[parhurs]

The link does have estimates for Tesla U.S. sales in December 2016. Tesla: 2400 (WSJ) to 5300 (hybridcars.com) compared to the "class leading" Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 1494. It does seem Tesla is dominating in this class (luxury cars). Figures for the whole year are 26,525 - 29,156 (Tesla) vs. 18,803 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class).

[jacquesm]

I really don't see Tesla to be even close to an S-Class, totally different market.

[raisedbyninjas]

Drivetrain aside, I think the E-class would compare favorably to the model S for many people. This comparison is similar to the Apple computers sales numbers at least from the Jobs days. They would claim to set sales records, but only had a 4 model lineup when their competition would have 6 models just in their SOHO lineup.

[petewailes]

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say the S Class and the Model S aren't in the same category. The E would be closer, but given the mindset behind purchasing each, I'm not certain there is a competitor to the Model S.

There's no equivalent to "buying a Tesla" for another brand, which is a lot of why you buy one. The picture gets more interesting when you look outside the US, where they sell about 15/20% of the E class, BMW 5 series, Audi A4 and other similar cars, which are a much closer match to a Tesla.

[votingprawn]

Whilst I like and appreciate the technology in the Model S, I too would struggle to class them as luxury along side the S class.

I genuinely find the fit, finish, and comfort (cabin noise in particular - thank you double glazing!) in my 20 year old S Class to be better. The E-class feels a much better comparison to me.

[koreyb]

It is a tough comparison. E class starts at $52k USD, Tesla Model S at $72k (no fed tax credit, and the 60 will be discontinued soon so jumps to $78k w/ the 75), S class at $97k.

Model S tops out at $160k, S class at ~$250k w/ a S65 or technically a Maybach.

Interior and luxury the S class wins for sure. Performance and tech the Tesla wins.