Tesla Model S, in Performance Plus trim, drives like a rocket on electric rails

The Model S has shown that an electric car can be desirable and practical.

An aluminum body helps keep the weight down.

The battery pack, either in 60-kilowatt-hour or 85-kilowatt-hour capacity, sits underneath the car.

An electric motor, about the size of a watermelon, sits between the rear wheels.

Sport seats include red stitching as well as bolsters that help keep the driver in place.

The rear bench accommodates three passengers.

The dashboard uses a simple design, dominated by the 17-inch touchscreen.

Electric power steering can be set to Sport, Standard, and Comfort settings.

The Model S design is very elegant, a match for any European car.

The Performance Plus trim adds the P85+ badge to the rear of the car.

A carbon-fiber lip spoiler is optional.

21-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.

With no engine under the hood, there is room for cargo.

Door handles automatically pop out when you approach the car.

The Model S is a sedan with a rear hatchback rather than a trunk.

Optional rear-facing seats include four-point harnesses and are sized for children.

In Performance Plus trim, the Model S shows extraordinary grip.

The Model S is designed and built in California.

The Tesla factory does its own aluminum body-panel stamping.

Most of the components in the Model S are manufactured by Tesla.

Tesla designed a unique charging port, allowing fast charging at 111 amps.

The Model S includes an adapter for charging at public stations with J1772 plugs.

The LCD instrument panel shows this screen when you first get in the car.

When driving, the instrument panel shows this view, with navigation on the left and driver-selectable information on the right.

The big center LCD can be set up to show navigation on top and audio on the bottom.

The Internet-based navigation system includes destination history and favorites.

Tesla includes a few Internet-based audio sources.

HD radio comes standard.

Other audio sources include Bluetooth streaming and USB drives.

There are two USB ports, but no iOS integration for audio.

The Model S includes a Web browser, which can be used to show the weather, fuel prices, and other information.

The drive settings panel lets you change the way the Model S drives.

A rear-view camera is the only driver assistance feature.