Tesla outsells the S-Class, the 7 Series, and the A8 – but not the Cadillac XTS?

By Nick Jaynes April 30, 2013

Tesla Model S — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hard to believe we’d ever be reporting this story, let alone in 2013, but apparently Tesla has sold more units of its Model S than Mercedes, BMW, or Audi did of its respective flagship sedans in the first quarter of the year.

Tesla “delivered 4,750 cars in the first quarter, more than the BMW 7-series (2,338), the Mercedes-Benz S Class (3,077), the Audi A8 (1,462) or the Lexus LS (2,860),” according to an Austin Business Journal report.

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Let’s be perfectly, clear, however. Tesla has in no way shape or form outsold Audi, Mercedes or BMW as a brand but rather on a comparable model basis.

Surprising us further, only one automaker’s flagship luxury sedan outdid the Model S: Cadillac’s XTS.

This is surprising to us for two reasons: The XTS isn’t remarkably good nor would we really lump it in with the S-Class, the 7 Series, or the A8. Each of those models is higher priced and far nicer than the Caddy.

Regardless of our niggling issues with the report, we’re ecstatic that Tesla has hit such a sales mark, and so quickly.

If Tesla can pump out several other models alongside the Model S and still retain this kind of momentum, we’ll be even more impressed.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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