As I mentioned in another thread I got a P85D for a loaner today while they were working on my 85D. I figured a lot of people might be interested in a comparison of someone that have driven both. Especially since a number of people have mentioned being on the fence as to which one to buy.
What's different?
Very little was different between the two cars. The P85D had the following options in addition to what was on my car
Other differences were mostly cosmetic differences like paint color, trim, headliner color, etc.
Acceleration
The P85D is quicker. I know that's obvious but wanted to just get this out of the way. I'm not going to spend a lot of time describing the acceleration experience, but I find Insane mode very jarring. Took the fiancée for a ride and managed to get quite an exclamation out of her even when she knew what was coming. The 85D is plenty quick but the P85D is definitely insane. Even in sport mode the P85D is obviously quicker.
Handling
Both cars had air suspension. My car had 19" wheels, the P85D had 21" wheels. I took the P85D to a twisty road I'd been to with my 85D and S85 before. Both D's handle much better than the S85 did here. Both dual motor cars drive like they're on rails. If there's a difference between the P85D and the 85D as far as handling, I didn't notice it. I'll admit that I'm not one of those people that is likely to talk about how a given car is too floaty or be super particular about the suspension. So it's possible there is a difference, but if it's there it's more nuanced then me.
Seats
As I mentioned above the P85D has the next gen seats. They are certainly comfortable. But I think the old seats are comfortable too. I don't think there is one seat that is going to be universally preferred by everyone. The bolsters on the next gen seats give you the feeling of being gently hugged by the seats. The P85D seats definitely were cushier but I wouldn't equate that with comfort. I kept finding myself shifting because I wanted more freedom than the next gen seats provided. So I think I prefer the old seats. If you're not sure which you'd prefer I strongly advise you go sit both for a while. I also strongly recommend spending some time playing with the adjustments. There is a lot to adjust on both seats and the seats can be uncomfortable if not adjusted to suit you well.
Regen
I think the P85D has a little stronger regen. It's not a huge difference, so don't expect a massive change here. But my gut feeling is that there is a little more there. It's also not enough more to make a huge difference in driving it.
Range/Efficiency
I didn't have the P85D for long so I didn't drive too terribly far with it. Neither car was in range mode and I didn't bother to try range mode on the P85D. Boy does it eat the watts. I've never seen my 85D get into the 500 Wh/mile (except at the very beginning of a trip). I saw that some with the P85D and in some cases way beyond. I'd guess that the P85D uses 50-100 Wh/mile more than my 85D (no that's not a scientific test, it's just eyeballing it). I certainly did some spirited driving with it while I had it but even tamely driving 30 miles to and from the service center it easily used more power than my 85D.
None of this should be a surprise to anyone given the window stickers/EPA information about the two models. It's just very easily noticed and obvious.
Noise
Didn't notice any significant differences in the noises. Both cars make a bit of noise from the front motor.
Sound System
I didn't get the upgraded sound system on my car and the P85D had it. It's clearly better. I'm not sure if the difference is worth the cost. If you're an audiophile you might be better off with an aftermarket upgrade. But if you wanted a stock system and were willing to pay for it I don't think it's a bad purchase. I didn't buy it since I mostly listen to talk radio when in the car making an upgraded system a waste for me.
Interior
The P85D had the Premium Interior Package. Which means it had the upgraded leather panels and the lighting package. Both cars had the yacht floor since Tesla made it standard. The upgraded leather package replaces a plastic that is similar to the leather on the doors, arm rests and the center of the steering wheel. The trim on the B pillar even without the premium interior package is real leather on my car. The lower dash didn't seem any different to me, if it is it's very subtle. It's definitely nicer, but again for the price I don't think it's worth it for the cost. Especially since it's tied to the lighting package.
I didn't have the P85D at night so I can't comment on the lighting upgrades. I can say that the lighting in the trunk and frunk on my S85 and my 85D is abysmal. But I plan to upgrade that myself and don't think it justifies the price of the package.
Overall Thoughts
This is obviously my opinion but I'm glad I got what I did. The P85D launches sure make for an entertaining situation with other people in the car. In my case I don't have many different people in my car and would quickly become a very rare occasion. Unless you want to drag race with high end cars, I just don't see the point. Certainly not for the $20k more I would have spent for a P85D. I got back in my 85D and was still having plenty of fun with the acceleration it had. Shockingly driving the P85D didn't ruin it for me. I walked into this experience expecting to be blown away and figuring I'd wish I'd bought the P85D, but I wasn't. The things that really matter for a day to day driver the 85D has. It has enough acceleration to out run 99% of what's out there on the road. It has great handling and sticks to the road just as well.
If you really want the P85D and don't mind the extra cost in price or the decreased range then by all means buy one. If you're on the fence, care about your range, don't need to wow lots of passengers and aren't going to be racing every Ferrari and Lamborghini you can find then I would pass on the P85D and just get the 85D. With the next gen seats now available to order in an 85D the only reason to order a P85D is if you want the acceleration, spoiler or painted brakes calipers.
What's different?
Very little was different between the two cars. The P85D had the following options in addition to what was on my car
- NextGen Seats (I have leather seats).
- Ultra High Fidelity Sound Package
- Premium Interior Package
- 21" Turbine Wheels (I have 19" Standard)
- Carbon Fiber spoiler
- Red brake calipers.
Other differences were mostly cosmetic differences like paint color, trim, headliner color, etc.
Acceleration
The P85D is quicker. I know that's obvious but wanted to just get this out of the way. I'm not going to spend a lot of time describing the acceleration experience, but I find Insane mode very jarring. Took the fiancée for a ride and managed to get quite an exclamation out of her even when she knew what was coming. The 85D is plenty quick but the P85D is definitely insane. Even in sport mode the P85D is obviously quicker.
Handling
Both cars had air suspension. My car had 19" wheels, the P85D had 21" wheels. I took the P85D to a twisty road I'd been to with my 85D and S85 before. Both D's handle much better than the S85 did here. Both dual motor cars drive like they're on rails. If there's a difference between the P85D and the 85D as far as handling, I didn't notice it. I'll admit that I'm not one of those people that is likely to talk about how a given car is too floaty or be super particular about the suspension. So it's possible there is a difference, but if it's there it's more nuanced then me.
Seats
As I mentioned above the P85D has the next gen seats. They are certainly comfortable. But I think the old seats are comfortable too. I don't think there is one seat that is going to be universally preferred by everyone. The bolsters on the next gen seats give you the feeling of being gently hugged by the seats. The P85D seats definitely were cushier but I wouldn't equate that with comfort. I kept finding myself shifting because I wanted more freedom than the next gen seats provided. So I think I prefer the old seats. If you're not sure which you'd prefer I strongly advise you go sit both for a while. I also strongly recommend spending some time playing with the adjustments. There is a lot to adjust on both seats and the seats can be uncomfortable if not adjusted to suit you well.
Regen
I think the P85D has a little stronger regen. It's not a huge difference, so don't expect a massive change here. But my gut feeling is that there is a little more there. It's also not enough more to make a huge difference in driving it.
Range/Efficiency
I didn't have the P85D for long so I didn't drive too terribly far with it. Neither car was in range mode and I didn't bother to try range mode on the P85D. Boy does it eat the watts. I've never seen my 85D get into the 500 Wh/mile (except at the very beginning of a trip). I saw that some with the P85D and in some cases way beyond. I'd guess that the P85D uses 50-100 Wh/mile more than my 85D (no that's not a scientific test, it's just eyeballing it). I certainly did some spirited driving with it while I had it but even tamely driving 30 miles to and from the service center it easily used more power than my 85D.
None of this should be a surprise to anyone given the window stickers/EPA information about the two models. It's just very easily noticed and obvious.
Noise
Didn't notice any significant differences in the noises. Both cars make a bit of noise from the front motor.
Sound System
I didn't get the upgraded sound system on my car and the P85D had it. It's clearly better. I'm not sure if the difference is worth the cost. If you're an audiophile you might be better off with an aftermarket upgrade. But if you wanted a stock system and were willing to pay for it I don't think it's a bad purchase. I didn't buy it since I mostly listen to talk radio when in the car making an upgraded system a waste for me.
Interior
The P85D had the Premium Interior Package. Which means it had the upgraded leather panels and the lighting package. Both cars had the yacht floor since Tesla made it standard. The upgraded leather package replaces a plastic that is similar to the leather on the doors, arm rests and the center of the steering wheel. The trim on the B pillar even without the premium interior package is real leather on my car. The lower dash didn't seem any different to me, if it is it's very subtle. It's definitely nicer, but again for the price I don't think it's worth it for the cost. Especially since it's tied to the lighting package.
I didn't have the P85D at night so I can't comment on the lighting upgrades. I can say that the lighting in the trunk and frunk on my S85 and my 85D is abysmal. But I plan to upgrade that myself and don't think it justifies the price of the package.
Overall Thoughts
This is obviously my opinion but I'm glad I got what I did. The P85D launches sure make for an entertaining situation with other people in the car. In my case I don't have many different people in my car and would quickly become a very rare occasion. Unless you want to drag race with high end cars, I just don't see the point. Certainly not for the $20k more I would have spent for a P85D. I got back in my 85D and was still having plenty of fun with the acceleration it had. Shockingly driving the P85D didn't ruin it for me. I walked into this experience expecting to be blown away and figuring I'd wish I'd bought the P85D, but I wasn't. The things that really matter for a day to day driver the 85D has. It has enough acceleration to out run 99% of what's out there on the road. It has great handling and sticks to the road just as well.
If you really want the P85D and don't mind the extra cost in price or the decreased range then by all means buy one. If you're on the fence, care about your range, don't need to wow lots of passengers and aren't going to be racing every Ferrari and Lamborghini you can find then I would pass on the P85D and just get the 85D. With the next gen seats now available to order in an 85D the only reason to order a P85D is if you want the acceleration, spoiler or painted brakes calipers.
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