Had my test drive yesterday, probably gonna bail out because...

[Dr Chill]

I had my test drive yesterday, and despite finding the car fairly powerful with good handling characteristics, it was a major disappointment for my wife and me. Having recently sold our Panamera after 16 months of ownership because of it feeling too big and heavy for local around town driving, and the very poor visibility it had on the side and rear, I found the Model S to suffer from too much heft, length and width.

This car was to replace my wife's 2013 Lexus GS F Sport which she loves. I have had the GS on a road course and on an autocross track during the GS driving experience, and personally have 30 years of racing and hpde experience. The current Lexus GS has much better low speed maneuverability and is easier to drive as a grocery getter and errand runner. And since this was to be her car, she's reluctant to switch to such a big and heavy vehicle. The Tesla's excess mass gives it a driving feel not unlike the Fisker although clearly not as massive as that. The Tesla clearly overcomes its mass at speeds over 45 and tolerates road irregularities well and corners fairly flatly. The fit/finish and ergonomic issues exist but those to me aren't major, nor is the lack of adequate seat lateral support, but that's where cars like the GS F Sport truly shine. This GS also out- handles every other medium sized luxury car in its class (5 Series, E Class, and A6) which is unlike any Lexus before it.

I am the car fanatic of the family and make all the car decisions. Despite poor parking lot characteristics, I overall liked the Model S for what it is-the best electric vehicle available to date with good acceleration and handling at what I feel to be a reasonable price point. Since I prefer a sports car as an every day driver, the Model S isn't for me. Unfortunately it doesn't fit the bill for my wife either.

My only hope is for the 40 kW battery Model S to shed 200 plus pounds. Until the weight of that car is known, I will leave my deposit alone. Why there isn't definitive info available about that yet, is a mystery considering its release is supposedly 3-4 months away.

While I hope I'm not a downer for many of you, I think the Tesla S may be a great car for all of us at first (with people staring and everyone complimentary ting and inquiring about it- similar to our Porsche Panamera experience). After a year of ownership and shelling out $2000 for another set of 8000 mile tires, it may not be everything you expected.

[dsm363]

I thought it handled very well at low speeds but you need to be happy with your purchase. It looks to be the size of a 5 series which plenty of people drive and much smaller than many of the SUVs people drive for getting groceries. If you keep your order, definitely get the 19" wheels since you can get tires that last much longer than 8,000 miles. Even the performance wheels last closer to 15,000 from what I've read on tirerack.com

[Velo1]

Fair enough. Sounds like you are making an objective assessment. I plan to stick with my reservation, but your points are duly noted.

[doug]

It is a rather large car.

[Bardlebee]

Sounds like a personal preference. The width and size of the vehicle will be foreign to me personally, but that doesn't bother me to much. It's always refreshing to hear people that won't be getting the car because of a specific reason or an overall issue. This car isn't perfect to every person, all a personal preference and what not.

[Andrew Wolfe]

It is a big car. The width is much closer to a 7 series.



If there were a similar car 80% as big - I would get it instead. Maybe I will when it comes out - but for now - this is the only car in its class.

[Mkent]

If everyone liked the same thing, we would only have one car company too. Dr. Chill has his own personal opinion and tastes which is great. I liked the test drive so much, I put an order in for the Model X for my wife while I wait for my Model S!

[jerry33]

If there were a similar car 80% as big - I would get it instead. Maybe I will when it comes out - but for now - this is the only car in its class.

Agreed. Well, I learned to drive on my Dad's Lincoln, so a car that big isn't entirely foreign to me--but I never thought I ever be buying a similar sized car

[Andrew Wolfe]

I learned on a SAAB 99 - and that would be just the right sized car for me right now.

[Tommy]

I appreciate your candid assessment of the Model S and really glad to see posts like this where the OP can express himself/herself without worrying about getting flamed. It's a good reflection on the membership makeup of TMC.