Vehicle Tested
2012 Tesla Model S Sedan Signature Performance (Electric 1-speed Direct Drive)
Driven On
8/14/2012
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
The Tesla Model S is a groundbreaking vehicle on many levels. Not only is it an electric vehicle with unprecidented range and performance, but also it's a great luxury car in its own right. An amazing first whole-car effort from a start-up.
B
Comfort
Was hoping for a little more, but our test car was equipped with a performance-oriented sport suspension and low-profile performance tire package. We expect a bit more smoothness from cars with the standard air suspension setup.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
Supportive and well shaped, but also thin in the name of light weight and space maximization. Comfortable, but those who crave deep cushy padding might not be satisfied. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
The air suspension is generally smooth, but uneven pavement can be harsh. This is a likely outgrowth of the sport suspension and low-profile 21-inch tires fitted to our test car. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Generally very silent, but coarse surfaces do generate some road noise and the electric motor emits a thrum at highways speeds that's audible if the surface is smooth. |
A
Interior
A spacious, airy cabin with a high tech feel. The iPad-esque interface is groundbreaking in the sense that it controls nearly everything, though some controls (headlights, sunroof) are inconveniently buried in the menus.
| Ergonomics |
A
|
Double-size iPad-like center stack controls everything that isn't on the Benz-sourced stalks and window switches. Easy to use, but potentially distracting in some cases. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
Generous door openings and no obstructions. No problem here. |
| Space/Room |
A
|
Plenty of front and rear leg-and headroom. Cabin feels airy and wide, too. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Generally good to the front, sides and rear quarter. Huge back-up camera can be left on while driving, too, so rear visibility isn't an issue. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Cargo storage behind the seats is excellent, and there's a front trunk (Frunk) too. But interior storage is weak, with no door pockets, no center console storage. |
A
Performance
The Model S stands up to conventional gas-powered Grand Touring machines in terms of acceleration and composure. Add in the smoothness of the EV power delivery (of which there is an abundance) and you've really got something.
| Acceleration |
A
|
Wow! This thing is quick. Never mind that it's an EV. But the EV powertrain does make it seem even faster because of the seamlessness and the silence. |
| Braking |
A
|
Secure stops come about in short order, though the pedal height is too similar to the throttle. A robust regenerative braking system handles most routine slowing. |
| Steering |
A
|
Response is quick and direct, and there are three EPS assist maps to choose from. We like the default just fine, as it balances effort and feedback just about right. |
| Handling |
A
|
Returns good numbers at the track and feels planted and secure in the real world. The Model S also feels lighter than it is, because its massive battery pack is mounted quite low. |
| Driveability |
A
|
The AC induction motor and single-speed gearbox are smooth and utterly seamless. Say what you will about EVs, but their powertrains feel like a million bucks. |
A
Value
This EV has enough, range, performance, style and high-end appeal to make the price seem reasonable, unlike the adapted EV econoboxes out there that seem shockingly expensive and of limited use.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Our Model S came up short in the body panel alignment department, but this was a very early build car. The materials used inside look good. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
265 miles of range is one heck of an EV feature, but beyond that the Tesla Model S comes across as a high tech automobile with lots of unique content. |
| Cost |
B
|
Considering its luxury position, outright performance, engineering and otherwrldly EV capabilities, the Model S's price does not seem out of line. |
| MPG |
A
|
MPG means little in the EV world; it?s the plug-in range that matters. The Tesla Model S offers a game changing 265 miles, enough to make it much more than a mere commuter. |
| Warranty |
C
|
The battery and powertrain warranty is more than anyone should need, but the basic warranty that covers the rest of the car is about average. But you have to buy a service plan. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Little maintenance is required here. The trick is supporting the home charge port, which works best with a 100-amp circuit. Anything down to 40 amps will do, though. |
A
Fun To Drive
It's fast, it's high-tech, it's unique, it draws attention, it'll wow your friends. And then there's the EV part, the 265 miles of range and growing Supercharger network that'll allow cross country travel.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
Here's an EV you can take places. It has enough range to go somewhere for the fun of it. And it's fast, smooth, quiet, high-tech, luxurious. |
| Personality |
A
|
This big luxury sedan is easy on the eyes and turns heads. And until someone else comes out with a long-range EV it'll be unique, the only one of its kind. |
