Tesla, the electric vehicle brand once synonymous with sustainability, is gradually losing its appeal with American consumers and it has nothing to do with money. A March 2025 poll conducted by Yahoo News/YouGov revealed 67% of Americans said they would not buy or lease a Tesla. Controversial Tesla CEO Elon Musk is “the whole reason” for 30% of Americans or “part of the reason” for 26% of Americans who refuse to buy from Tesla.
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For drivers looking to trade in their Teslas, GOBankingRates decided to see which cars provide the most value and reliability while still providing a smooth ride.
GOBankingRates spoke to Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot, for his insight — see why he recommends swapping in these six vehicles for a Tesla.
Porsche Taycan
Gelfand, who has seen many former Tesla owners return to traditional German engineering or different EV brands, recommends the Porsche Taycan as an even more efficient EV alternative.
“The Taycan provides Porsche driving excellence through its exceptional build standards and handling and interior sophistication, which surpasses Tesla technology and range capabilities,” Gelfand said. “In numerous instances, the Taycan’s 800V architecture provides faster charging speeds than Tesla’s network.”
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BMW M5
Another car brand with several models on Gelfand’s short list of Tesla alternatives is BMW.
He recommends the new BMW M5 due to the vehicle’s 20 to 30 miles of electric range for daily commutes and peace of mind afforded to drivers during extended journeys.
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BMW i7
Drivers who value luxury features may also explore the BMW i7, especially if they were previous Model S owners.
“The vehicle features superior interior construction compared to Tesla and provides a dual-motor powertrain that produces smooth power delivery instead of solely acceleration.”
Audi e-tron GT
According to Gelfand, the Audi e-tron GT uses the same platform as the Taycan but emphasizes a focus on luxury features instead of sports elements.
Gelfand said this car is ideal for drivers who value “practicality” due to its conventional controls and Tesla-outperforming craftsmanship.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as Gelfand told GOBankingRates, presents technology that integrates better than Tesla’s basic design approach. This allows the high-end vehicle brand to maintain its position as the luxury standard.
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Porsche 911
Drivers who have gotten accustomed to Tesla’s performance capabilities and are less than willing to give those up will want to seriously consider the Porsche 911 as their alternative road warrior.
“The Porsche 911 continues to be the ultimate performance car for those who want to feel the driver’s connection to their vehicle,” Gelfand said. “The current models provide remarkable efficiency for highway driving and provide a driving experience that no electric vehicle can match at this time.”
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Sources
Yahoo! “Two-thirds of Americans now say they wouldn’t drive a Tesla — and most of them cite Elon Musk as the reason why, according to a new poll”
Alan Gelfand, owner, German Car Depot
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Best Cars To Get If You Are Trading In Your Tesla
