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Tesla's Model S was recently named Motor Trend’s 2013 Car of the Year, one of the automotive industry’s most coveted awards. To take top honors, Model S garnered a unanimous vote from the panel of Motor Trend judges and guest judges. This is the first time in Motor Trend’s memory that every judge was in unanimous agreement.

“Our aspiration with the Model S was to show that an electric car truly can be better than any gasoline car, which is a critical step towards the widespread adoption of sustainable transport,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. “Nothing illustrates this more clearly than winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year by unanimous decision against a field of exceptional competitors.”

Leveraging Tesla powertrain technology, the Model S offers 40 kWh, 60 kWh, and 85 kWh battery options, with the 85 kWh variant achieving an EPA-certified range of 265 miles. All three batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimal energy density, thermal management, and safety. Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S is able to offer more cargo space than other sedans and includes a second trunk under the hood. The Model S interior features a 17” in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.

The 2013 field of competition included entries from some of the most historically dominant nameplates. The field was initially narrowed to 11 finalists including the Porsche Boxster, BMW 3-series, Lexus GS, and Subaru BRZ. After extensive track and road testing pushed vehicles to their limits in one of the industry’s toughest tests of performance, efficiency, safety and more, the Tesla Model S was awarded top honors.