Aug 17

Aug 17 Tesla Model S Test Drive - The Sequel

In 2012 I drove a Tesla Model S P85+ for the first time and said this: “Unequivocally, this is the quickest vehicle I’ve had the pleasure of putting pedal to carpet in.” That car could go from 0-60 MPH in 3.9 seconds, had an 85kWh battery, and an optional rear-facing third row seat. It had a single rear motor, and an EPA estimated range of 265 miles per charge.

Today, I drove a 2020 Tesla Model S Performance at the test drive event in Grand Rapids, MI. It was phenomenal! In the almost 8 years since I last drove a Model S I have had the privilege of driving many quick vehicles (including several other Tesla’s), but none as potent as the car I drove today. 0-60 MPH is handled in 2.3 seconds. While I didn’t try to replicate that performance figure while on a test drive, I have to say that the acceleration in Ludicrous + mode is… beyond any superlative that I can think of at the moment. Truly gut-wrenchingly strong acceleration at any speed. I had to slow down at the top of the on ramp as I was trying to merge onto the freeway, because I was already exceeding the speed limit.

While it’s technically the same car that I drove all those years ago, everything has been updated in a way that makes it feel fresh. The lights and front bumper have been updated since that first drive, as well as several interior refinements. The 100 kWh battery offers up to 402 miles of range in the Long Range Plus, or 348 miles in the Performance model. Even the LRP is quicker than the P85+ from 2012. That’s the model I would get, 402 miles per charge makes for one heck of a road trip. But back to the car I drove today. The 19 inch rims have so much more character in person than in photos. I originally thought they were a bit boring, but after seeing them in person, they are the ones to get.

My kid’s deemed it the coolest car they have ever ridden in. They were impressed by the neck-snapping acceleration, the optional full-self driving and the blinker activated fart-mode. If you want to impress your kids with a Model S, you will need to shell out $106,990 for a car identical to that tested. Or, if you are willing to forgo the red paint, performance tune, and full-self driving, you can get a Model S Long Range Plus for $74,990. It’s a great car and if you get the chance, you should definitely take one for a spin!