Tesla Model S Test Drive
Recently, we had the pleasure of traveling to Tesla’s Oakbrook location in Illinois to spend an hour behind the wheel of a Tesla Model S Performance 85kwh. Previous to this, I have had brief drives in a Chevrolet Volt, and a Nissan Leaf, and was impressed by their quietness and solidity, but remained aware that I was driving something different. Not so with the Model S. Make no mistake, the Model S is as solid as a tank, and quieter than our local library branch. The difference is that in the Tesla, it took mere minutes to dismiss that it was an electric vehicle, and focus solely on what a great vehicle it is, regardless of power supply. The Model S is at all times, graceful and effortless, powerful and refined, and a serious blast to drive. Unequivocally, this is the quickest vehicle I’ve had the pleasure of putting pedal to carpet in. If you look at the numbers alone, the Model S is capable of performance comparable to the BMW M5, but that is selling the Tesla super sedan short. It is performance on a different level, there is no drama, and minimal build up, it just plain goes. Without meaning too, we found ourselves exceeding the posted speed limit on multiple occasions. My sincere apologies to the local constabulary. On take off, there is a faint space-ship like sound as speed builds, and tree lines blur. It is a sensation that is hard to describe, but one that we advocate that you try for yourself, you will not be disappointed!
Let’s take a look at the vehicle itself: the cockpit is anchored by a 17” touchscreen display. Let that sink in for a moment. Think of 2 iPads stacked on top of each other, with the ability to control all major functions simply and beautifully. That enormous display allows the interior a refreshing minimalism, without sacrificing any of the expected features of the luxury performance class of automobile. The steering wheel is a nice, thick, slightly flat-bottomed unit with great texture, and even better feel. The front seats are supportive and comfortable with plenty of room and great ergonomics for your 5’11” test driver.
Our co-pilot was gracious enough to ride in the back for a balanced perspective to our piece and she reports that the back, or middle depending on options, is equally comfortable. On a side-note, the sloping roof line may prove a little near for those graced with more than 6’ of verticalness. In addition to the 2 front buckets, and the 3 person bench, a pair of rear-facing, racing style bucket seats are available for the hatch area, these are for kids only. I was instantly reminded of riding rear most in my parents’ Taurus Wagon in the early nineties, though the Tesla rear seat looks infinitely more comfortable, and more child-seat-friendly than the flat rear bench in said vintage station wagon. Optioned as such, the Tesla Model S becomes the only 7 passenger sedan on the market, and one of only a handful of 7-seaters that don’t call themselves, van, minivan, crossover, or SUV. Materials throughout were well chosen and nicely assembled. One of our favorite features of the interior was the large Tucker-style “Frunk”. The front trunk, in addition to the large rear cargo area, means that there is plenty of luggage space for a family of 5, or that all 7 seats can be occupied and still leave room for groceries, or any number of things that need to be carried when you have 6 other people in the car with you.
The starting price for all of this wonderful-ness is just under $60,000 (as of January 1, 2013, an increase of approximately $2500) before any state and federal rebates. Of note, many utility companies are currently offering rebates on home charger installations, and reduced rates for charging off-peak. You can also find more information on the possible benefits of bringing an electric vehicle home at: fueleconomy.gov. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to go electric, but if you have the means, the Tesla Model S goes a long way towards minimizing and eliminating the concerns offered by the rest of the electric segment.
Tellingly, our test drive took place in between the Model S being named the Automobile Magazine Car of the Year, and Motor Trend Magazine’s COTY announcement. With unparalleled range, comfort and performance, the Model S is not defined by it’s electric drivetrain, but enhanced because of it. As soon as we handed back the key, we were itching for our next chance to pilot this incredible automobile.
