I’m getting ready to order a Model S and want to get some opinions on the various options. I’ve read a lot on the Tesla forums but want to run my thoughts past the community.
I'm considering the 85(D) over the P85D because I know I’ll rarely if ever use the acceleration available on the P.
Dual Motor vs Single:
I’m leaning towards the dual motor but have 2 questions and a comment.
I prefer a more comfortable quiet ride and a more reasonable tire life. I’m looking for a good balance between sport and luxury - precision handling while being comfortable and quiet.
All Glass Panoramic Roof: Not for me.
It seems to me it would be a source for added heat from the sun. I know it’s tinted but it’s very sunny in Southern California and I’d wonder how much UV is actually getting through. I don’t care about the sun roof”. I rarely use one and wouldn’t miss it. I’m not concerned about it affecting resale. Another benefit of the standard roof could be improved interior acoustics from having a padded ceiling liner instead of a large area of solid glass. The padded liner should dampen internal noise and maybe reduce some of the outside noise. Does that seem like a reasonable assumption? If the ceiling liner does improve cabin acoustics, it could also help improve the how the audio system sounds (fewer reflections off the glass ceiling).
Ultra High Fidelity Sound: Probably.
I'm usually willing to pay for better sound options because I want the best I can get fully integrated with the car but there’s a lot of debate about its value and what you actually get for the extra money. I’m going to have to listen for myself. I know the Sirius-XM receiver won’t function without the glass top but that doesn’t bother me. I can use the Sirius-XM app on a phone. Can someone provide a link to where I can read about what’s added to the premium audio system? The threads I’ve read seem to have conflicting information. Maybe the option changed over time but it seems from what I've been reading, no one really knows for sure what’s included compared to the standard system.
Autopilot Convenience Features: Yes. Seems cool and will probably get some added features through updates.
Premium Interior and Lighting: Not sure.
Based on forum comments, this option seems to offer the least value though it’s dropped in price over time (I think mostly because some of the added benefits where added to the standard interior - I was told that alcantara accents on the dash are now standard).
Smart Air Suspension: Yes. Seems to be consistently recommended on the forums.
Next Generation Seats: Yes. Also seems to be consistently recommended on the forums.
That’s all I can think of at this point. Let me know if I’m missing any ‘must haves’.
I'm considering the 85(D) over the P85D because I know I’ll rarely if ever use the acceleration available on the P.
Dual Motor vs Single:
I’m leaning towards the dual motor but have 2 questions and a comment.
- Do I really need all wheel drive if 95% of all my driving will be in southern California? Does it have other benefits that I’d notice/want?
- Does the second motor add to the overall noise?
- It seems to complicate the front end mechanics based on the animated graphic on the website showing the underside of the car change as you select a dual vs a single motor.
I prefer a more comfortable quiet ride and a more reasonable tire life. I’m looking for a good balance between sport and luxury - precision handling while being comfortable and quiet.
All Glass Panoramic Roof: Not for me.
It seems to me it would be a source for added heat from the sun. I know it’s tinted but it’s very sunny in Southern California and I’d wonder how much UV is actually getting through. I don’t care about the sun roof”. I rarely use one and wouldn’t miss it. I’m not concerned about it affecting resale. Another benefit of the standard roof could be improved interior acoustics from having a padded ceiling liner instead of a large area of solid glass. The padded liner should dampen internal noise and maybe reduce some of the outside noise. Does that seem like a reasonable assumption? If the ceiling liner does improve cabin acoustics, it could also help improve the how the audio system sounds (fewer reflections off the glass ceiling).
Ultra High Fidelity Sound: Probably.
I'm usually willing to pay for better sound options because I want the best I can get fully integrated with the car but there’s a lot of debate about its value and what you actually get for the extra money. I’m going to have to listen for myself. I know the Sirius-XM receiver won’t function without the glass top but that doesn’t bother me. I can use the Sirius-XM app on a phone. Can someone provide a link to where I can read about what’s added to the premium audio system? The threads I’ve read seem to have conflicting information. Maybe the option changed over time but it seems from what I've been reading, no one really knows for sure what’s included compared to the standard system.
Autopilot Convenience Features: Yes. Seems cool and will probably get some added features through updates.
Premium Interior and Lighting: Not sure.
Based on forum comments, this option seems to offer the least value though it’s dropped in price over time (I think mostly because some of the added benefits where added to the standard interior - I was told that alcantara accents on the dash are now standard).
Smart Air Suspension: Yes. Seems to be consistently recommended on the forums.
Next Generation Seats: Yes. Also seems to be consistently recommended on the forums.
That’s all I can think of at this point. Let me know if I’m missing any ‘must haves’.