Today, we test-drove a 2013 Tesla Model S sedan. After reading about the fantastic reports of Tesla's performance, I requested a test drive after reading about the tremendous reports in Consumer Reports and Car & Driver.
I requested to test drive the Model S online 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 were 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 (electric cars don't need a geared transmission). 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 even has a built-in phone, which is used to download new software. You could browse the internet, listen to Pandora, watch videos, and check your email!
To save power, Tesla can activate regenerative braking whenever one takes the 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 to test drive the Model S online 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 were 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 (electric cars don't need a geared transmission). 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 even has a built-in phone, which is used to download new software. You could browse the internet, listen to Pandora, watch videos, and check your email!
To save power, Tesla can activate regenerative braking whenever one takes the 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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