Tesla Model S P100D Review
Car Tested: Tesla Model S; Road Test No. 982; Test Location: Virginia, USA
Price USA: $74,500 – $1,35,000 (Rs. 51.14 – 92.67 lakhs)
Performance sedans are something that people have a real big soft corner for!
The world is moving towards SUVs but performance saloons will continue to thrive because of their sports car-like performance and a proper 4 door saloon-like practicality they offer. This is the reason we have the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte and the go fast versions of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. But when Tesla launched the Model S, it decided to overtake everybody by offering everything in an all-electric form which is completely different. Claims on the Tesla Model S are tall but does it deliver?
Exteriors – Simplistic yet elegant, that’s what the Tesla Model S’ exterior is all about. The front fascia houses the traditional Tesla grille flanked by the futuristic-looking LED DRL headlights on either side. The lower bumper has large air intakes and under the hood, because there is no engine, you do get 150-litres of storage space. At the sides, the design is rather plain but what does really stand out are the flush door handles and the coupe-like sloping roofline. Wheel options include 19-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels while at the rear, the LED tail-lights look classy and the lip spoiler on the boot lid looks sporty plus aids in better aerodynamics.
Interiors – In terms of cabin design, the Model S shares its cabin with the Model X. The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, the fully digital instrument console and even the 17-inch tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system are all identical to ones we’ve seen in the Model X. The latter is, of course, the highlight of the Model S which gets Bluetooth connectivity and also doubles up as a reverse camera display. In terms of features, the Model S comes genuinely loaded. There is an 11-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, 12-way power adjustable front seats with memory function, keyless entry and heated mirrors.
The interior of the Tesla Model S is uncluttered yet extremeley functional
The front seats are comfortable and supportive like you’d expect. The rear bench has ample legroom and shoulder room but the headroom is on the tighter side for people above 6″. Ingress and egress is a breeze but unlike the Model X, the doors do not open/close electronically. The all-electric saloon gets 744-litres of boot space which is more than enough for a weekend’s luggage to fit in for a nuclear family.
Performance – In terms of performance, we drove the range-topping P100D variant which gets the Ludicrous mode, resulting in a 0-100 km/hr time of just 2.5 seconds. Apart from that, there is also a Calm and Sport mode on offer. In Calm mode, the Model S drives like a regular gasoline car whereas, in Sport mode, there is the crazy rush of power. Ludicrous in turn has two modes, the regular Ludicrous mode and the Ludicrous+ launch mode. In Ludicrous mode, the vehicle absolutely accelerates like crazy and when the Ludicrous+ launch mode is activated, a funny message pops in the infotainment screen which reads two options – ‘No I want my mommy’ and ‘Yes, bring it on’. Selecting the latter will launch the car in the fastest possible time but will also simultaneously affect battery longevity. Performance from the 100 kWh motor is mind-boggling as the car is super fast and what’s really an icing on the cake is the adequate range. There’s no transmission on offer and hence one need not worry about shifting gears.
Driving Dynamics – Instantly noticeable after driving the Model S for a few kilometres is how agile and light on its feet the car feels as compared to the Model X. Despite weighing over 2 tonnes, the all-electric saloon drives like a sports car. The batteries have been placed on the floor pan which has resulted in a lower centre of gravity. The Model S is fun to drive and the suspension is set on the stiffer side. This is a good thing considering the smooth tarmac in the US but when coming to India, the American automaker will have to work on the suspension setup as well as the ground clearance to factor the bad roads as well.
Safety and After Sales Service – In terms of safety equipment, the Tesla Model S gets 8 airbags, ESC, Traction Control, electronic parking brake and the autonomous driving function (similar to the Model X with over-the-air updates) which again gets you a host of safety net like Lane Change, Autosteer, Side Collision Warning, Auto Parking and Emergency Braking. Though the American automaker is yet to make it to India, it does have a good presence in the United States, Europe, China and the Middle East.
Verdict – Sportscars are fast but come with bad drinking habits and that is where the Tesla Model S pitches in. It is fast as well as frugal and this makes it one of the best sedans in the market right now because you can have the fun you would normally have in a sports car yet not feel the guilt. When launched in India, the Tesla Model S will give a tough fight to performance cars and diesel limousines as it offers the best of both worlds.
What’s Cool
* The ability to have fun without polluting the environment
* The 100 kWh battery is super powerful
* The all-in-one 17-inch touchscreen
* It can still seat five people and launch like a rocket
* The simplistic design
What’s Not So Cool
* Pricey due to CBU taxes
* Lack of battery charging infrastructure in India
Tesla Model S P100D Specifications
* Motor: 3-Phase, four pole AC induction motor with copper rotor
* Power: 605 HP
* Torque: 931 Nm
* Transmission: 1-Speed Drive
* 0-100 km/hr: 2.50 seconds (claimed)
* Top Speed: 250 km/hr
* Range: 539 kms (claimed)
* Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone (Front), Independent Multi-Link Suspension (Rear)
* Tyre Size: 245/45/19 (Front), 245/45/19 (Rear)
* Brakes: Discs (Front), Discs (Rear), ABS
* Safety: 8 Airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat mounts
Tesla Model S P100D Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 4980 mm X 1964 mm X 1440 mm
* Boot Space: 744-litres
* Wheelbase: 2960 mm
* Kerb weight: 2250 kgs
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