Tesla Model S review – performance and 0-60 time
All models of the Tesla Model S can safely be described as brisk. The fastest Plaid model is one of the most accelerative cars on sale
There are two powertrain options in the Model S lineup, the standard dual-motor version and the triple-motor Plaid. Supercars will have trouble keeping up whichever you choose, but in the Plaid's case, you'll see off anything this side of a Rimac Nevera...
The 'slowest' Model S hits 60mph from a standstill in a gut-wrenching 3.1sec, but the Plaid moves to an entirely different realm of acceleration, completing the sprint in a fraction under 2 seconds. It's worth mentioning that these times are achieved with a one foot rollout, but even so, the figures are almost comical for a large four door saloon. With the optional Track Package, the Plaid's top speed is raised from a limited 175mph to 200mph, with the base car topping out at 149mph.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, wanted to create a car whose performance could match that of the McLaren F1 – a car Musk used to own in his earlier entrepreneurial days. Not only has he achieved that, the Model S has rather trounced the F1’s oft-quoted 0-60mph time of 3.2sec.
The acceleration the Model S is capable of is most astonishing at low speeds, and particularly off the line where it shoots off without any fuss or wheelspin, just a significant jolt forwards. It loses some of its impact while on the move, but the Model S can still pile on the speed at a truly alarming rate.
