Having navigated the exhilarating world of high-performance automobiles for years, my garage has housed a rotating collection of dream machines. From the roaring engines of Lamborghinis to the handcrafted artistry of Paganis, the precision of Porsches to the iconic allure of Ferraris, and the British elegance of Aston Martins and Bentleys, each car has offered a unique and cherished experience. These acquisitions, made possible by fortunate circumstances, were driven by a deep passion for automotive excellence, a passion I would gladly indulge again.
It is against this rich backdrop of automotive indulgence that the Tesla Model S Plaid has delivered a truly unexpected and profound impact. Within just a month of ownership, this electric marvel has redefined my perception of performance and luxury, challenging preconceived notions and establishing itself as something genuinely extraordinary.
Priced in the same ballpark as premium sports sedans like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio or a well-optioned BMW M3, the Model S Plaid occupies a fascinating space. While these gasoline-powered counterparts are undoubtedly exceptional vehicles, they reside a step below the ultra-luxury marques I’ve traditionally favored. Yet, the Model S Plaid has effortlessly ascended to a similar level of desirability and exclusivity, albeit through a completely different paradigm. Despite sharing a familiar silhouette with its Model S predecessors that have become commonplace over the last decade, the Plaid variant conceals a transformative secret beneath its skin.
The heart of this transformation lies in its revolutionary drivetrain. In the realm of electric vehicles, this translates directly to the prowess of the electric motors. The Model S Plaid boasts a tri-motor setup – two dedicated to the rear wheels and one powering the front axle. Coupled with a single-speed transmission, the configuration initially appears conventional for a high-performance EV. However, the combined output is anything but ordinary. Exceeding 1,000 horsepower, this figure initially sounds almost excessive, perhaps even intimidating. Yet, Tesla engineers have masterfully harnessed this immense power, rendering it remarkably accessible, manageable, and surprisingly user-friendly.
And far from being merely manageable, this power is consistently thrilling.
While the evocative symphony of a V10 engine or the resonant harmony of a V12 holds a timeless appeal, the sheer immediacy and relentless thrust of an electric motor producing over a thousand horsepower and instantaneous torque offers a uniquely compelling, albeit different, kind of driving exhilaration.
This is precisely where those unfamiliar with the nuances of automotive performance often misinterpret the Plaid’s capabilities. The common refrain, “Where could you ever possibly use 1,000 horsepower?”, or “How often would you track a car like this?”, misses the fundamental point. The true beauty of the Model S Plaid’s power lies in its everyday usability.
Everyday driving scenarios become opportunities to indulge in the exhilarating surge of acceleration. Launching from 10 to 60 mph, or effortlessly surging from 30 to 70 mph, or even achieving 0 to 50 mph in what feels like warp speed, all unfold with remarkable safety and control. Every traffic light, every highway on-ramp, every stretch of open road transforms into a playground for unadulterated acceleration. The true essence of power isn’t about achieving stratospheric top speeds; it’s about the visceral thrill of acceleration. In this domain, the Model S Plaid surpasses every vehicle I have ever owned, delivering an intoxicating and utterly addictive experience in the most positive sense.
The other stroke of genius in EVs, particularly the Model S Plaid, is the unparalleled ability to manage and distribute this prodigious power to each individual wheel with millisecond precision. This level of control is simply unattainable in a traditional internal combustion engine, where propulsion stems from a series of controlled explosions within a single engine block. In a conventional gasoline-powered car, even 300-400 horsepower can feel unnerving, pushing the limits of traction and demanding constant driver vigilance. This is the ingrained perception for anyone accustomed to fast, traditional vehicles. However, this paradigm is completely shattered in the electric realm of the Model S Plaid.
Throughout my time with the Plaid, I have never encountered a moment where its handling felt unpredictable or alarming. This is a stark contrast to countless spirited drives in older, gasoline cars where unexpected slides and moments of lost traction were part of the experience. The sophisticated traction control system in the Model S Plaid seamlessly modulates power delivery, ensuring optimal grip in every situation. This intervention is so refined and imperceptible that the driver remains blissfully unaware of the complex calculations occurring behind the scenes.
The result is an exotic driving experience, albeit one that diverges from the traditional notion of automotive exotica defined by the mechanical symphony of Italian cylinders emanating from performance exhausts. Crucially, this new form of exotica is far more accessible. While ownership of a classic Ferrari V12 or a Porsche V10 remains a dream for most, the Tesla Model S Plaid is within reach for a significantly wider audience. Many will either own or experience the thrill of a Tesla Plaid, signifying a remarkable stride in democratizing high-performance motoring.
This democratization echoes Andy Warhol’s observation that both the billionaire and the everyday individual have access to the same exceptional soft drink: Coca-Cola. While an $86,000 car is not quite as ubiquitous as a can of Coke, the rapid depreciation of vehicles means that in a few years, a used Model S Plaid will be available for around $40,000, bringing it within the grasp of upper-middle-class car buyers. This represents a remarkable shift.
While I’ve emphasized the sheer power of the Plaid, the other revelation has been its unexpectedly agile and refined handling. Having owned a Tesla Model X for years, I initially anticipated a similar driving dynamic in the Model S. However, the Model S Plaid exhibits a level of handling prowess that approaches 90% of the benchmark Porsche Taycan, a car widely regarded as the gold standard for EV handling, and a genuinely exceptional handling car in any category.
Furthermore, the Model S Plaid excels in everyday livability. Its practicality is undeniable, its software is arguably the most intuitive and advanced in the automotive industry, and its minimalist cabin design achieves a sense of understated luxury reminiscent of Scandinavian aesthetics. Behind the wheel of the Model S Plaid, the allure of a Porsche fades, and even the opulent comfort of a Bentley is barely missed.
This is a conclusion I genuinely did not foresee. My decision to order the Model S Plaid was impulsive, triggered by a price adjustment by Elon Musk and an electrifying acceleration video on the Autobahn posted by Tobi Lütke. I anticipated a one-dimensional performance machine. Instead, I discovered a vehicle of far greater depth and breadth.
Even for the most ardent petrolhead, experiencing the Model S Plaid is an essential automotive pilgrimage. I am confident that a test drive will leave you with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of driving. While the emotional resonance of internal combustion engines and the track-day thrills of lightweight sports cars remain undeniable, I must confess my profound appreciation for the Model S Plaid. Consider this my sincere endorsement, and I encourage you to explore the possibility that it might resonate with you just as deeply.
What an extraordinary ride.
