I had the opportunity on Wednesday to do a full day test drive in a P90D/L. Overall I'm really impressed with the Model S. I've been lurking on the forums for some time to learn all I can. I currently drive a Porsche Carrera 4S with PDK that I love. We are looking at the model S to replace an Audi S4.
Here are my Pro's & Con's.
PRO’s
Quiet cabin, spacious interior with seating for 5 comfortably.
Instant Torque - 713 lb-ft in the P90D means ridiculous power delivery that’s eerily quiet. Ludicrous mode is just that. Scary fast.
Design - very tasteful exterior design that I sense will hold up very well over the years. I think it looks elegant, and after four years on the market it still looks better than the just introduced BMW 7 series. It also looks smaller than a car with such a roomy cabin, and has great storage capacity with no engine in the front or rear.
Autopilot - Best active cruise control I’ve ever used. Simply addictive. Autopilot feels like the future. George Jetson would feel right at home.
Smart Air Suspension - dynamic comportment is excellent and the ride is well composed. Bumps in the road? Bring it on. I drove it on my favorite twisty roads that I know like the back of my hand and it was solid and fast.
17” Touchscreen - after driving the Model S for a day all other cars are obsolete without it.
Ultra High-Fidelity Sound - really quite good. A must have option. And because the cabin is so quiet, polite conversation can continue even at license revoking speeds. Streaming Tidal uncompressed via Bluetooth with Dolby off and bass at 5, and it sounded great.
Sub Zero - Heated Steering Wheel, and the ability to warm it up from your smartphone. Nice.
Supercharger Network - 170 miles in 30 minutes, 80% in 40 minutes, 100% in 75 minutes. Priceless.
Details - automatically extending zero profile door handles are a small detail, but a really nice touch. Love the auto unlocking and locking as you approach and walk away from the car.
Highest safety rating from Consumer Reports & NHTSA
Made in America
CON’s
Rear Sight lines - small, sloping rear window combined with three headrests make for a tough rear view.
Seats - no thigh support, unthinkable that there is no seat memory buttons, and no memory for the key fob.
Interior Quality Overall - not up to S-Class, Audi, BMW level. Really needs more choice in leather colors and trim. Needs better seats with ventilation, and additional adjustments. See any of the german brands.
NAV - slow, love the touch-screen and huge display but performance is trounced by Waze.
Here are my Pro's & Con's.
PRO’s
Quiet cabin, spacious interior with seating for 5 comfortably.
Instant Torque - 713 lb-ft in the P90D means ridiculous power delivery that’s eerily quiet. Ludicrous mode is just that. Scary fast.
Design - very tasteful exterior design that I sense will hold up very well over the years. I think it looks elegant, and after four years on the market it still looks better than the just introduced BMW 7 series. It also looks smaller than a car with such a roomy cabin, and has great storage capacity with no engine in the front or rear.
Autopilot - Best active cruise control I’ve ever used. Simply addictive. Autopilot feels like the future. George Jetson would feel right at home.
Smart Air Suspension - dynamic comportment is excellent and the ride is well composed. Bumps in the road? Bring it on. I drove it on my favorite twisty roads that I know like the back of my hand and it was solid and fast.
17” Touchscreen - after driving the Model S for a day all other cars are obsolete without it.
Ultra High-Fidelity Sound - really quite good. A must have option. And because the cabin is so quiet, polite conversation can continue even at license revoking speeds. Streaming Tidal uncompressed via Bluetooth with Dolby off and bass at 5, and it sounded great.
Sub Zero - Heated Steering Wheel, and the ability to warm it up from your smartphone. Nice.
Supercharger Network - 170 miles in 30 minutes, 80% in 40 minutes, 100% in 75 minutes. Priceless.
Details - automatically extending zero profile door handles are a small detail, but a really nice touch. Love the auto unlocking and locking as you approach and walk away from the car.
Highest safety rating from Consumer Reports & NHTSA
Made in America
CON’s
Rear Sight lines - small, sloping rear window combined with three headrests make for a tough rear view.
Seats - no thigh support, unthinkable that there is no seat memory buttons, and no memory for the key fob.
Interior Quality Overall - not up to S-Class, Audi, BMW level. Really needs more choice in leather colors and trim. Needs better seats with ventilation, and additional adjustments. See any of the german brands.
NAV - slow, love the touch-screen and huge display but performance is trounced by Waze.