In our test drives this week, we found out why every test drive review of the Tesla Model S is agush with how wonderful they are.
We indeed got a very brief drive in a 2015 Tesla Model S 85D, the 422 horsepower all-wheel drive version which Tesla says is good for 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds.
This car is remarkably different than most, and that starts when you climb behind the wheel. You find almost all buttons and switches, and I mean all, are mastered into a massive 17-inch touchscreen which manages to work remarkably well at presenting and serving so much of everything.
A good thing considering its price, the cabin is lined with high quality trimmings and a contemporary design theme that reminds of a Copenhagen furniture gallery on the high-end and on the mainstream side of things, a Volvo’s interior.
Out on our short drive, we found it of course whisper quiet and smooth in its power delivery. And when you throw down your right foot and summon both motors, you get an instantaneous burst of madness coupled with a pleasant whir.
But before you have much a chance to savor it, you’re breaking the law. You lift off, let the strong regenerative braking slow you back to legality, and then repeat.
Handling too was quite remarkably tight for a car weighing 4,700 lbs and perhaps a few extra with its dual-motor powertrain. Steering is adjustable for effort and seems quite happy regardless of how you dial it.
When it comes to range, the 85D has the longest of them all with some 270 miles of go there between charges according to the EPA. So while that may keep you in town most of the time, owning one gives you unlimited free access to their Supercharger network.
These ultra-fast chargers are now well spaced on our interstate system such you can take a road trip from coast to coast if you don’t mind stopping for about 30 minutes every 3-4 hours for a latte and some free Wifi. That is pretty damn neat.
I’m I sold? Hell yes. Isn’t everyone? I drank the Kool-aid, I got the tattoo and so should you. This thing is really that good.
