Performance – In terms of performance, we drove the range-topping P100D variant which gets the Ludicrous mode, resulting in a 0-100 km/hr time of just 2.5 seconds. Apart from that, there is also a Calm and Sport mode on offer. In Calm mode, the Model S drives like a regular gasoline car whereas, in Sport mode, there is the crazy rush of power. Ludicrous in turn has two modes, the regular Ludicrous mode and the Ludicrous+ launch mode. In Ludicrous mode, the vehicle absolutely accelerates like crazy and when the Ludicrous+ launch mode is activated, a funny message pops in the infotainment screen which reads two options – ‘No I want my mommy’ and ‘Yes, bring it on’. Selecting the latter will launch the car in the fastest possible time but will also simultaneously affect battery longevity. Performance from the 100 kWh motor is mind-boggling as the car is super fast and what’s really an icing on the cake is the adequate range. There’s no transmission on offer and hence one need not worry about shifting gears.
Driving Dynamics – Instantly noticeable after driving the Model S for a few kilometres is how agile and light on its feet the car feels as compared to the Model X. Despite weighing over 2 tonnes, the all-electric saloon drives like a sports car. The batteries have been placed on the floor pan which has resulted in a lower centre of gravity. The Model S is fun to drive and the suspension is set on the stiffer side. This is a good thing considering the smooth tarmac in the US but when coming to India, the American automaker will have to work on the suspension setup as well as the ground clearance to factor the bad roads as well.
Safety and After Sales Service – In terms of safety equipment, the Tesla Model S gets 8 airbags, ESC, Traction Control, electronic parking brake and the autonomous driving function (similar to the Model X with over-the-air updates) which again gets you a host of safety net like Lane Change, Autosteer, Side Collision Warning, Auto Parking and Emergency Braking. Though the American automaker is yet to make it to India, it does have a good presence in the United States, Europe, China and the Middle East.
