Tesla Model S Wagon Displayed in Geneva

author: Mia Bevacqua   

The current Tesla model lineup includes sedans, SUVs and a roadster – but no wagon. To address that shortcoming, Niels van Roij Design and RemetzCar created an exclusive Model S Shooting Brake. Currently, the wagon is attracting crowds at the Geneva Motor Show, despite having premiered previously at the Concours d'Élégance at Paleis Het Loo.

A one-off Tesla Model S Wagon

It's been a couple of years since Dutch collector, Floris de Raadt, commissioned Niels van Roij Design to create the custom Model S Shooting Brake. Raadt, who is a wagon aficionado, decided on the car after seeing an outlandish Tesla hearse conversion from coachbuilder RemetzCar.

"The idea was to translate my Tesla Model S into a dynamic and sporty yet elegant Shooting Brake, rather than creating a car with maximum luggage space, "de Raadt said. "Niels van Roij Design developed several options for the conversion, focusing on premium design combined with limited conversion costs: thus making coach building available for a larger group of connoisseurs. Our favorite was the option called ‘Bold Chrome', featuring remarkable high gloss chrome window trims emphasizing the bold dynamic lines of the car. The result is truly stunning!"

Indeed, the wagon is striking. The modified roof, which looks factory original, provides a sleek appearance. A  generous application of chrome around the windows draws further attention.

The fabrication work is spot-on as well, according to onlookers at the Geneva Motor Show. Jay Ramey, associate editor for Automotive News, says the wagon "Could have been easily mistaken for a manufacturer model."

Creating the all-electric showpiece

To create the Tesla wagon, Niels van Roij Design drafted up sketches of the car, then handed the renderings off to RemetzCar to perform the build.

A new tailgate, complete with rear spoiler and hidden rear window, were fabricated for the Tesla. Chrome trim encompassing the side windows was added as well. The car's unique color – green metallic with a twist of gold – was mixed exclusively for the project.  

"Design is the most important reason for purchase globally – regardless of the purchase price, gender or age of the buyer", Van Roij says. "So, we've invested a lot of time in the design process of our Shooting Brake. We started with writing the design strategy, after which the design research was initiated, then sketching began. The aesthetics of this conversion have been developed thoroughly by producing three design propositions, within which 16 different design themes were generated. Our research focused on benchmarking high-end performance estate cars, one-off vehicles and market trends."

After the Model S wagon's initial debut at the 2018 International Concours d'Élégance at Paleis Het Loo, the owner took the car on a tour through various European countries. And the famous custom continues to travel the circuit; it's currently on display at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, as was mentioned.  

RemetzCar was initially going to build 20 examples of the custom Model S. Unfortunately, in July of 2018, the coachbuilder closed up shop. But Niels van Roij Design says there are other conversion companies capable of building the Tesla Wagon. 

Sources: Automotive News, AutoBlog, Niels van Roij Design 

Mia Bevacqua

Mia is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, L1, L2 and L3 Advanced Level Specialist. She has over 12 years of experience in the automotive industry and a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology. These skills have been applied toward content writing, technical writing, inspections, consulting, automotive software engineering.