking. And the range is nuts, like, some trims hit 425 miles, which means it’s beating the Model S at its own game. Price-wise, you’re lookin’ at about $85,900, which is like, $10k or more cheaper than a loaded Model S. Not pocket change, but you save enough for a big vacation.

BMW i5 M60

Alright, the BMW i5 M60 is kinda what you’d imagine if a fancy sports sedan got zapped with EV power. Acceleration’s wild, handling’s super tight for a big car, not gonna lie, and  oh, the seats? German levels of comfy, for sure. It’s not as spaceship-y as the Tesla inside; more classic luxury. Range is pretty solid, like around 256 miles, but eh, who really drives that far in one go anyway? Price is about $85,000, so yep, still less than the Model S, and honestly, BMW badge just feels snobby in a good way.

Audi A6 e-tron

Audi A6 e-tron… okay, I didn’t expect this to impress me, ’cause I kinda thought Audis were all look, less go. But, uhm, the e-tron’s quick, feels really well put-together, and  you know what? Interior is cashmere-level soft, super quiet too. Charging’s fast (good for impatient people like me), and the tech is easy, which is rare with German EVs. About $75,000, so you’re saving almost $20k over the Model S. Yeah, the badge isn’t as showy, but “e-tron” just sounds cool, right?

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai keeps surprising me, honestly. The Ioniq 6 looks kinda like a spaceship if it was designed by a beach town  weird and pretty at the same time? Anyway, it’s peppy, you’ll hit 240–342 miles depending on the battery, and charging is super quick, like you’ll barely finish your coffee. Interior’s simple, tech is not annoying, and you’re chillin’ with a $37,850 starting price. I mean, you could seriously buy two of these before you reach Model S prices.

Kia EV6

So, the Kia EV6 is  like  the cool cousin of the Ioniq. Super sporty lines, touches that make it look expensive but, like, you’re not paying “Tesla expensive.” Range is, uh, pretty great (310 miles), and it’s surprisingly fun to throw around corners. The inside has a cool dashboard, comfy seats, and honestly, Kia is becoming super legit with tech. Price starts around $42,600, which is less than half a Model S, so, like, why not double up and get two colors?

Polestar 4

The Polestar 4, okay, so I kinda wanna call this “Swedish devil” ’cause the design is so clean and kinda evil-good. Drives amazing, sharp acceleration, and it feels upscale without being show-offy. Tech is straightforward  love that  and, yeah, you’re probably gonna hear “is that a Volvo?” but it’s more stylish than most. Prices  hover around $60,000, which is, uh, a lot less, and you’ll probably never lose it in a parking lot. It’s just unique, you know.

Porsche Taycan

Oof, Porsche Taycan  so, uhm, it’s more “drives like a supercar” than “efficient spaceship,” but wow, cornering is epic, steering makes you wanna hit every exit ramp at speed. Cabin’s pure Porsche, buttons everywhere, just a bit less “giant screen” than Tesla. Range isn’t as epic, like 240–260 miles, but it charges crazy fast and honestly, looks are worth it. Entry price is around $92,000, which is still cheaper than some Model S configs. Not cheap but, Porsche flex, you know.

Audi e-tron GT

I keep coming back to Audi e-tron GT ’cause, not gonna lie, it’s got “Iron Man” car energy. Looks kinda mean, charges super quick, and driving is a rush. Interior’s classic Audi, sporty and clean, seats grip you like you’re about to launch into orbit. Range is about 238 miles, which eh  isn’t Model S level, but for about $106,000? Okay, maybe it’s not that much cheaper, but if you find a deal, for sure, you’re getting more track-day cred and less, uh, internet meme drama.