With its futuristic gee-whiz innovation and astonishing performance, the fully-electric Tesla Model S seems like a car from another planet. The Model S was the highest-scoring car we'd ever tested, with its high-performance all-wheel-drive version scoring even higher.
As advanced as the Tesla is, what makes it so impressive is how seamlessly it blends into everyday life. No other fully-electric car comes close to its 200-mile-plus range, limiting a key compromise inherent with electric cars. The Tesla also happens to be enjoyable to drive, it is brimming with technology and benefits from hatchback practicality. It matches the acceleration of the world's top sports cars mending it with the usability of a family sedan. But compared to other luxury cars brushing with a six-figure price tag, the Tesla's interior quality and seats aren't quite up to par.
Brutally-quick acceleration is there for the asking. Every Model S provides a brisk takeoff, but the P85D (similar to the current P90D) is the quickest car we've ever tested, needing just 3.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph.
That the Tesla can achieve these velocities while being extremely energy efficient is the most impressive feature of the car. All this happens without burning a drop of gasoline or producing any tailpipe emissions. The cost of recharging the batteries is very low, based on the national average cost of electricity.
This quick-and-efficient futuristic car manages to be practical and stylish -- it received a facelift in spring 2016. The sleek coupe-like car seats five adults, plus two kids in an optional third-row jump seat. The base model rides comfortably, carves corners with scalpel precision, and stops on a dime. Gliding eerily down the road, with no disruptive engine noise, it's one of the quietest cars we've driven. But be aware that the optional 21-inch tires take a toll on noise and ride comfort.
Unique design elements abound, riveting your attention from the very first contact. Simply touching the flush aluminum door handles causes them to slide outward, welcoming you inside. A tap of the brake pedal brings the Model S to life. There's no start button, or need to release the parking brake; those are unnecessary, anachronistic steps in Tesla's view, evidently.
At startup, you're greeted by the glow of a huge 17-inch display which allows you to control everything from the suspension's ride height to Slacker Internet Radio and Google Maps -- adding to the sci-fi atmosphere. Screens are configurable so you can place the radio on top and energy consumption at the bottom for instance. Software updates that freshen the car's features -- such as the upcoming self-driving capability -- come over the air. No need to travel to a dealership.
For this version of the car, standard equipment included blind spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning systems. The optional Autopilot package adds active cruise control and allows some limited self-driving capabilities.These convenience features can help ease stress, but drivers must remain fully engaged with the driving process to remain safe.
Let's be clear: Owning and driving an electric car takes more forethought than that of a normal gasoline-powered car. Long trips take planning to allow for lengthy battery charge sessions (compared to gas fill-ups), and cold weather adversely affects cruising range. That said, Tesla has done much to ease life with an electric car, beyond providing a big battery with 200 miles-plus of range. The navigation system can direct you to charging stations, including the nationwide network of free Tesla-exclusive Supercharging stations that can top off the charge, typically in less than an hour. A high-speed home charger can fill the battery in five hours from empty.
While the Tesla outsells most conventional luxury sedans, its minimalistic interior comes up short on craftsmanship. It also comes up short in terms of ease of access, in-cabin storage, rear seat room and ultimate comfort and support with the base seats. Some expected items, like map pockets, ventilated seats and voice commands for iPod control, are absent.
No matter how you slice it, the Tesla Model S is an automotive mile post. It's a remarkable car that paves a new, unorthodox course, and it is a powerful statement for American startup ingenuity.