Tesla Model S PLAID: A Candid Owner's Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Exterior Design
3. Interior Design and Build Quality
4. User Experience: Controls and Software
5. Driving Experience: Acceleration and Handling
6. Braking Performance and Options
7. Range and Charging Infrastructure
8. Key Features: Phone Key and App
9. Unique Features: Century Mode and Built-in Dash Cam
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this review, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the Tesla Model S Plaid, a car that I have been daily driving for the past year and a half. As an owner, I have experienced the car's features and performance on a day-to-day basis, allowing me to provide insights beyond the typical first impressions. I will discuss both the positives and negatives of the Model S Plaid, highlighting its unique features and discussing its suitability as a daily driver.

1. Exterior Design

The exterior of the Tesla Model S Plaid showcases a design that has stood the test of time, despite being a decade-old car. While the silhouette remains largely unchanged, the car has received facelifts over the years. In my opinion, the Model S Plaid retains a captivating and appealing design. The hatchback feature and 21-inch wheels add to its overall aesthetics. Although it lacks the new headlights found in the latest models, the overall look of the car is still impressive.

2. Interior Design and Build Quality

Moving to the interior of the Model S Plaid, Tesla has made significant improvements compared to previous models. The cockpit-like design gives the feeling of sitting in a jet, creating a sleek and modern ambiance. The white interior and carbon fiber trim complement each other well, enhancing the overall aesthetics. However, it is worth mentioning that the build quality of the interior falls short compared to luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche. Some elements, such as the carbon fiber sheet opening mechanism, may not function as intended. Despite these minor flaws, the interior design is visually appealing.

3. User Experience: Controls and Software

Tesla's minimalistic approach is evident in the Model S Plaid's interior, with a lack of physical buttons and reliance on a touchscreen interface. While this design choice may not appeal to everyone, the software experience is highly responsive and intuitive. The touchscreen provides access to various features, including climate control, entertainment, and vehicle settings. However, the absence of traditional buttons for vital functions like adjusting HVAC settings and controlling turn signals can be a downside. The capacitive touch buttons on the yoke, in particular, can be unresponsive at times, leading to frustration. Tesla's software is well-designed but could benefit from additional physical controls for essential functions.

4. Driving Experience: Acceleration and Handling

When it comes to the driving experience, the Model S Plaid excels in terms of acceleration and straight-line performance. The car's triple motor powertrain delivers impressive torque, allowing for lightning-fast acceleration. With its quick acceleration and rear-wheel bias, it offers a thrilling driving experience. However, in terms of handling, it falls slightly behind competitors like the Porsche Taycan. While it may not be the best-handling car in its class, the Model S Plaid still provides an enjoyable driving experience, especially on straight roads.

5. Braking Performance and Options

One area where the Model S Plaid has faced criticism is its braking performance, particularly in high-performance driving scenarios. The stock brakes, while suitable for normal driving, can suffer from brake fade after repeated heavy braking. Tesla offers a carbon ceramic brake Package as an optional upgrade, which addresses this issue. These brakes provide additional stopping power and superior fade resistance. However, they come at a significant cost, and some may argue that Tesla should have equipped the car with larger steel brakes instead. While the carbon ceramic brake package is recommended for track use, it may not be necessary for everyday driving.

6. Range and Charging Infrastructure

As an electric vehicle, the Model S Plaid offers impressive range and relies on Tesla's extensive Supercharger network for convenient charging. The car initially boasted around 390 miles of range on a full charge, which has slightly degraded to approximately 365 miles after 30,000 miles of use. While the degradation is slightly higher than average, it is still within an acceptable range for an electric car. The Supercharger network provides reliable and fast charging options, making long-distance travel feasible. Additionally, having a charger at home allows for the convenience of starting each day with a full battery.

7. Key Features: Phone Key and App

Tesla offers various methods for accessing and controlling the Model S Plaid, including a card key, a traditional key fob, and a smartphone app. Using the phone as a key is the preferred option for many owners due to its reliability and convenient features. The app allows for remote functions such as unlocking and locking the car, preheating the interior, viewing charging statistics, and even summoning the car from a distance. While the app provides a seamless user experience, some additional physical controls would be appreciated, such as a power-operated front trunk for a car in this price range.

8. Unique Features: Century Mode and Built-in Dash Cam

Two standout features of the Model S Plaid are Century Mode and the built-in dash cam. Century Mode utilizes the car's cameras to continuously Record footage, providing added security by capturing any incidents or events around the vehicle. The built-in dash cam, on the other HAND, records video while driving, which can be helpful in documenting any accidents or providing evidence in case of disputes. These features provide peace of mind and security, and it is surprising that more cars in this price range do not offer such capabilities.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tesla Model S Plaid serves as an exceptional daily driver, particularly for those who prioritize performance, range, and convenience. Its Timeless exterior design, comfortable interior, and responsive software contribute to an enjoyable driving experience. While there are areas for improvement, such as the build quality and the need for additional physical controls, the overall package is impressive. The Model S Plaid's acceleration, range, and fast charging capabilities make it an attractive choice for those seeking an electric vehicle for daily use. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential issues with the capacitive touch buttons and consider the optional carbon ceramic brake package Based on their driving preferences.

Highlights

• The Tesla Model S Plaid offers an impressive driving experience with its lightning-fast acceleration and straight-line performance.
• The car's exterior design, although a decade old, still retains a captivating and appealing silhouette.
• The interior design showcases Tesla's minimalistic approach, but the build quality falls short compared to luxury brands.
• The touchscreen interface and responsive software provide an intuitive user experience, although the absence of physical controls for essential functions can be frustrating.
• The Model S Plaid's range and reliance on Tesla's Supercharger network make it a suitable choice for long-distance travel.
• The optional carbon ceramic brake package addresses the stock brakes' performance issues but comes at a significant cost.
• The phone key and app offer convenient access and control features, but additional physical controls would be appreciated.
• Unique features like Century Mode and the built-in dash cam provide added security and peace of mind.
• While the Model S Plaid has its drawbacks, it remains one of the best EVs for daily driving, particularly in terms of performance and range.

FAQ

Q: Does the Tesla Model S Plaid have a 360-degree view camera system?

A: No, the Model S Plaid does not offer a 360-degree view camera system. It only has front and rear cameras.

Q: Is the Model S Plaid suitable for track use?

A: While the Model S Plaid offers impressive acceleration and handling, it may not be the best choice for track use due to its weight and handling limitations. Upgrading to the optional carbon ceramic brake package may improve its performance in high-performance driving scenarios.

Q: Can the Model S Plaid play games like Cyberpunk?

A: No, although the Model S Plaid has some built-in games, it does not support playing games like Cyberpunk. The available games are limited in comparison to what is advertised.

Q: Does the Tesla Model S Plaid have full self-driving capabilities?

A: While Tesla's Full Self-Driving package is available for purchase, it is still considered to be in beta and may not offer full autonomous driving capabilities. The functionality depends on various factors, including road conditions and software updates.