The Tesla Model S Plaid is probably the coolest sedan ever. Or is it? It's a car that carries a lot of hype due to all its technology and speed, etc. The Model S was launched way back in 2012, yet in 2022 it still pretty much looks the same as it did back then. Or does it? The new aggressive bumpers, black trim, and new interior do make this car look a lot different from the 2012 model (despite the changes being small). The Plaid is currently the fastest production Tesla ever, and it's also one of the fastest electric cars ever.
It starts at just under $130,000 which isn't cheap. That's why consideration is needed before buying one. It may be an astonishing car but, like all things, it's not perfect. There are many reasons why you should never buy a Tesla Model S Plaid. Here are five reasons why we love it and five why we would never buy one.
10 It's Awesome: Stupidly Fast
The 0-60 time of a Plaid is around 2 seconds, which is beyond fast. Faster than any other car out there. Whether it's an Aventador or an SF90, you're not catching a Plaid off the line. But hang on. After say 100 mph, don't Teslas start slowing down and lose all that "power?' Well not anymore.
The Plaid hits a top speed of 200 mph. Just like all the other supercars out there. This thing really is an absolute monster and if it speeds you're looking for, the Plaid is the one.
9 We Won't Buy One: No Soul
It's easier to find Wally than it is to find soul in any electric car, that includes the Plaid too. It may be fast and cool, but it doesn't have a soul. A robot is useful, loyal, and smart. Yet, can a robot replace the people in our lives? Of course not!
Batteries cannot replace the soul from an engine. An electric motor cannot replace the soul from a screaming exhaust note. No matter how many Giga things the onboard PC has in the Plaid, it will never be soulful since it just feels way too artificial, just like every other electric car out there.
8 It's Awesome: Good Looking
The plaid is a really good-looking car. As mentioned earlier, the car has had a facelift. This includes a very aggressive front bumper that is chiseled from every angle. All the chrome has been replaced by dark gloss black trim, and it looks sexy. The rear has a small spoiler and a plaid badge. You do also get somewhat smoked lights, which look very cool indeed.
Upgrade to the larger wheels, and the car looks fantastic. The smaller wheels do not do this car justice whatsoever, and in fact, ruin the look of the car.
7 We Won't Buy One: No Noise
Silent but deadly. Used to describe many things, and it should never be used to describe a car that has ridiculous performance figures. As we all know, most electric cars are pretty much silent. Some do make a noise, but it sounds like a blender. The Plaid does make artificial noises, but it's nowhere near as loud as even a diesel hatchback.
For $130,000 you can have a Mercedes C63 AMG and some change left over for mods. A car that sounds insane stock. It scares people, it's that loud.
6 It's Awesome: Good Value For Money
Now, $130,000 is a lot of money. However, what other cars out there can do a 0-60 time of 1.9 seconds? Expensive cars, for sure. A car that cost probably twice or even ten times as much as the Plaid. They're also usually highly modified or very low, sleek supercars.
Seriously, what car can beat the Plaid of the line? Not one for $130,000. Plus, you get a load of touchscreens inside that can do amazing things. All of this comes as standard, by the way. There are also only four or five options on the configurator, which not only saves time, it also saves money. A top-spec Plaid is far less than a top-spec Taycan Turbo S.
5 We Won't Buy One: Better Cars At This Price Point
We as gearheads can find so many better cars out there for $130,000. They're not as fast, but who cares? Life's not all about going fast, is it? Whether it's a cool 1960s restomod or a McLaren 12C, there truly are many cooler, better cars out there for the money.
The Plaid is a great car. But would a hardcore enthusiast rock one? Maybe, but if it was between a Plaid or a custom restomod 1970 Charger, we for sure would know what they would choose. Or maybe a Porsche GT3 vs a Plaid?
4 It's Awesome: Handles Well
This is the fastest car around the Nürburgring. A place that has many corners. Just by this fact alone, it's obvious the Plaid handles well. It has adaptive air suspension as standard, which means the car can shift its weight a lot easier. It may not handle as well as a Taycan Turbo S, but at the end of the day, the Plaid can do so much more.
You can choose what suspension setting you like. There is a comfort mode, there is a track mode, etc. Plus there are always updates coming out for this car that do affect the suspension, so the list is truly endless.
3 We Won't Buy One: Silly Steering Wheel
This car has not got a steering wheel. Instead, it has something that tries to be a plane yoke but fails. It's impractical and it does take time to get used to it. Imagine, all your driving life you've been used to driving with a steering wheel, and then all of a sudden Tesla comes along with a "yoke."
Many people like driving their cars with their hands on top of the steering wheel, and in this, you can't. Plus there is no gear changer either which is annoying.
2 It's Awesome: Packed Full Of Tech
From some crazy computer that is more powerful than the one the FBI uses, to self-driving technology, this car has it all. Tesla is a technology company (something they say to drive the stock prices up) hence why their cars are ridiculous when it comes to tech.
The Plaid makes a 2021 S-Class look like a dinosaur's car. How many other cars do you know of that you can quite easily watch Netflix in? Or play games? Or have constant overnight updates that transform the car?
1 We Won't Buy One: Can Get A Supercar For The Price
The Plaid isn't a supercar. It's a sedan. It may have supercar performance, but it just isn't a supercar. To be a supercar, you have to be bold, stand out from the crowd, be silly. Be like a Lamborghini. Unfortunately, the Plaid just isn't. It has silly functions, but it's way too nerdy.
For $130,000 you can bag yourself a Ferrari or a Porsche. Two brands that have pedigree, something in which money cannot buy at all. A supercar has everything a Tesla doesn't. Passion, soul, playfulness, etc. A supercar is a trophy, whilst a Plaid is near enough just a "show" piece.