Tesla Model S Plaid TESTED | Car and Driver Road Test | 0-60, 1/4 Mile, Top Speed, Range, & Charging

[@davehaller6477]

The S is a Sports Utility Sedan. Elon says alot of things...Some happens, some is just wishful thinking. He upended a stodgy car business. Think of it like this. in 8 years, Tesla changed the car industry. That is a huge accomplishment. Tesla is not perfect but it made history and changed the world. I just got the LR version and its the best daily driver I have ever had. I love it. I love the sound of a V8 or V10 but driving this car is so much fun, I can't see myself going back to an ICE car, no more gas, oil changes, tune up, brake pad replacements.... Thats huge.

[@radfree9370]

Woah you finally got your caR? I've seen you comment in a lot of model s vids so I'm glad you're enjoying the car

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Also not "4 door" 5 door (aka "hatchback")

[@yukiwit7950]

Couldn’t agree more, I just ordered my second model S in USA, can’t wait it delivery to me

[@allwheeldrive]

We've got a 3, and it just gets better all the time. For the overall daily experience, nothing even comes close in the 50 years of cars I've owned.

[@matt0198922]

FYI you will still need to replace your brake pads. Regenerative braking does not mean that your brake pads "regenerate" lol. It just means that the electric motor can work backwards as a sort of generator that is powered by your kinetic energy (your car being in motion). It regens power back to the batteries. Now, obviously, this will REDUCE wear on your brake pads, but that is not the same as "never having to replace brake pads".

[@carljaekle]

Overall balanced, but, as a Tesla owner: 1. Air vent controls are on the touch screen so that you can set them as part of driver profiles. That way you always get your settings when you enter the car. 2. Most Tesla owners have a clear understanding as to what they are getting, or not getting. The fact that the semi, or Roadster 2 is not out yet, doesn't impact the purchase of the cars that are available. I didn't purchase FSD and understand that it is not a fully autonomous vehicle. Finally: No one beats Tesla on price versus performance, range, technology, or public charging.

[@neilh.4088]

Fair and informative review of this car. Bottom line, this car is $131K car that gets you 98% of all the thrill and fun of $3M car.

[@HUMC5]

You clearly have no idea what you talking about. The Chiron is a MASTERPIECE. Worth every penny.

[@neilh.4088]

According to CarScoops’s article dated Sept. 25, 2021 the maintenance cost of that Bugatti is about $500,000 over 4 years. I know that’s number is greater than the cost of 3 Model 3 Plaid cars plus charging for 5 years (at 10,000 miles per year at $0.30/kWh). On top of that I would have lots of fun at the drag strip beating most challengers with the Model 3 Plaid.

[@a-don13]

@@HUMC5 oh yeah? How

[@daniel_960_]

Gives you the acceleration feel and a nice car. But a bit of a stretch to compare fun to 3m supercars. The sound and the rawness is a different world. But sure really awesome what you get for 130k.

[@ogzombieblunt4626]

@@HUMC5 So mad

[@DragTimes]

now allowed to bring cameras, find a new place to test... it's not the 90's....

[@learning_the_hard_way]

That's cause they're full of sh..

[@facts-GPT]

Brooks.. you know we come to you for true testing 😂

[@JustinCrediblename]

they might be lying about being at an auto-manufacturer's testing grounds, and instead just tested it on public roads. heheh.

[@Dan-gd2rk]

Look at douchetimes thinking he's something more than a gimmick.

[@obsidian....]

It's almost as if he said that exact thing 2 seconds after he said they couldn't. Way to add something useful

[@poppys33d]

Plaid owner here. Tesla’s own wording now regarding 200mph is “paid upgrades.” So not looking like JUST a software update, as their wording has changed. Also, since one of the latest software updates you won’t by mistake press any buttons as they all require a hard press (soft touch is gone on all buttons now).

[@larryc1616]

i don't think they are going to do the 200mph limiter update without higher rated tires/wheels. you might have to buy new wheels and tires for the update.

[@markplott4820]

TESLA Anounces NEW Carbon - Ceramic brake kit for $20,000 f/ PLAID mod S 21" wheels., install Extra.

[@rudyyyxu]

@@larryc1616 plenty of supercar doing 200+ with ps4s. These tires already represent some of the most capable road tires

[@ajbucks]

@@markplott4820 … I could be wrong but I think the $20k will include the software update and whatever else is needed to go 200mph. If so, the $20k sounds fair. If $20k is just for ceramic brakes, I’ll pass.

[@Ryne_Realty]

@@rudyyyxu Plenty of supercars doing 200mph on PS4’s but none of them weigh 4800lbs. I think the weight is the biggest factor.

[@CarlosLago]

Hi all, I'm new here. Wasn't kidding when I said we threw this video together during my first week with C/D in Michigan, but I was glad we were able to do it! This Plaid has a ton of things to be excited about, but also some big issues, as I mention in the video. Anyway, I hope you enjoy our work, and I'm looking forward to showing up here more often.

[@mattboyd7385]

Permanent switch from Edmunds…?

[@hagenherrmann8204]

Great to see you contributing for C/D Carlos. I will be looking forward to seeing more of your work here!

[@minaguirguis8897]

Oh wow... I guess car and driver's (used to be) weekly car chat wasn't cutting it. I enjoyed it though. Is this a permanent move from Edmunds?

[@CarlosLago]

@@mattboyd7385 Yes

[@CarlosLago]

@@minaguirguis8897 Yes

[@Anonym-dx2tp]

Unplugged Performance brought out Carbon Ceramic Brakes for the Plaid. Tesla is going to also bring out Carbon Ceramic Brakes for the Plaid in Mid 2022.

[@supraman321na4]

Just got my kit from unplugged, it is awesome 👍

[@aussie2uGA]

Why are the stock Brembo brakes on Tesla's not doing the job?

[@Briggsian]

@@aussie2uGA they work for daily driving, but repeated high-speed stops with a 5000lbs vehicle are going to heat-soak pretty much any steel brake system. The thermal capacity just isn't there

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi Carlos! Congratulations on your new gig, I’m thrilled for ya and can’t wait to see the great stuff you’ll do at C&D!

[@CarlosLago]

Thanks!

[@Ramneek22]

@@CarlosLago u lost all credibility after u guys came out and said it was a waste of money over at Edmunds

[@markplott4820]

Christine Dodsworth , RACED a Tesla PLAID (STOCK), 1/4 mile 8.994 Seconds , 155.1 mph. at Maryland Intl Raceway. also, 125.10 mph ay 1/8 mile 5.816 seconds,

[@royrauch9775]

Mark, can you post a copy of that time slip OR a video where we can read legibly the scoreboard. Ever video I have seen of that accomplishment has had a blurred scoreboard!

[@larryc1616]

@@royrauch9775 i don't have instagram but they say the time slip is posted on their instagram. search and report back.

[@ericship8383]

Wasn’t stock but okay

[@ericship8383]

@@royrauch9775 it wasn’t stock bozo

[@ericship8383]

@@larryc1616 wasn’t stock bozo 🤣

[@Webcrawler45]

Show me any other vehicle at ANY price that can: do 0-60 in about 2 seconds, run a 9 second quarter mile, Get over TWICE the energy efficiency of a Toyota Prius, literally be driven by fuel you can make on your roof. Seat five adults comfortable. Have over 60 cubic feet of cargo storage, Get over the air software updates (Once my Model 3 Gained about 25hp over night)????

[@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics]

Powerful EV's are fast. This is not a new thing, nor is it useful at this point to have 1000hp.... we're mostly stuck in gridlock or traffic everyday, so nobody cares how fast you can accelerate, you just need to get where you're going. There are a ton of consumers who have the money to buy this product but just don't want the ultimate drag car - because most of us aren't making drag videos on KZbin. It's just not that relevant. I happen to like the Model S, but wish they'd just make it better, not faster, and that includes the exterior design.

[@Webcrawler45]

@@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs can be both fast and efficient, there is no reason why they cant have both. They also sell a less power version of the Model S and it gets over 400 miles of range. Then there is the Model 3 and the Model Y. Plenty of options for people who don't want the all out performance version. .

[@markjames2338]

We’ve had ours for a few days. I had concerns about the yoke, but last night my wife and I were talking and realized that short of getting used to the control placements we haven’t even though about the yoke. Now, we’re not tracking it at 150 mph, but for daily driving it’s a none issue with us. If I was racing it the yoke and brakes might be a problem, but we don’t. It’s also the first car I’ve never had to compromise my driving position in order to view the gauge cluster. I never thought I’d be able to afford and own such a magnificent beast.

[@laurencelewin7648]

I take delivery 12/17, and I fully agree with your perceptions. At 85, with a history of 9 new Porsches from a 1969 911S to a 2022 911 Turbo S, on the way, my only real frustration is the size. I'd love the performance in a Model 3, as an equivalent to a BMW M3 of years past, combining sports car performance with everyday utility for as many as 4. For me, the stealth is extremely attractive, in the old Theodore Roosevelt motto, modified for this occasion, "Drive softly, and carry a lot of torque!"

[@pierre.a.larsen]

Your last sentence really demonstrate the true accomplishment. A supercar that can be afforded by not only multimillionaires. And - this supercar is also a family car. That is amazing.

[@johnreese3762]

Must be nice!!

[@markjames2338]

@@johnreese3762 Very! We are very fortunate.

[@surya-y6b]

Same here. Amazing car I get can’t get used to.

[@markplott4820]

Car &Driver - According to PEPSICO , Tesla is Delivering some SEMI Trucks to Frito-Lay in Q4 2021 n MODESTO, CA and is building a MEGACHARGER to support the SEMI Fast charging.

[@thinde88]

Finally car and driver picks someone up that might be able to help them.

[@steveclemens8488]

You just couldn't resist all the digs at the end of your video.....I assume that's Car and Driver policy since C & D makes no money off Tesla ads....which in itself is a huge story....That Tesla is so successful eschewing traditional auto marketing traditions.

[@sblekmdr]

I own a 2021 G63, 2014 Range Rover Sport autobiography and test drove C8, Ferrari 458. I bought the 2021 plaid and have driven the car/tech; hands down the most awesome build / car. All cars should be measured on their own accord. Worth noting, the yoke takes a bit to get used to it but now I look forward to driving it. Most comfortable drive and turning is a non-issue once you become accustomed. Set expectations accordingly, just because it’s fast doesn’t equate to track, all of my track cars are modified and that is the same with the Tesla. That’s my two cents.

[@radfree9370]

Well I have hope you have a good time with the car!

[@allentoyokawa9068]

are you rich or something?

[@morgonz]

Please explain, why they call it yoke and not steering wheel? Just because its not round?

[@juanmedinar20]

As an owner of the Plaid after driving 1000miles the steering wheel controls works just fine. The Plaid is the deal of the century and I can overlook all those little things. Mountain Pass Performance is going to have bigger rotors and more aggressive brake pad in early January and they will should cost under $3K. Also, a Taycan is more expensive by $55k for a base Turbo S with zero options, it can only seat 4 people, it has less cargo, less range, slower charging, no charging infrastructure, no free AP, slow infotainment, 3 year battery warranty if you don't follow Porsche charging procedure and bunch of other stipulations vs Tesla 8 year battery warranty. etc etc. I can buy two set of carbon ceramic rotors with calipers from Tesla and still have $15k left vs buying a Taycan Turbo S.

[@gabeh7373]

Do you miss your ISF?

[@juanmedinar20]

@@gabeh7373 My wife like that car and I did as well; she thought it was sexy haha. Very reliable for the way it was abused. With straight pipes it sounded great. I did had some issues with the water pump leaking and the dash and door panels melting and falling apart. The car only had 40k miles and Lexus would not covered under warranty and they were $1k a piece. I end up buying used door cards from a IS350 I believe and staining the stitching blue to match IS-F color lol. Great car.

[@CarToneHK]

"The Good and the Plaid" That alone deserves an upvote

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Driven Model S P85 125,000 uk miles over 7 years. Brilliant car, its better now and faster by free OTA updates, Plaid on order

[@9secsdn341]

After 2 days driving mine, I not only grew to like the yoke. I now prefer it. Having a background in road racing I was already used to flat bottom wheels. Minor adjustment for most people I’d say. Plus, it keeps your hands where they should be.

[@ajbucks]

Same here… I also like the yoke but I still find the blinker buttons a little annoying tbh. Regardless, I love the car.

[@markplott4820]

Car & Driver - TESLA sells a Carbon - Ceramic brake kit f/ $20,000 , F/ Model S PLAID 21" Wheels. you can also take TESLA to Unplugged Performance for Upgrades , if you like more PERFORMANCE.

[@ErikStone1]

You can buy a plaid in every color for the price of just 1 Bugatti, and have plenty left over. I can't imagine how insane the Tesla Roadster with SpaceX package will be!

[@CliffKarrow]

You could buy a plaid for the price of getting a tune up on a Bugatti.

[@minso8164]

Somebody tell that guy that he can adjust the steering resistance

[@AudiTTQuattro2003]

...it might not be a "resistance" problem, but a geometry or setup problem at elevated speeds.

[@OscarTorres-js6bv]

😂😂😂😂

[@KevZJ]

Love it! Finally you have realized video reviews are the future. The magazine may slowly be dying, but let "Car & Driver" live on in video form. You have a brand with a lot of clout. Keep making videos like this, and you will have a million subscribers by the end of next year. Carlos, great job. I can't wait to see what you will do in the future.

[@PetrolheadAEHG]

Car and Driver hasn't been so attractive for a lot of years, I only subscribed for the anual Lighning Laps and that was it. With the addition of Carlos Lago, it could be a revival for Car and Driver in KZbin if things are done the right way. There are quite some things that can be polished, but this video was a magnificent start. C&D, please leave it to Carlos, he knows how to do amazing car reviews with a lot of quality. Best of luck and I'll be ready for the next review 👍

[@dandil]

...they HAD battery swap stations. Nobody wanted to use them. They're dumb anyway because the EV industry is battery limited, so having spare batteries on standby isn't optimal.

[@dzerres]

and I'm not swapping out our battery which we treat with kid gloves to something I have no history about.

[@larryc1616]

charging times keeps getting shorter and shorter while range is getting longer and longer so no need now for battery swaps. 10min charge to 80% coming soon!

[@markplott4820]

Dandil - Agree, battery SWAP limits Growth, and limits how many Vehicles you can Produce.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@larryc1616 you don't necessarily need "80" You need "Outrange the driver..... Repeat"

[@CliffKarrow]

Tesla hasn't talked about battery swap in years. It definitely wasn't considered for the Plaid. I'm not sure why that was even brought up in this video. Talking about fast charging and at home charging would have been more pertinent.

[@mt2nv1]

Timelines are not Tesla’s strong suit, but the semi is in production currently and there have also been features and range added unexpectedly. Imagine shouting “waypoints!” At a Ford or GM exec….they’d laugh it off. A coupe months after that happened at the Plaid reveal, Tesla customers got it via over the air updates. 👍

[@markplott4820]

Car & Driver - you are GRASPING at straws here, TESLA learned EARLY ON, that Battery SWAP DOES NOT WORK, it Slows down PROGRESS and LIMITS how many cars you can make. TESLA Superchargers is the LARGEST EV Charging NETWORK in the USA , with MORE 250 kw DC FAST Chargers than EA or anyone else. EA only has 500 350 kw chargers and some are BROKEN or Simply DONT WORK.

[@randomname4726]

Wow, salty much? You clearly associate your own self worth and identity with that of Tesla and feel personally attacked when someone even mentions a true but negative statement or fact about a Tesla. It's pathetic and not a good way to live your life. Seek help, please.

[@imntacrook8697]

You may not know that the steering can be adjusted

[@johncahill3644]

So basically you have two complaints...you don’t like the yoke, and you don’t like that Tesla took a good sedan and made it so powerful and fast that it exceeds the capabilities of it’s front suspension and braking, Fair enough...but not sure everyone would agree with that. Somehow Formula 1 drivers function with yokes. And if you had a choice between being over braked or over powered...duh!!

[@johnreese3762]

I always go 200MPH on the freeway!😁

[@acefighterpilot]

Look up the phrase "turns lock to lock." Hint: you almost never see a Formula 1 car with the yoke past 90 degrees. This Tesla's steering is slower than a Golf.

[@woocoheed]

Carlos is the 🐐. Been watching since MT days

[@drew.851]

Same here. Loved the ignition show he had

[@bchdds]

just think how positive this review would be if Tesla actually paid for advertising.

[@Tothefloor]

Car and driver stepping up with Carlos.

[@charliefortin555]

Those "flaws" are something I can live with. I WANT a Plaid!

[@a-don13]

They're not even "flaws" and he made them seem big. Just preferences

[@wattsmichaele]

He does NOT need to be doing car reviews. It was horrible.

[@charliefortin555]

@@wattsmichaele I have driven 150 mph in my youth. His concerns are valid. I don't need sustained speeds of 150 mph today, but I would like that capability "on tap."

[@tribalypredisposed]

@@a-don13 the expectation for braking capability for a car that fast is above what the Tesla has, yes. But the Tesla costs hundreds of thousands less than anything that can accelerate even close to that fast. Yes, one expects $20,000 brakes on a $300,000+ pure sports car, but the Plaid is still mostly a large luxury sedan that can accelerate stupid fast and not a sports car. You would not expect normally to buy a car for $130,000 and it comes with $20,000 brakes.

[@epoxy1710]

Good luck living at service center, it leaks more then a 20 year old Lexus

[@kudacuda4350]

I've seen a plaid running 9.27 secs in a 1/4mile at 154mph

[@kawasakitheking4130]

Faster than f1 RB7, h2r

[@HansKruse]

To be fair promisses from Tesla usually gets delivered, but it can take quite some time. One example is FSD and this clearly has caught the Tesla engineers by surprise how difficult it has been to achieve this. I don't see this as an example of overpromissing and not delivering features promissed.

[@michaelwbsin]

There are people who paid extra for FSD on their 3 year lease and never got a single extra feature than if they just went with the cheaper Enhanced AP option (no longer available). It's about the timeline -- you can't wait indefinitely forever, or keep saying "it's coming."

[@allwheeldrive]

Yeah, to characterize buying into the brand as being caught up in a return on hype is not understanding why people actually buy these. Tesla has indeed delivered over the years - actually more than promised, and certainly more often than promised - but it sometimes really drags out. That said, the full ownership experience is significantly more advanced than any other brand (please see even just the promises made by other makers...), and the pace of truly useful improvements simply won't be matched for a very long time, if ever. They could be made a bit better, but continual manufacturing advancements will fix that.

[@tribalypredisposed]

It is proving a lot harder for every other company to deliver autonomous driving too, Tesla is by far not the only one who failed to deliver by when they originally expected. The big difference is that Tesla was selling the product already, and I get buyers being upset about that. But, you also bought at a significantly lower price than the current one, and that is lower than the price will be when FSD is ready too. And the price above what you would pay for the other driver assistance features was just another $2,000, and Tesla regularly changes the price on their cars by that and more. Yes it would have been great if Tesla achieved FSD years ago, but in standard Tesla fashion they realized how they were doing it was wrong and that they would need better chips and a better supercomputer and a better team leader and they went and got all of that but it took time. At least they are not these other companies doggedly refusing to admit LIDAR was a mistake...

[@josh_m]

@@michaelwbsin Buying FSD on a lease before it was out was pretty silly, though. However, I would say that a refund for those people is not unreasonable.

[@josh_m]

@@ArbitraryFilmings Oh, did they under-deliver FSD which is currently in beta and hasn't been delivered en mass yet? You know, it is a hard problem to solve, and Tesla's approach is a system that will be able to drive anywhere whereas other companies are limiting it to specific roads and specific situations. Tesla takes on the hard problems (even ones that others think are impossible). They'll deliver. On time? No, but you can plainly see that it's getting closer and closer every week.

[@deenobrown1]

Think about this when you’re buying a Tesla plaid: you’re getting $1 million car at a 90% discount. It’s that amazing.

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

Absolutely not true whatsoever. Any million dollar car has what this doesn’t; quality. Go look inside any Koenigsegg or Pagani or Bugatti. Plaid may be faster but I’d rather be inside any of those other three. Wouldn’t even think about it.

[@deenobrown1]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe that’s good for you. I’d rather have a Plaid and an extra $900,000.00 left over. Oh yeh, and drive away faster! Lol. Good thing we get to have our own opinions and do what works best for ourselves!

[@pierre.a.larsen]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe You are thinking about the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport at $3,960,000, the Pagani Zonda R Evolution at $6,500,000 or the Koenigsegg Regara Coupe at $5,649,996? I sure hope there is something special about those because a much more reliable environmentally friendly family sedan, with much better tech, is up to 46 times cheaper. I would prefer the Tesla Model S as it can be used as a daily car and, to the embarrassment of all hyper cars, accelerates faster. The other 45 I would rent out - should be a good business. 20,000 per day in net income?

[@ericship8383]

A plaid isn’t faster than any hypercar lmao it only goes 200 mph a Bugatti veyron from 2005 goes 254 mph

[@Im_Ain_Ani_Li_Mi_Li]

Hey reporter-man-guy If you consider the promises made and broken in the Porche Taycan Chevy Bolt and MachE... Tesla Hype is always the better bet. But ok.

[@mullholand]

Taycan Owners: You will have OTA Updates.... except you need to bring the Taycan to a dealer for a three day OTA update that we do... WTF.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@mullholand Yeah, but at least the taycan can do multiple 0-60 runs, untill the battery cries enough. It's going to be interesting watch them try to cover up next year.

[@aaronbounds1336]

Why is Tesla polarizing? They're a company aspiring to make everything better. Nothing wrong with that. They are making the same old products better and some new products. Everybody directly involved with the company as employees are investors get great benefits and many of them have struck it rich with Tesla stock, indirect relationship to their hard work. I don't see the downside of any of this. I suppose it is always true that the disrupted resist the disruptor. Not sure where the source of controversy is for that.

[@RolandGustafsson]

And they're built in the USA, California at that! Apple is also in California but they can't figure out how to build their products here. However, I'm a huge fan of both, love my Tesla Model 3 Performance and myriad Apple products. 🙂 Don't understand the haters, it's not good for the heart.

[@alexnutcasio936]

It’s only been out for 6 months and has been tested relentlessly. What took so long?

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

So? People are still reviewing cars from the 90s and no one seems to care. It’s about what they say, not when they say it. The first to the scene doesn’t make it the best review of the scene.

[@alexnutcasio936]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe Yeah, lets beat a dead horse. Its been tested ad infinitum.

[@adityasahasranshu7503]

I don’t get it, so Tesla didn’t deliver Model 3 or model y or the car u r driving. It’s easy to criticize a company that might be late to deliver but do vs companies which have no plans to do anything.

[@mullholand]

They were early with the Model Y... can understand the delay on the 3... The delay on the roadster sucks... and I can understand the delay on the CT. I have a Model X Performance - and love it. Rented a Plaid last weekend... BEAST MODE +!!!!

[@georgem5589]

Your discussion on range was disappointing leaving some with the idea you get 280 range. Try 345-365 and 380 in range mode. Very disappointing verbal jiujitsu.

[@nahiag]

The 1 million "robotaxis" is their normal cars. That is, their normal tesla with FSD. It's just the FSD program that hasn't been able to achieve robotaxi levels yet. Just this year they make almost 1 million cars.

[@RB-pi3jl]

In every video showing Plaid acceleration (and I mean every video, including this one) the Driver's face bursts into the biggest grin imaginable. Never gets old.

[@starflyer8503]

only in most situations you are going 40 mph (ca. 64 km/h) like the rest of the world to the store.

[@jamesmcfarland2636]

@@starflyer8503 says you , here we have open roads to the store and a thing called the interstate that requires quick acceleration to get on unless you want to wait forever

[@antserstar]

"This Plaid is truly revolutionary"!

[@robertrutter3619]

It is a tenth quicker & $4500 less expensive with 19” wheel option… Awesome car. No gas burner can keep up in a drag race.

[@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics]

No gas-powered car is faster to the 1/4 mile? Oh really.... that's a good one.

[@robertrutter3619]

@@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics I was referring to production cars. Yes, many fast race cars out there.

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

So? Gas is more fun. I’d rather lose to a tesla shifting gears along the way it’s more fun

[@whattheschmidt]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe Cool story, no one is stopping you buying what you want.

[@AudiTTQuattro2003]

...but you need the $4.5k for handling improvements, so nothing is without comprise.

[@Shamsqureshi-d1h]

Tesla is a paradigm shift ... Not just in the automotive industry but also the old and gas which is basically been the undisputed daddy of all. So "auto journos" don't come up with excuses. What Tesla had done is beyond and V8 and V8 turbo comparison. It has literally single handily accelerated the energy transition for the planet as promised.

[@car-lo]

Finally someone at C&D that has no heavy accent, and Carlos you are my new fave there! Good job!

[@ken830]

It's a bit unfair to talk about charging speed of 10-90% without the efficiency piece of the equation... A car that is twice as efficient can charge half as quick (energy-wise) and still have equal practical charging performance.... but that will also mean it can either have better overall range capability, lower price/cost, and/or lighter weight, among other significant benefits. That's why talking about efficiency along with charging rate on a range-basis is more accurate, more fair, and more useful to the consumer.

[@erikmoore7402]

It's not the fastest accelerating 4 door it's the fastest accelerating car in the world. Now was that intentional? Or do you guys make that simple of mistakes?

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

Does it really matter? If it’s not the fastest accelerating 4 door, what is then? He’s not wrong and that’s the silly thing to criticize

[@bass-tones]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe Yes it matters. Had they said “the fastest accelerating EV in the world,” that’d also be technically accurate. But it’s grossly downplaying the accomplishment. Specifically mentioning 4 doors implies that there are 2 door cars that are faster, which isn’t currently the case. It’s just misleading, but I’m sure it was just an innocent mistake, not an attempt to intentionally downplay the performance.

[@erikmoore7402]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe saying its the fastest 4 door would lead someone to believe it's only the fastest 4 door and not the fastest car out right. oversights like that are usually intentional.

[@ericship8383]

Nope not the fastest acceleration car

[@02hreblue30]

production car. quite easy to understand even for you dope

[@ajbucks]

Good video. I think you should have mentioned your test car with the 21” Arachnid wheels has a 48 mile range penalty compared to a Plaid with 19” wheels. That’s pretty significant. I assume the Model S LR you tested that got 320 miles had the 19” wheels. Also a few other things are unknown: what was the temperature outside when you range tested the LR? What was the temp when you range tested the Plaid? What was the soc when you did the performance testing etc?

[@HansKruse]

I could not find a review of the new model S long range from Car and Driver, so the long range they refer to must be the old model S.

[@ajbucks]

@@HansKruse … yea good point. I think you’re right.

[@j.phoenix]

They tested it with a 2020 pre-refresh Long Range Plus with the silver 19" Tempest wheels!

[@ericchdjdjnx]

It's a "real world test", so I guess our mileage may vary.

[@josh_m]

He did say "depending on which wheels [and tires] you have" when he mentioned the range, to be fair.

[@Cgee3]

Thank you for the unbiased review. Nobody else is doing it. I look forward to seeing what you bring to C&D. I’ve been a fan of yours for many years.

[@aussie2uGA]

Unbiased? lol, you think they don't accept compensation and/or indirect funding?

[@ke6gwf]

@Carlos Lago you did a good job for a rush! Lol This was a relatively balanced review, until you got to the end... Now, I know that you have to include anti Tesla comments to play to the wider audience, but when you accuse Tesla of "broken promises" over delays on aspirational timelines, or you miss that Tesla clearly advertises that the 200 mph capabilities will come later for additional cost, it shows that either you are lacking understanding of the subject, or you are intentionally spinning it to make it look as bad as possible. Elon is very clear that the timelines they give are aspirational, it's the company goal, not a promise. Tesla does have a lot of delays, just as any leading edge technology company does, because they are literally figuring out new ways to do things, and they often run into unexpected issues, but to try to hold them to their clearly stated aspirational goals, and if they have a delay call it a broken promise, is a sign of either lack of understanding of the situation, or bias against them. As an example, you called the Semi a broken promise, while right now a customer in Modesto is building the infrastructure to put a Semi to work. So if you think the broken promise was the original date they gave for production to start, then it's an issue of not understanding aspirational time lines, but if you think that Tesla is breaking the promise of production of the Semi, than you will likely be proven wrong soon. Anyway, when you start repeating the old Tslaq terms and lies, it makes you sound at best uninformed, and at worst showing an anti Tesla bias. Would you say that any of the other car companies who have had major delays on shipping their cars "broke promises", or would you just say that they are late to production due to delays?

[@Dan-gd2rk]

cry more fanboy

[@dfk09]

I'm not a fan of Elon Musk but this car is badass!! The fact that you can beat just about any car on the street while carrying your family and a bag full of groceries in the hatchback is too cool. The most intriguing car I've seen so far. I'm not upset at Tesla for not delivering on the 200 mph, their brakes are not up to par for the car right as it is right now.

[@Chris-yr6gu]

Many contradiction's compared to those that actually own this car and share their stories. Not one U.S car publication has said anything nice about Tesla. Yet somehow trashing Tesla means its an un bias review.

[@nonconsensualopinion]

I'm a Tesla fanboy and I thought this review was fair. Seemed positive but also addressed possible concerns depending on what a consumer would find important.

[@wattsmichaele]

The whining and blabbing was unwatchable. If this had a Porsche or BMW badge on it he’d have been having a brofest with it. The bias was so blatant for best electric car by far. Not to mention the alien type speed numbers.

[@ivankuljis1780]

Carlos, WELCOME! One man's loss is and man's Car and Driver!!!!

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

Annnnnd Tesla will sell every single one they make.

[@dadman9492]

Thankyou. Yes the car is revolutionary. I wish i had a spare $130k.

[@SoCalVipers]

Don't forget the taxes... almost $150k in CA.

[@9secsdn341]

I beat a Chiron in my plaid from a dig and from 60-130 on a roll race. There’s a video of the dig race on my page.

[@texasstreetkings537]

Yeah sure

[@ericship8383]

Nope a Chiron would demolish you on an airstrip

[@zandercerlong7238]

Thought you were sounding intelligent until you said Full self driving may or may not ever happen. You must not have done any research into computer science, or machine neural network learning. It’s not a question of IF but when

[@arrowrod]

Has Car and Driver ever had a "Has a Few Key Flaws" in a car test headline? Just because Tesla doesn't advertise.

[@larryc1616]

Plaid baby! 😎

[@ericship8383]

Oh look Elon’s fangirl

[@brybish]

They missed the promised 200mph just waiting for software and that's a failure? That's got to be the best sales line ever, I love my m3p it's a 1/4 mile rocket apparently, and will do 160 mph, but what's really nice is it has the ability to do these things and safely these are positive things.

[@whattheschmidt]

Not to mention how many Plaid buyers does that affect? how many go over 160 in their Plaid!? most people don't take their vehicles to the track, even if it is pretty high performance.

[@ericship8383]

@@whattheschmidt nobody is gonna race on a street endangering people either what’s your point

[@modelcitizen1977]

A P100D will still smoke everything BUT this car for half the price.

[@markplott4820]

poor mans PLAID.

[@ajbucks]

I had a P100D prior to my plaid. The P100D felt similar 0-60, and had a similar launch. Beyond 60mph, the plaid is night and day.. The plaid is a much nicer car hands down.

[@ericship8383]

Lol a p100d only goes 163 mph a plaid only goes 200 mph

[@moist_ointment]

Biggest problems stopping me from buying a Tesla: 1) Charging port is completely unique. It currently has the best charging network on the market - but for how long? Every other company is standardizing around a single connector 2) Support. Parts support, repairs, and dealer network is severely lacking. How difficult is it to replace a dented bumper? Suspension trouble? Etc. Tesla has ridiculously expensive repair costs in addition to being a pain to find parts 3) fit and finish that makes GM cars look top notch. Misaligned panels, creaking panels on day 1 vehicles, reports of windows just falling off vehicles. Tesla will go down in the history books as a revolutionary company that kickstarted electrification - but they should be concerned as the more mature brands start mass producing better put together vehicles that can match the range, while all throwing their weight behind a competing charging standard.

[@SoCalVipers]

The Tesla Charge port is like a lightning cable for an iPhone - Yes it's proprietary, but you can always find one to borrow when your phone dies - Lightning is king of a standard because it's everywhere. The good news is that the Tesla comes with an adapter. After owning a Lexus, I can say that the Tesla service centers suck in comparison - but they always get the job done. More good news, my 6 year old Model S has been very reliable - more so than my Lexus was. When I needed body work done, a local shop was able to take care of it. It was minor, so they didn't need to order parts. As far as fit and finish go, I find my car to be very good, but similar to an exotic, the thrill of driving a Tesla makes you forgive the flaws. It's been 10 years, and there is still no competition from established brands. The Tesla, in my opinion, is the perfect, practical sports sedan. It's REALLY fast, it handles very well, has a ton of storage space - you would not believe how much I can haul in my Model S. The Model S is very reliable, I never need to get gas, and even my old one has enough range that I don't even think about it 90% of the time. In CA, the Charging network is incredible. I can go anywhere and not worry about where to charge. So if you want a Tesla, you might not regret it. Honestly, EVs are not for everyone. If I routinely drove over 200 miles a day. I would not be happy with an EV.

[@vaderundershorts]

Lol....i went 60 mph in 1.9s but then hit the car in front of me because I could not stop as fast...

[@ddeboy002]

Another point-if you're going to drive like a mad man-not how tesla is supposed to be driven then you should upgrade to vented racing brakes. DUH!

[@RC-fp1tl]

BTW, the "battery swap" thing was a California government mandate at the time. F Cali.

[@nonconsensualopinion]

Yeah, the state that nurtured an early Tesla motors. If you like Tesla then thank California.

[@erikmoore7402]

The best you could get was 9.4? 🤔

[@gj1234567899999]

Why is your review talking about FUD and robotaxis instead of a car review? Do you talk about how Ferdinand Porsche working with Hitler when reviewing Porsches? You basically said a $130,000 car goes toe to toe with a Million dollar Bugatti Supercar. That actually makes the Tesla Plaid a bargain!

[@Ramneek22]

Only really issue was the brakes but yes why talk about robotaxis and all

[@ddeboy002]

You should note that aggressive charging rates like from porsche-kill battery life faster. Tesla only has 2-3% battery degrade the first year then

[@vandkay5439]

Bravo, I like the extra level of explanation on how your tests differ from other tests and why the results may vary. However, I find it interesting on your choice for your first review. The press, in general, likes to pick on Tesla's flaws and yet they always come back to Tesla because everyone knows they generate views. C&D screwed themselves with a previous Model S test and it's strange that this approach is much different. Has C&D changed its ways? Is this the start of a new C&D???

[@zackj997]

Good content in the video but the video quality is terrible. An iPhone from 3 years ago can record with better picture quality.

[@josh_m]

Thanks for the review, Carlos. Were your test track runs in Plaid/drag mode w/battery pre-conditioning and launch mode enabled? Did you have steering in Sport mode? And regarding broken promises, they aren't "broken", but the timing is just off. Tesla tried the battery swap stations and decided not to pursue them. Tesla Semi is not a "broken promise", it's coming, and currently in pre-production. It's disingenuous to suggest that FSD might not ever happen. FSD Beta is out there, with proof that it's working and getting better. This is not an easy problem to solve, so it'll happen, but it takes time.

[@Muleyasama]

If your car does 0-60 in 1.9 seconds and has over 1000 horsepower…. You need good brakes 🤣🤣 Tesla or not

[@Briggsian]

Level 5 autonomy, which is what has been promised with the FSD suite, is not achievable given the current hardware on Tesla's vehicles. In time, and with further upgrades to hardware and the addition of more sensors, Tesla should be able to get to Level 5 autonomy. But to promise that their current fleet will be able to drive themselves without human involvement in all conditions is disingenuous.

[@jamesengland7461]

"Broken promises" really is "running late"

[@arvins.7064]

Fart mode alone makes this better than a buggati

[@bobknight33]

Tesla is changing the hearts and soles with every video. Every review and every drag strip beat down Tesla is winning. Tesla just need 3 more factories up and running ( in addition to TX and Berlin) to meet demand. Ford , GM FCA, VW and Toyota will be the blackberry to Tesla being the Iphone.

[@yoyomo777]

He's complaining about how it drives at 150mph as a "major" downfall. Problems.

[@zandercerlong7238]

One of his knocks against the car is how the steering feels at 150 mph. Ummm consumers don’t shouldn’t be doing this on any public roads

[@eichler721]

Glad to see you again Carlos you where the reason I watched Motortrend and after you left I watched for a while with Jason but not anymore. Glad to find you here, also glad you praise Tesla for the good but also point out the flaws and broken promises that the cultist members refuse ever happened.

[@asaftzadok6647]

Carlos speaks differently on Tesla, as he no longer works for MotorTrend ...

[@teslajake]

You’re review was on point, I’ve had my plaid 1 month now and agree with you! Great review

[@InvestBetter.]

Elon is a dreamer He dreams big, and many of his dreams come true, so we cut him a lotta slack.

[@MrShahramk61]

At the end of the day the more tesla tesla sells, the more tesla tesla sells.

[@RolandGustafsson]

Carlos! I prefer the MT vibe when you were there, this is a bit too relaxed somehow. Perhaps it's a different crowd, I prefer the MT "tiny bit crazier" feel. 🙂

[@TalismanPHX]

Honest review Carlos- ---- and welcome to Michigan winter. Ceramic brakes for the Plaid seems like a necessity. How was the overall build quality on this Plaid?

[@pierre.a.larsen]

I thought that was a very good and balanced review. Thanks! I may have missed it, but did you mention the announced 20,000 USD ceramic brake package coming in mid 2022? My guess it will become available with the other upgrades as well. The new brakes should give it Porsche like braking performance.

[@olegd4262]

I bought individual carbon ceramic brakes from TRO-NIK brakes, based on Lamborghini Urus components. The best brakes.

[@camirocz]

9.24 everywhere else at 152 mph

[@andrewmarks300]

I subscribed purely because this is the first non-click bate, tesla bashing review from a car review media firm...

[@MindTesla]

Weird. Every other test people have got 9.2-9.3 Makes you wonder what the SOC and where they tested it at.

[@timaustin2000]

Its a good and reasonably fair review. It would be a better review if C&D wasn't so clearly and shamelessly trying to pander to die hard readers who hate Tesla rather than simply look at the product they're reviewing. The number of minor caveats and "we know you hate Tesla" tangents is striking. I'm not a Tesla fanboy. Don't own one, probably never will, but there's no doubt they're leading the charge into an EV future, even if some people don't like that. The future doesn't usually give a crap what we think or feel - it has a habit of just happening.

[@tvtriviachampion]

Who cares if it won’t do 200 mph. That would land you in jail in most western countries (except Germany). It’s better than other cars in the 100-150k range. It’s not supposed to be better than a $3M Chiron.

[@XennialGuy]

I remember seeing you guys test this car last year. I was the guy in the red Plaid that pulled up next to you guys over by the airport, and I said "I know what you're doing!" 😂

[@johnfetter3252]

Great video on many levels. Excellent videography, and superb editing. I read the C&D online review of the Model S plaid. Your video complemented it perfectly. You have set the bar really high for future work.

[@rayshepherd2479]

Price has been reduced to 89,990 for Plaid with round steering wheel,19 inch wheels, black interior and any exterior color. Ulta red was $3,000. Yoke steering wheel is now extra cost option along with 21 inch wheels and different color interior.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Car and Driver is the biggest scam reviewer ever.... super biased

[@m-ok-6379]

Soon soccer moms will be smoking exotic cars in a plaid while drinking a Starbucks. hahaha

[@themanhimself436]

without touching the steering wheel

[@ddeboy002]

BTW when you hit 200 it automatically alerts the local police station that you're wrecklessly speeding.

[@johnyc2744]

@Carlos Lago Every car has a caveat if you look long enough. Nothing perfect in this world. The most important part here is, what you get for what you paid. In this case, Tesla is far ahead of competition. Remind me of how in the past Japanese car dominate market by delivering affordable car, with quality and durability that can't be match by European and American car. Have fun with your Tesla.

[@willneverstop]

This dude just works for every magazine or what 😂

[@tbatba7598]

Thank you for an honest unbiased thoughtful review it was refreshing to say the least

[@jameswillard1]

Congrats on new gig Carlos- Is it weird doing a video review on a car you just did a video review on at your old job before left 🤦🏻‍♂️