Could you describe in more detail your comparisons/experience/thoughts on each? You are the only person I know of who has both cars and extensive experience with them.
Sure, I'll list the pros and cons when compared to each other. The Volvo we have is a custom ordered T8 XC90 in R-Design trim. It took about 4 months from order to delivery. The Model S I have is a RWD 75, with premium, EAP, 21" wheels, etc..
Volvo Pros:
- The fit and finish is impeccable, as is the delivery process. The Nappa leather keys were delivered in a jewelry box! Everything from the crystal shift knob to the quality of the real carbon fiber in the interior is top notch. Definitely a step above the plastic carbon fiber that is in my model S. The overall fit and finish is best of any cars we've owned. Easily surpassing my new F80 BMW M3.
- The car comes with many functions, 'real' 360 camera, park assist, lane keep, text readout on the dash, customizable LCD dash, XM, USB playback, customizable interior color lighting, etc.. Basically any and everything I can think of the car has it. We especially love the integrated 2nd row booster seat in the middle.
- The T8 is a plug in hybrid, with a rather small gas tank. Something like 13 gallons. With electric only local driving, and turning off the electric motor on freeway drives, we've been able to get close to 500 miles to a tank. My wife plugs in the car every night.
- Performance in the snow is amazing. Just set it to snow mode, and the car will do a virtual 4WD with lockers. Gas motor powers the front wheels, and the electric motor powers the rear. My Model S is RWD, so I have no comparison.
- The car is surprisingly peppy for it's size/weight. When in 'sport' mode, I think it gets to high 13 quarter mile times.
- They gave us some concierge service credits. We have had them come fill up the gas tank in the middle of then night.
- The panoramic sun roof is very nicely done. There's also an retractable opaque sunshade that is electronically controlled.
Volvo Cons:
- The engine noise sounds rather bland. I mean it's a 2.0 liter turbo and supercharged motor, but it sounds really wimpy.
- The ipod like user interface is kind of laggy. It's not smooth when swiping from window to window.
- The open trunk with your foot doesn't seem to work well.
- The auto pilot requires you to touch the steering wheel way to frequently. Something like every 15 seconds on highway driving.
- The Nappa leather on the driver bolsters is already showing some rear after 10 months. The bolsters are very aggressive making entry/exit difficult
Tesla Pros:
- All electric performance, supercharger network, etc.. The version I have is 4.3sec 0-60, and it's an absolute beast when accelerating from a dead stop.
- The MCU for operating the car is fantastic.
- With staggered 21's the car handles surprisingly well.
- The car is very quiet.
- I have the ultra white vegan interior, and it is fantastic. Real easy to clean.
- With the Tesla, I feel like i'm driving a car from the future. From the shape, to the sound. It's very refreshing coming from an ICE background.
Tesla Cons:
- Fit and finish is rather poor. Many of my hood/bumper/hatch/door gaps are not lined up correctly.
- I've had more issues with the car than any other new car we've had in the past. Very minor stuff, but issues nonetheless on a new car.
Overall, both cars are different enough that we enjoy both. Before buying the Volvo, I asked my wife if she rather have the Model X instead, and she didn't really like it, even though she loves the EV experience. When it was time to choose our Tesla, the X was never in consideration. She likes the S much more.
Some pics:
