Tesla Model X

Imagine a mega-fast four-seat luxury se- dan that conjures 416 horsepower to reach 167 mph. You could imagine that with a Porsche emblem, right? What if that same sedan also achieves 50 mpg and can go 15 miles on just electricity after 2.5 hours of charging? That's the Panamera E-Hybrid. That magic comes from a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and lithium-ion batteries. Beyond that electronic wizardry, the car is loaded with an adaptive air suspension and cabin swathed with leather, divine audio, and crash avoidance tech. Monitor charging via a smartphone app.

$96,100

Base price:

Mercedes C350 Plug-In Hybrid

Take a class-leading compact luxury sedan, outfit it with a standard air suspension, and install a plug. Meet the C350 Plug-In Hybrid that can go 20 miles in all-electric mode. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, lithium-ion batter- ies, and 7-speed automatic transmission deliver a combined 275 horsepower and 443 foot-pounds of torque for Autobahnstomping performance. Driver selectable driving modes configure the powertrain, chassis, steering, and climate control for Individual, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+; each is more aggressive than the last. Press eSave to save your batteries' charge for later. Except for that fender plug, only drivers will know how special this car really is. Sales begin this fall.

$45,000

Base price (est.):

Just when the world is getting used to Tesla's all-electric cruise missile, the Model S, here comes a bigger rocket—a proper three-row crossover with falcon wing doors, seating for seven, and 250 miles of all-electric range. It can even pull a 5,000-lb. trailer—enough for a boat or parade float. A futuristic tablet-centric dashboard, sweet leather, and tomb quiet driving echo the Model S. It even has a medical grade HEPA air filter to remove pollution from the cabin and create positive pressure in case of a bio-attack or the apocalypse. You'll have to wait until next year to plug into the Model X, but all indications are it will be worth the wait.

$75,000

Base price:

October 30, 2015