i7 vs Model S
The i7 and the Model S are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Model S wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Model S has 96 mi more electric range
A clear win for the Model S: 410 mi against 314 mi. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.5 in |
Engine & Performance
This section is descriptive. The i7 and the Model S list different components for engine & performance, and the table spells them out.
Fuel Economy & Range
Model S leads
Look at the fuel economy & range table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Model S. Here the Model S offers 96 mi more electric range. If you can charge at home, the Model S’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Model S comes out ahead.
Electric range
i7: 314 mi Model S: 410 mi Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 449 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft Most torque in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 314 mi | 410 mi (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 17 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | i7 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.5 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Model S if…
- you want more electric-only range (410 mi vs 314 mi)
- you’re loyal to Tesla and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the i7 or the Model S?
On the specs compared here, the Model S makes more sense for most buyers; the i7 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the i7 or the Model S?
The Model S comes out ahead on electric range, with 410 mi compared with 314 mi on the i7.
Executive Summary
The i7 against the Model S: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Start with the headline difference (the Model S has 96 mi more electric range), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the i7, fuel economy & range to the Model S.
My pick: the Model S.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.