Today, we test-drove a 2013
Tesla Model S
sedan. After reading favorable reviews in Consumer
Reports and Car & Driver, I requested a test drive.
I requested an online test drive for the Model S and confirmed my appointment by phone.
When we arrived at the Santana Row showroom, we found a Tesla employee and checked in.
We were initially promised to drive the Tesla with the smaller battery pack, but it was used for another test drive. So, we ended up going with the high-performance version.
When entering the car, I noticed significant differences in design and control systems (in comparison to my Audi Q5, Mini Cooper S, and other gas-powered vehicles). There was no ignition switch, and the interface for maps, audio, and all other normal controls was replaced by a touch screen display - a giant iPad. The salesman, riding along, explained how to shift the car from Park to Drive, and we drove out of the Santana Row garage.
The car handled beautifully and accelerated effortlessly. There was no shifting of gears (this Model S uses a single-speed reduction gear). The large display near the driver looked like a giant iPad with information on the remaining range, the suspension settings (car height), and the moonroof. It also has a built-in cellular data connection for online services and software downloads. The touch screen combined a web browser with music and vehicle controls.
To save power, Tesla can activate regenerative braking whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. It was an unusual sensation - whenever I took my foot off the accelerator pedal, the car slowed down (as if I were applying brakes).
The interior is quite lovely and seems close to Audi's level of craftsmanship. Note the giant, oversized iPad controls.
The car is very nice but expensive at $75,000 + tax (for the smallest battery option).
I requested an online test drive for the Model S and confirmed my appointment by phone.
When we arrived at the Santana Row showroom, we found a Tesla employee and checked in.
We were initially promised to drive the Tesla with the smaller battery pack, but it was used for another test drive. So, we ended up going with the high-performance version.
When entering the car, I noticed significant differences in design and control systems (in comparison to my Audi Q5, Mini Cooper S, and other gas-powered vehicles). There was no ignition switch, and the interface for maps, audio, and all other normal controls was replaced by a touch screen display - a giant iPad. The salesman, riding along, explained how to shift the car from Park to Drive, and we drove out of the Santana Row garage.
The car handled beautifully and accelerated effortlessly. There was no shifting of gears (this Model S uses a single-speed reduction gear). The large display near the driver looked like a giant iPad with information on the remaining range, the suspension settings (car height), and the moonroof. It also has a built-in cellular data connection for online services and software downloads. The touch screen combined a web browser with music and vehicle controls.
To save power, Tesla can activate regenerative braking whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. It was an unusual sensation - whenever I took my foot off the accelerator pedal, the car slowed down (as if I were applying brakes).
The interior is quite lovely and seems close to Audi's level of craftsmanship. Note the giant, oversized iPad controls.
The car is very nice but expensive at $75,000 + tax (for the smallest battery option).
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