Tesla Model S coupe looks great but, sadly, it’s not real

By Stephen Edelstein Published May 9, 2013

How do you improve on the Tesla Model S’ signature good looks? Maybe by lopping two doors off.

That’s what self-styled “automotive manipulator” Theophilus Chin did, in Photoshop, that is. Chin apparently wasn’t satisfied with the Model S wagon he unveiled back in January.

Recommended Videos

The result is an all-electric two-door that still seats four and looks pretty good.

That’s not surprising, because the real Model S already has the makings of a coupe. It’s low roofline and classic long-hood, short-rear-deck proportions are part of the current styling trend of “four-door coupes,” or sedans with coupe-like profiles.

Taking two doors off further enhances those features. The long hood and muscular haunches give the virtual Model S coupe a hint of Aston Martin Vantage or Maserati GranTurismo.

Thanks to its flat battery pack and Porsche 911-like front trunk, the four-door Model S is actually quite roomy despite its low roofline. A coupe would be similarly spacious relative to other cars in its class.

In fact, the only drawback might be that this hypothetical Tesla conceals its electric powertrain too well.

Like the Model S sedan, the coupe is a slavish copy of popular automotive styling cues, but there’s nothing especially creative about it. It looks fantastic, but there’s nothing to mark it as the revolutionary car that it is.

Still, we’d consider buying a Model S coupe over a sedan if we could, and we probably wouldn’t be alone.

The Model S is roughly the same size as a BMW 5 Series, and starts in the middle of the 5’s price range. BMW offers a 5 Series coupe, the 6 Series, so why shouldn’t Tesla?

For now, the Model S coupe exists only in pixels, but if Tesla ever wants to expand its lineup, the coupe would be a logical choice.

What do you think of the Model S coupe’s styling? Tell us in the comments.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Tesla Model S vs. Model X: Which is right for you?

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model S was the original cool electric car, boasting a sleek and stylish design and the ability to go superfast. But there's another premium Tesla in the lineup that's also pretty darn quick -- and it offers a whole lot more space to boot. The Tesla Model X offers the same design aesthetic as other Tesla cars, along with a superpowerful electric motor and some other features that you can't find on any other Tesla.

But that doesn't mean it's better than the Model S. In fact, it's not -- it's just different. But which is the better option for your needs? Here's a look at the two cars and what makes them different -- or the same.
Design
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two cars is their design. The Model S is a smaller sedan, while the Model X is marketed as an SUV (though it's perhaps more of a crossover). Regardless of marketing, however, the Model X is basically much larger than the Model S.

Cars

BMW iX vs Tesla Model Y: miles apart on price, but closer than you think

A 2023 BMW iX M60.

The Tesla Model Y is often considered the go-to pick for those who want a large electric crossover, and for good reason. It offers a great range, a still relatively modern design, and additional features like a well-designed infotainment system. But it's far from the only option out there -- and in fact, there are some seriously great alternatives, like the BMW iX, for example.

I know what you're thinking -- the BMW iX is way more expensive than the Tesla Model Y. It starts at $87,100, while the Model Y starts at $43,990. This is perhaps not the fairest of comparisons out there, but you might be surprised how well the Model Y does, considering the fact that it's around half the price of the iX. The one you buy will ultimately depend on your priorities, but regardless, it's important to know the similarities -- and the differences.
Design
The first thing you'll notice about these cars is their design, and in that respect, they're pretty different.

Cars

The BMW i4 is more luxurious than the Tesla Model S, and costs way less

2022 BMW i4 M50

The Tesla Model S is the original cool electric car. It did away with the concept that EVs had to be nerdy, small, low-range cars — and instead offered a sleek and stylish design, as well as a modern interior. But over the years, a ton of competition has popped up, and these days, the Model S has to go up against some seriously great cars.

Like, for example, the BMW i4.