As a company, Tesla is at the absolute cutting edge of electric vehicle design. They are always innovating and pushing the envelope when it comes to what we can expect from an EV. The Tesla Model S is a prime example of this.
Upon its launch, it showed the world what was really possible and that not all electric cars were going to be as boring as the Nissan Leaf. Throughout the production of the Model S, Tesla has continued to develop it so that it remains at the forefront of the EV scene. It has become the industry standard. Love it or hate it, the Model S is one of the single most influential cars ever built.
The Tesla Model S Redefined Electric Cars
Though not their first foray into building cars (don't forget the original Tesla Roadster), the release of the Model S was a landmark achievement for Tesla. It took the world by storm when the first units rolled silently off the production line in 2012, and it's still holding its own against the ever-growing competition. It was clear from the get go that this wasn't like the electric cars that we'd come to know. Tesla took things in a completely different direction, opening our eyes to the true capabilities of EVs.
Firstly, they disregarded the usual approach of taking a traditional style car and replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Instead of this they created an electric powertrain. Initially available as rear-wheel drive, Tesla introduced all-wheel drive Dual Motor powertrains along with a variety of battery options ranging from 60 kWh up to a massive 100 kWh. With this, the range and power figures were unprecedented. Along with the Model S, Tesla began to build the infrastructure required to charge these cars. No other car manufacturers were taking this step, and with Tesla Superchargers popping up all over the world, the Model S became an even more feasible proposition.
Tesla's Model S sold in huge numbers, with over a quarter of a million happy customers to date it ranks as the second best–selling plug–in EV of all time (the Nissan Leaf still holds the crown, for now!) With over 40,000 superchargers worldwide, it's more convenient than ever to own a Model S. For those that care more about performance than convenience, the Tesla Model S will also have you covered.
Tesla Held Nothing Back With The Performance Of The Model S
There are two aspects in particular that the Tesla Model S has raised the bar for EVs: range and out-and-out performance. While even the base model offered an impressive 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, things got a lot more exciting moving up the range. The P85D got from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and made 463 hp, and its top speed was limited to 155 mph. The figures were similar for the P90D although the 0-60 mph time dropped to a rapid 2.8 seconds. For some time the P100D sat at the top of the range with its 589 hp and massive 920 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the venerable Bugatti Veyron has 922 lb-ft of torque, and the Model S P100D was a family sedan! The P100D was lightning quick, but it was also surprisingly efficient, offering an impressive range of 315 miles.
The current star of the lineup is the Tesla Model S Plaid, and it's quite a leap beyond what Tesla had already achieved. With 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, the Plaid will shoot from a standstill to 60 mph in a blink-and-you-will-miss-it 1.99 seconds. Tesla states a top speed of 200 mph, but reportedly a speed of 216 mph has been achieved. All this and the Plaid still has a range of almost 400 miles. Combined with the ability to charge to a 187-mile range in 15 minutes, the Tesla Model S Plaid is on another level to its rivals.
The Interior Of The Tesla Model S Is Slick And Full Of Technology
It comes as no surprise that the Tesla Model S is absolutely packed with technology. Sitting in the driver's seat makes you instantly feel like you're behind the wheel of a car from the future. A digital display offers all the information you need, while a massive LCD screen in the middle of the dashboard effectively serves as a complete onboard computer. This integrates with satellite navigation systems and can even direct you to your nearest charge location.
The suspension system consists of automated airbag style units that are also driver-adjustable. On the highway, the suspension automatically lowers to reduce drag, and while you can raise the nose to safely navigate any ramps or bumps, the Model S will remember these locations and will adjust the suspension itself the next time you're there.
The Model S also comes with the option of autopilot. Using cameras and various sensors, the car will learn where it is relative to its surroundings and is able to effectively take you wherever you want to go with minimal input. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but it's all available in the groundbreaking Model S.
With The Model S, Tesla Made Even The Most Committed Gearheads Consider EVs
The vast majority of gearheads would be forgiven for turning their nose up at electric cars. Traditionally, they're soundless, soulless machines that fail to inspire. The Model S, however, is totally different. Even the most diehard car fanatics can't help but marvel at the ability of the Tesla Model S. It's a truly incredible piece of engineering, and if a DeLorean can punch a hole through time, then this definitely can!
Source: Tesla