Following in the footsteps of its glamorous all-electric Roadster, Tesla has just unveiled its latest creation, the long-awaited Model S. Designed by ex-Mazda stylist Franz von Holzhausen, the Model S is a slick, streamlined five-door fastback. From the front, it looks a bit like Maserati’s six-figure Quattroporte sedan, particularly the shape and detailing of its grille and front fenders. From the rear, the Model S has a strong resemblance to Jaguar’s XF sedan, most notably its sweeping roofline, tail lights and the chrome trunk garnish. Turbine-style 21-inch alloy wheels and a full-length panoramic sunroof are also fitted.

In contrast to most sedans, the Model S offers seating for seven; there’s room inside for five adults facing forwards, plus two rearward-facing jump seats for children. Like a Porsche Boxster, the Model S has two trunks. With a small, nine-inch electric motor, a floor-mounted battery pack design, and an overall length that’s longer than an Audi A6, the Model S looks to offer plenty of interior space. One highlight of the Model S’ interior is its centre console, which houses a 17-inch touchscreen LCD display in place of a traditional console with buttons and knobs. In addition the car features 3G internet connection and a push-button gear selector.

So the new Model S looks good and is surprisingly practical, but how does it perform?

Tesla claims that the Model S will be able to accelerate to 100 km/h in around six seconds and it has a top speed just shy of 200 km/h – plenty fast for a luxury family sedan. Telsa’s CEO Elon Musk says a high-performance model will be on the way capable of cracking 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than five seconds. Also earmarked for production is an all-wheel drive model.

Recharging the Model S is a matter of hooking it up to an electric outlet; it can be charged at 110-volt, 220-volt and 440-volt levels. A full recharge at 220 volts takes approximately four hours, though the battery can be “quick charged” in 45 minutes.

As the Model S was designed for daily use, it has been equipped with higher capacity batteries than the Roadster. The base Model S has a range of approximately 260 km, though the removable battery pack can be upgraded to units boasting ranges of 370 km and 480 km.

Tesla is also looking into a rental program, where Model S owners can rent a higher capacity battery for longer trips.

With a $7,500 tax rebate factored in, pricing for the Tesla Model S is expected to start at less than U.S. $50,000 – half the cost of the Roadster. If all goes according to plan, production should begin during the third quarter of 2011. Tesla plans to ramp up produce to 20,000 units per year.