This is the car for you if… want the luxurious driving experience of an Audi or Mercedes but in high-tech electric form.

The Tesla Model S is a car for grown-ups. This luxury saloon is sturdy, yet slick; spacious, yet snug; and speedy yet one of the most safety-conscious vehicles on the road.

Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, Tesla has packed the car full of safety features. There’s side and front-impact protection in the event of an accident. And the car has a lower centre of gravity – as the battery pack is floor-mounted – which means the car is less likely to rollover. Add to this Tesla’s unique dual motor all-wheel drive system, which enables the Model S to grip the road and stick tightly to bends, whatever the weather conditions.

Inside, there’s seating for five adults – no more squeezing three people into the space of 2.5 seats in the back. And a whopping 804 litres of storage – enough space for luggage, buggies, sports equipment… and more. But despite its larger size, the Model S certainly isn’t lagging in speed. The long range version can reach 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 162mph.

Then there are the luxury touches that make the Model S such a comfortable drive. Heated front windscreen wipers and heated front seats – not to mention a heated steering wheel. No detail has been overlooked to make your journey run smoothly. Inside the car, there’s advanced noise engineering to create sound dynamics that are comparable to a recording studio. And a glass roof that extends from front to back, making the interior of the Model S feel even more spacious than it already is.

Those worried that the Model S might lose on efficiency for what it gains in performance needn’t panic. For what makes this sleek car such a strong contender to dominate the luxury saloon market is its WLTP battery range of 379 miles. That’s the equivalent of travelling from London to Sheffield – and back again.

Then there are the special Tesla features that make driving the Model S feel like you’ve been propelled straight into the 22nd century… The door handles pop out automatically as you near the car. And there’s a car key of sorts – but no key hole to put it in – let alone a ‘start’ button. And, of course, you can’t miss Tesla’s infamous touchscreen – a significant 17-inch in the Model S – that dominates the dashboard and is the brains behind everything inside the car.

Our three favourite features:

1. Recharge up to 133 miles in 15 minutes at one of Tesla’s Supercharger locations – which is probably quicker than it’ll take you to drink a cappuccino inside the service station.
2. Look out for the charging point, discreetly (and conveniently) located by the back indicator light.
3. With a WLTP battery range of 379 miles, the Tesla Model S earns its ‘long performance’ moniker – and quashes anybody’s fears that electric cars can’t go the distance.

You’ll like the Tesla Model S if you… believe that driving is not about getting from A to B in the quickest time possible, but enjoying the ride.