FAlmost ten years have passed since the Tesla Model S set about revolutionizing automotive engineering. Only a few have doubts that electromobility is the future, whether with hydrogen as an energy source or with batteries remains to be seen.
Tesla has now thoroughly revised the Model S for the first time since its launch in 2013, which also applies to the Model X, which is three years younger. In Germany, the SUV with the rear gullwing doors was always a bit on the sidelines in the whole Tesla hype.
But now the first customer deliveries of the new cars are scheduled for November and December, the virtual order books for the Plaid models are open. Tesla describes Plaid as the most extensive revision in the model history of the S and X to date. There is a new interior, new powertrains, new thermal systems, new electronics and a new chassis. Tesla raves: “Combined with greatly improved production methods, reduced weight and a revised but equally iconic exterior look, both vehicles deliver a whole new level of luxury, technology and of course performance.”
The S is now about an estimated range of 600 kilometers, the 100 kWh battery has been optimized and can be made fit for a further 300 kilometers in 15 minutes on the Tesla Supercharger. The standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h should be completed in just 2.1 seconds, which is no wonder given the 1020 hp rated output and a four-digit maximum torque. The theoretical top speed is 322 km/h, but it is expected that it will be limited.
New Tesla models
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Safer than Volvo and faster than Porsche
Three electric motors are used in the Plaid models, one at the front and two at the rear. They are high-performance motors with carbon-coated rotors. On the rear axle are two conventional Model S machines that have been connected to each other. The price in Germany for the Model S Plaid is an impressive 137,990 euros. If that’s too expensive for you: The basic versions Model S and Model X Dual Motor with all-wheel drive will also be delivered in Europe for the first time in 2023. However, vehicles can only be reserved at the moment, not ordered bindingly. For the heavier Model X Plaid, Tesla specifies the range as 528 kilometers, and it also takes half a second longer to reach 100 km/h from a standing start. But 2.6 seconds is still faster than pretty much anything else on four wheels in the world. The top speed is given as 262 km/h, the price for the X is 140,990 euros.
Tesla boss Elon Musk had at the presentation of the plaid models, the name is a movie quote (“Spaceballs”) and has nothing to do with a throw blanket, exuberantly said that a plaid model is safer than a Volvo and faster than be a Porsche. At the Nürburgring, however, this only applies in the electric car category, where it snatched the title from the Taycan Turbo S.
The most obvious thing for the customer is the new steering wheel as a joystick, the 17-inch screen is transverse, there are two cell phone chargers, and the rear passengers are also given a small monitor. And of course the interior is vegan.