Elon Musk is famous for coming up with some really out of the box ideas. One of them is Tesla. Before Tesla came out with the Roadster in 2008, electric cars were more of a theoretical concept rather than a practical, reliable mode of transport.
Though, in the case of Roadster, a starting price of over $100k meant that it wasn’t going to become a mainstream car. Tesla realized the need to have a range of diverse options and so the Model S was launched in 2012.
Model S is an exciting addition to the Tesla family because it offers brilliant performance, great handling, and efficient features. Here are the top 10 things that you should know if you’re considering to buy Tesla Model S.
10 Two options to choose from
When the Model S was first released, it had a range of 265 miles. Since then it has gone through some changes and upgrades. Today, there are two variants of Model S available for car enthusiasts to choose from. The Model S Long Range features a base-level battery of 100-kWh and delivers a 370-mile range.
Though, if you’re big on speed you can opt for the Model S Performance. This option features all-wheel drive and ludicrous acceleration. It goes from 0-60 mph in an extraordinary 2.4 seconds.
9 It has a rather unique dashboard
The Model S has two displays for the driver; a central 17-inch touchscreen and the standard screen behind the steering wheel.
The touchscreen is impressive and its probably the first thing you will notice as soon as you get inside the Model S. The functionality it has to offer is more than the other cars in the market. It handles everything; ranging from navigation and drive settings to sunroof operation and climate control.
It ensures that you don’t run out of battery either. The screen also features a trip computer that tracks the car’s battery consumption levels and indicates where the nearest charging station can be found.
8 It has quite the range
Range was one of the biggest issues when it came to electric cars and probably the reason why the idea of electric vehicles never really took off. Tesla has significantly curbed this problem and range is definitely the hallmark feature of Model S.
An impressive 370 miles, delivered by a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack puts it well ahead of the competition.
Also, overnight charging can give you about a week’s worth of driving. Though, if you’re in the mood for a long drive and running low on battery, there are 14,000 Superchargers, spread across the US, to charge your car in as little as 15 minutes.
7 There is autopilot too
To make driving easier, the Model S provides an optional Autopilot feature. While it is expensive, it is a good option to consider given the functionality it offers. Since the Model S is fitted with all the required hardware, even if you don’t opt for the Autopilot functionality, you can activate it later too.
The Model S is fitted with 8 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to detect lane lines and surrounding objects to help keep you more aware of your surroundings. Advanced driver assistance capabilities and unique features like matching speed to traffic conditions, make Tesla Model S stand out from the crowd.
6 Software Updates
Since the Model S is connected to the internet, Tesla can make the necessary software updates to the car over the internet. Yes, it's as simple and fast as that.
Tesla borrows the idea from mobile phones which can update software and fix bugs over an internet connection. Think about the time you'd save by getting updates and upgrades done without having to visit a dealership.
In the past Autopilot updates, Ludicrous Plus and a lot of other improvements have been conveniently included in the Model S. All the owners need to do is connect to the Wi-Fi and a notification will appear on the touch screen with the option to install immediately or later as per convenience.
5 Quite a bit of space
Since there is no engine and the Model S has an innovative battery pack design, the car is quite spacious and offers abundant cargo space.
No engine means that the front of the Model S is extended forward, creating ample space for front-seat passengers.
Also, unlike other cars, it has a trunk in the front which Tesla calls a “frunk”. It is big enough to even store a suitcase in. In addition to this, the backseats can fold down in 60/40 sections resulting in a flat floor that can be really useful for bringing groceries or even transport some smaller furniture.
4 It scores high on performance
It’s a given that electric cars are quiet but what is a lesser-known fact is that they're incredibly fast. This is because electric cars offer seamless acceleration which is not hindered by gear changes.
Tesla did a great job of getting the car dynamics and design right with the Model S. The acceleration rates of the all-electric Model S are exhilarating.
The Model S Long Range can go up to 60 in an impressive 3.7 seconds while the Model S Performance can reach 60 in just a little under 3 seconds.
3 Adaptive Suspension
One of the reasons behind that excellent drive is the new updated suspension system which has the capability of adapting itself according to road conditions, driver behavior, and other factors.
This means that the Model S can offer a more relaxed ride and a cushioned feel on the highway and a firmer one while going through corners. The new damping technology implemented by Tesla allows the Model S to use a predictive model that makes the car more responsive to changes in the environment, to provide the driver with better driving experience.
2 Simple yet modern design
The design of Model S has not changed a lot over the years but then again a significant change is not needed if you have got the design right in the first place. This is exactly what Tesla did with the Model S.
There have been slight updates to the exterior like a different nose design and new wheels but that’s about it. While the exterior is sleek and modern, the interior may seem a bit underwhelming compared to what the competitors have on offer at the moment. As the Model S comes with a hefty price tag, the interior could use some upgrade.
1 Other additional perks
The silent cabins are one of the first things you’d notice when you’re driving the Model S. As it is an extremely quiet car, some even claim that it provides a calm driving experience. There is some road noise but that is offset by the lack of engine noise.
Also, a very important perk is that there are tax credits available for individuals looking to buy an electric car. In the US, there are federal, state, and regional tax credits that can be availed. So, if you’re looking to buy the Model S, do check the tax credits available in your region.