"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2)
07/18/2014 at 13:57 • Filed to: None
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"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2)
07/18/2014 at 13:57 • Filed to: None | 7
| 10 |
shot from the back seat after we swapped drivers...
Parked next to my bike... (couple of the Boss's other cars in background...)
So, It's fast. Not the most brutally fast thing I've ever driven, but it's damn quick, and in eerie silence. Throttle response is instant, everywhere, even at over 100 MPH. The amount of drag from the regen is entirely appropriate for a car with this much power, it feels like engine braking in a big V8-powered car with a manual transmission. The regular brakes are also stellar, pedal feel is very good and they are VERY strong.
I think the most impressive thing, though, is how good the chassis dynamics are for a car that big and heavy. It feels MUCH smaller behind the wheel then the numbers would suggest. Steering response is immediate and crisp, feel is good -by electric power steering standards-, but my FieSTa is better. Body motions are extremely well controlled, while still proving a comfortable ride. The suspension makes more noise over bumps than say, an S-Class, but I would say the over all ride-quality and handling experience is far superior to anything I've ever driven, as far as being a perfect compromise between smooth and sporty (this Model S 85 has the air-suspension option).
Build and materials quality is what you'd expect on a car in this price range; very nice. I especially like the laminate/edge-on grain wood in natural "weathered" colour, and the rim-less rear view mirror. The front seats are excellent, a little more side bolster might make sense the way this car handles, but they're super comfy and appropriate for a vehicle in this market space. Rear headroom feels a little close for tall people, but the completely flat floor is novel, and really adds to the feeling of interior volume. Also, it has an absurd amount of cargo volume. Remember, it's a hatchback, and it has a Frunk, and the seats fold flat. Utilitarian!
The touch screen would be a turn-off, if it weren't just so damn functional! It's responsive, very easy to read, very quick, and the menus are easy and intuitive. Also, the configurable instrument display with inset info (maps, energy meter, driving stats, music, etc...) is nifty and nicely executed.
Let this be a lesson to everyone, everywhere: Low Center Of Gravity. It works, bitches.
joey-taps
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 14:00 |
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Did not know that the Tesla had an air suspension option...
Jedidiah
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 14:00 |
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If only they made a coupe version.
I think this sedan is awkard from some angles due to that liftback thing they've got going on.
Meatcoma
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 14:14 |
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Like a BOSS..... because boss.
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> Meatcoma
07/18/2014 at 14:17 |
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Yeah, you should see his W189 300d Adenaur.
HideyoshiJP
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 14:26 |
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Haha, fingerprints!
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> HideyoshiJP
07/18/2014 at 14:31 |
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Interestingly, from the angle of the driver's seat, they are almost invisible.
STREPITUS
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 14:48 |
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So I too drove a Tesla Model S today. I was not impressed. Even slightly.
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> STREPITUS
07/18/2014 at 14:54 |
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care to elaborate?
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STREPITUS
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
07/18/2014 at 16:36 |
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Can't go into too much detail since I was driving it for work purposes, but basically had I paid $70+k of my own hard earned money, I would've felt ripped off. For something with that fit and finish, material quality and general comfort, I think I'd be willing to part with $37-42k. Sure you're paying a premium for the new technology, but I'd at least like the overall quality to be notched up.
Oh, and I HATED the touch screen. I couldn't do anything without taking my eyes off the road.
I do have a few more minor complaints on some design aspects and range issues, but that would just be nit picking, so I won't go into it.
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> STREPITUS
07/18/2014 at 18:59 |
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Hmm, now see I would have said it compared very favourably to a BMW 550i. Now I admit, the 5-er, similarly equipped is about $6000 less (before the tax credit on the Tesla) and has a little more power on paper... But the Tesla has more interior space, I think it handles better, and rides better, and the power is more accessible in daily driving. I would say the materials and build quality are comparable, and the Tesla is, well, it's electric boogie-ooogie ;)