The Model S is back. The first mass-produced model in Tesla’s history has just undergone its main evolution since its launch in 2012, with a program full of novelties since deliveries in France have just begun.
A foundational model
Chance for a little throwback: At the launch of the Model S, Elon Musk’s brand remains just an electric trailblazer. After the Roadster, its first vehicle, assembled from 2008 on a Lotus Elise base, Tesla started from scratch to design the Model S, which quickly laid the foundations for the American company’s project. first rendering sexy electric cars especially in terms of design and performance. We’ll add to this recipe: a very modern interior with, right from the start, this huge upright 17-inch touch screen and digital meters that were still rare at the time, record-breaking range with a large battery housed in the floor of the vehicle and the ability to quickly recharge on the supercharger network.
With its arrival in Europe in 2014, the Model S will gradually establish itself as a benchmark for large zero-emission sedans on this side of the Atlantic as well. Dieselgate in 2015 and an “eco-conscious” later, Tesla is now establishing itself as an electric superstar, with the success of its most affordable models, the Model 3 and Model Y.
A long-awaited sequel
In early 2021, Tesla introduces what stands out as a major evolution for the Model S and X, which remain its top-of-the-range offering. But the covid and the component crisis are delaying production: deliveries of this new Model S did not begin until the end of 2022 in the United States and the end of 2022 in Europe.
Tesla currently only offers the most extreme version of this new Model S, the Plaid. A term taken from the movie. space balls, released in 1987, a parody of the Star Wars saga and visibly adored by Elon Musk. In a scene in this film, the characters exceed the speed of light, going through a first level, “Ludicrous”, a name already used in the past in the most extreme versions of the Model S and its SUV cousin, the Model X. In the film, the final level of acceleration highlights lines reminiscent of a Scottish plaid. Not content with being the vehicle’s most dynamic new driving mode, it is also the small name of this version, with its dedicated logo on the back.
Big changes inside
On the outside, this new Model S generally retains its design with some subtle changes that make it more dynamic. We will also notice the transition to matte black of the details previously in chrome (door handles, camera frame and the strip that connects the taillights) and the fog lights now in a horizontal position.
It is really inside where the main changes are concentrated. We find a high-end interior, logically more careful than in the Model 3 and Model Y, especially with the premium white interior option of our test model. Thus we find digital counters behind the wheel… finally the “Yugo” (the name Tesla gave it), closest to a two-handed airplane handle or KITT’s steering wheel in the K2000 series. It is standard on this S Plaid model.
The 17-inch center touchscreen is still there, but it’s been moved to a horizontal position, with the ability to tilt it toward the driver or passenger side.
In the rear, passengers can now enjoy a screen to adjust the air conditioning and view content on Netflix, Youtube, Disney+ or Twitch. Unlike the front screen, these services stay running while you drive, but with its small size, I don’t know if it’s ideal for watching a series or a movie while commuting.
an electric monster
But it is above all behind the wheel, due to its Yoke, that we really wanted to try this new Model S. With the main attraction, its new three-motor architecture, two rear and one front, with an accumulated power… of more than 1000 horsepower. Also surprising on Tesla’s part in evoking horses again, while the brand had been satisfied, for a long time, with figures on 0 to 100 km/h and on the maximum speed. Incredible figures on this Plaid: just 2.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h and a theoretically possible peak of 320 km/h. Enough to allow this new Model S to establish itself as the most powerful vehicle in Tesla’s history and the flagship of its current range.
On the other hand, the size of the battery is not yet specified, only a WLTP autonomy of 600 kilometers is announced. If during our test the consumption shot up a little to 29kWh per 100 kilometers, thanks to these acceleration tests and the use of the “Dragster” mode that preheats the battery to achieve canon starts, Tesla has always been a model student in this field. . In addition, access to the supercharger network is always a plus on long trips, with the possibility of collecting up to 250kW.
As an electric monster, this new Model S also knows how to play comfortable boats, something important for a large saloon of just over 5 meters. The adaptive suspensions clearly provide a plus at this point and for better sound insulation, Tesla has introduced active noise reduction: as in the headphones and audio helmets, microphones have been installed in the wheel arches to analyze noise. from the environment and cancel them electronically in the passenger compartment. compartment. Impossible to perceive although it should contribute to better isolation from external sounds.
Yoke and touch modes switching
The “Yoke” steering wheel is still a strange experience. A little wider than a classic steering wheel, it takes a little time to get used to and during the first maneuvers you want to find your way around without getting completely lost. There is simply the risk of inadvertently pressing the turn signals or the horn. In fact, these features are offered in the form of tactile keys with haptic feedback. A very thin little bar also separates the left and right turn signals: it doesn’t look like much but it lets you instantly know which one you’re activating by touch. In general, moreover, there is no comfortable behind this Yoke, which is very comfortable to use. Especially if we compare it with other brands, where in addition to a steering wheel overloaded with buttons of all kinds, we end up with three levers behind the wheel.
But the real good surprise lies in the driving mode changes. First possibility to move forward or backward, the letters “P, D, N, R” are displayed around the warning button below the space for charging two induction smartphones. Not really practical compared to the second option: when you hit the brake, a gray band appears on the left side of the touchscreen. A swipe of the finger up activates the “D” mode, down, the reverse gear, and two buttons on the two ends allow you to activate the park or neutral. Very natural gestures and an originality that, for once let’s say gossipy, brings a real plus in terms of ergonomics.
A very premium price
This new Model S Plaid starts at 138,990 euros in France. Our test model with a few options (red color, 21-inch Arachnid wheels, premium black and white interior, and upgraded autopilot) crosses the 150,000-euro mark.
Very high prices, but that seem logical for a model with exceptional features and especially versatile. That in any case relaunch Tesla in the race for the top of the range, knowing that the Model S is no longer entirely alone in this niche, with the arrival in recent years of the Mercedes EQS and EQE, BMW i4, Porsche Taycan and other Audi e-tron GTs.
A classic “Model S” will soon be available for order with two engines and a range of 630 kilometers. No information about its price has yet been leaked, but one thing is certain: it will be cheaper.
Source: BFM TV
