Designing one of the most demanding performance sedans without a drop of fuel is betting that Tesla has launched with its latest model. 2015 Tesla Model S P85D Test And Review.
Launched in 2012, the Model S has the automotive world upside down by offering a new image of the electric car. Often synonymous with urban city can not exceed 150 km, Tesla offers a large sedan can travel far see very far through substantial autonomy and implementation of Superchargeurs in strategic locations. Waiting to make a long distance trial in Europe, we took the wheel of the flagship of the brand, the 2015 Tesla Model S P85D.
Before the turn of the owner, summarize the range because if you are already interested in this car, you will have noticed that there are several variations. Indeed the buyer has a choice of five models 70, 85, 70D, 85D and P85D. In fact it is rather simple, the first digit indicates the battery capacity in kWh, and a Model S 85 shows 82 km more runtime and better performance than the version 70 (378 hp / 502 km against 320 hp / 420 km).
Both models of drives, driven by a single electric motor on the rear axle. Then add the D version for Dual Motor, you’ll understand that a second electrical unit is grafted to the front to offer AWD. The 70D has an output of 332 hp and an autonomy of 442 km and 85D respectively 422 hp and 528 km. But Tesla was not enough, so the engineers have devised a performance version of the P85D. Its 262 hp to 510 hp front and rear provide a cumulative power 700 hp and 930 Nm of torque.
With a 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.3 seconds shot is one of the most successful sedans in the market. But since July, this model can turn into … P90D. That’s it we lost you … Put simply, it is an option to € 3300 which made for battery versions from 85 to 90 kWh a gain of 6% on autonomy. It may be associated with the option excessive speed that makes win 3 tenths of seconds 0-100 km / h for the modest sum of € 11,000. But back to our test model.
Under his large sedan-like Coupe, the Model S is above all discreet but charming. Some confuse it with the Jaguar XF, especially from the back, but it’ll more Tesla made known in the hexagon, as evidenced by the reaction of passersby. In the first quarter 2015 this is the second 100% electric vehicle most sold in Europe, behind the Nissan Leaf. Whatever the model chosen, there is no difference in style, so no release less valued than another. Only the P85D that stands out, but only by two visual elements, red brake calipers in series and a rear diffuser in carbon fiber, to € 1,100 option. Eight body colors are present catalog whose Grey Night of our Model S, which combines perfectly with the magnificent € 4,900 billed Turbine wheels shod with Continental ContiSportContact.
By approaching the retractable handles doors are released and can access the interior. Centralization requires no effort since the key-shaped car, only allows to control the opening of the two chests. On board, the presentation is warm, color harmonies are well chosen. The buyer can customize its interior from seven types of seats, four board sets edge and two atmospheres, dark or light.
The Model S is not yet at the level of German or Scandinavian premium sedans but overall it’s pretty well done if one does not dwell on details. Of course the eyes are riveted on the mostly 17-inch touch screen that identifies virtually all vehicle activity. It is true that this huge screen just spoils the presentation of the dashboard, but it brings in exchange for simplicity, yes that is the right word! Despite our apprehension, it took us a few kilometers to go around the various functions.
The main menus are grouped on a top window. Moreover, the absence button allows the manufacturer to make updatesremotely update the software and thus add functionality to your Tesla. This is what happened one night when our test, vehicle locked, the screen suddenly began to light up for several seconds. So what can we do with this multimedia system? Well a lot of things. Starting with the basic functions, air conditioning, headlights orders, phone settings vehicles and safety systems. If you checked the panoramic sunroof option (€ 1,600) can precisely adjust its opening in percent.
The system with a GSM chip, the media section provides a web browser and little synchronize your phone calendar automatically guiding you to your next appointment via GPS or rather the two GPS explanations. When in navigation mode, the screen displays Google Maps with either a map or satellite view. But the car has its own navigation system that it is relayed on the dashboard, as if no networks, the first will not operate. Actually it’s a bit confusing to have both in office and will focus more on one.
Regarding the party audio, you can listen to your music via the connectors, two USB ports, a jack (no CD drive), or enjoy the online platform that provides themed radio stations or specific titles typing the name of an artist, like famous applicationDeezer. In fact, the only physical controls are the power windows on the doors and the gear lever behind the steering wheel. They are also the same elements at the same as is found in Mercedes. Finally, digital dashboard of the 12.3 inches gathers useful information with high definition displays. One detail has challenged us, the parking sensors indicate accurately in centimeters the distance to the obstacle.
The Model S sedan is a large 5-meter that offers excellent roominess for its occupants. A configuration is possible with seven passenger seats two children back to the road can be retracted from the floor. It costs € 3,300 and do not be afraid to let children upside in the trunk although security is present. But it lacks, however, something to consider this as a real Tesla family sedan, this is storage space. The American made the impasse on door bins, map pockets, hatches … In short, if you want to store your phone, glasses, water bottle, portable consoles children or a few things, only two places available to you, the tiny glove compartment or the broad ferry that serves central console. Even the central armrest, which nevertheless foreshadowed a home does not open! Fortunately for luggage found his happiness with the huge 744-liter boot which extends to 1645 seats folded. Or free space under the bonnet, which releases 150 liters.
Roll Model S brings you an unprecedented driving experience and very dependent. We like the simplicity of use, because of the lack of a start button or brake, you just have to position the gearbox Drive is on the left. Try it and adopt it! After hundreds of kilometers at the wheel one quickly observes that shows great versatility with driving comfort and acoustic wheelchair quietly.And most importantly, it can also show dynamic with impressive acceleration that will make some and sick enough to lose his license in toll output (yes it has happened!). The car literally sticks to the road with fast passages curve where it changes the flat without flinching. The presence of batteries under the floor decorates all with a low center of gravity. Its high weight 2.2 tons, swear not at all on the general dynamism. It is a success.
Another element that typically found on power, the engine brake. Here it is adjustable in intensity from the touch screen and offers an additional authorization at sunrise walk. The controlled suspension (€ 2700) participates in comfort and direction is configurable in three modes, Comfort, Normal and Sport. On the security front, the Model S will remind you to order and intervene if you cross a white line, detect signs in the reference on the dashboard and automatically restrain in a sudden obstacle. Two other useful facilities, adaptive controller and an automated parking system. And to prove his pioneering virtues Tesla soon will add the autopilot.
Regarding autonomy, we could not verify the advertised 490 km but despite our conduct not always efficient, the computer showed about 400 km. Specify the other two types of autonomy display are present, the first meets the European standard NEDC and the second, more realistic, based on your driving. So naturally if you press the mushroom kilometers will scroll more quickly, but a regular user will find it without worry.
To feed the batteries of the Model S, several solutions available to you. Firstly a good home installation, since a simple decision it takes 35 hours for a full charge. A blue socket (230V / 32A) will give 40 km / h and a three-phase socket (400V / 16A) 55 km / h.Public terminals CHAdeMO provide you at least 120 km / h. But for long journeys nothing better than Superchargeurs network that continues to grow.
You can browse the Western Europe or through the United States in Tesla! Holidays and weekends therefore pose no problem, long journeys are similar to thermal car except the recommended break of two hours will be elsewhere than on a traditional rest area.
We tried it on our way to the supercharger Auxerre located in the parking lot of a hotel Mercure where eight seats are presented to you. You park next to another Tesla registered in the Netherlands and dedicated small hatch is opened, seated in the left rear lights via the onboard computer. Simply plug the jack and voila. Surprise!In just 25 minutes it gets almost half of autonomy, not forcing us to stay longer! In fact the Tesla even invite us to travel further, we realize something in an upcoming trial as a road trip.
This judgment was also an opportunity to test the smartphone application. Very well designed, it can observe the loading of the battery, turn on the air conditioning, the roof partially open or locate the car with very good accuracy .. However, being able to open and start remote car sows doubt in computer security … But according to the manufacturer’s engineers keep an eye.
The Tesla Model S starts at € 70,800, € 6,300 bonus deducted.Version P85D note climbed significantly to € 109,700, our model and options appears even to € 140,000! Exempt from TVS, the sedan gets interesting for some professionals, which is why it is not unusual to see taxi or VTC in Tesla! If we compare its cost to premium sedans in the same segment remains below what is good. Of course, at this rate, the target remains limited but Tesla will unveil a crossover (Model X) and a compact sedan (Model 3) that will be much cheaper. LOA quotes are proposed and warranty covering the battery and motor is 8 years unlimited mileage.
Conclusion
We will retain a single word of this test: hat! This sedan came straight from California is a success and we invite to travel without fear of failure. This version Performance can only bring smiles to 100% of the electrical refractory as his addiction is important. We are eager to get behind the wheel of a Model S and discover the next creations of the manufacturer.