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One of the big safety concerns about a heavy car is a long stopping sistance. And the S's is ---OOPS!
Have you driven a Model S? I was surprised at the great braking performance. Several other posters have noted the same.
During my recent test drive, I slammed on the brakes going about 45 mph and was impressed with the stopping power. Normally, my Honda's ABS system would have engaged, but the feeling in the Model S was totally different. (And boy, did I feel it!)
I think the design decision to make a big car with a big battery and a big range was a reasonable one-- it just yielded a car that is too big for a lot of folks.
The car could be at least 4" narrower if the doors didn't need to be thick enough to have retractable door handles.
Did the thickness have anything to do with safety or was it mostly the door handles?
While the car handles well, the amount of energy required to move 4600+ lbs is substantial and easily noticed when driving the car. This feeling is even more prevalent in the Fisker. The Panamera while being a similar size but weighing 3900 lbs felt much more nimble and maneuverable, but has similar skidpad numbers as the Model S due to the S's lower center of gravity and lateral stability.
We sold the Panny because after a year of driving it and seeing more and more on the street, my wife became tired of its sheer bulk, which detracted from its fun to drive factor. I suspect the Tesla S attraction may wear off for many buyers after the newness, coolness, and rareness factors wear off. It's just easier to throw around a smaller car when doing errands around town or navigating through parking lots. For those doing mostly highway driving it should be great save for the mediocre front seats. The front seats in the AMG Mercedes, M BMW's, Porsches, and Lexus F Sports are much more comfortable and provide much greater lateral support. At $65,000+,that's the class of car Tesla is competing with.
Yes, the Model S is a great car, but it's still a little unrefined. Nothing that time and experience cannot correct, after all this car is really starting from scratch.
Regarding the maintenance costs, I think that they should include the first year for free, then $600/year afterward seems more reasonable.
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If the roadster could be a track toy, then I'd be all in. I did look at two roadtsers before deciding on a highly modded Cayman S which sees the track every couple of months.
It stops faster than a Porsche Panamera... BMW M-5....One of the big safety concerns about a heavy car is a long stopping sistance. And the S's is ---OOPS!
Dr. Cheers, do you drive an EV currently?
Not sure I'd agree with your "wearing off" comment...even after driving electric for almost two years...I'd bet most Roadster owners would agree...
Agreed. The "wearing off" hasn't happen for me in the Prius in nine years (other than the disillusionment with Toyota dealer service). I suspect the Model S will be even better over the long term.
That's funny. After driving SUVs for the past 15 years, Model S seems rather small to me. Even though it's actually a little longer than our current SUV. Best wishes in your search.
Yes, it all depends on what you're used to.