Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S brings electric motoring to the executive class of saloon. It is now a well established, technologically advanced model that, in right-hand drive form, is built in the Netherlands. Capable of long range, the Model S also benefits from the ability to use Tesla superchargers, that are beginning to appear on forecourts and service stations globally.

The Exterior

The Model S is a sleek, well proportioned battery electric vehicle (BEV) that, like its siblings, forgoes the need for a cooling radiator grille. With the lowest drag coefficient of any car, they say, coupled with excellent efficiency, the Model S is built for speed and range. Add to this performance-focused wheels and tyres which help the car to really lay down the power on the road; and there’s power aplenty.

Like all the vehicles in the Tesla catalogue, the Model S was designed from the ground up as a pure EV. With a floor-mounted battery pack for a low, road-hugging centre of gravity, and a high degree of integral body strength, passengers are extremely well-protected from impact. Every Model S includes the American company’s latest active safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, included in the price.

The Interior

The inside is as premium as the exterior is dynamic. The Model S has its instrumentation directly in front of the driver on a digital screen, while other features are found on the super-clear, colour 17” monitor which dominates the otherwise minimalist dashboard. The ultimate focus is on driving: no stalks, few buttons, no gear-shifting.

Powerful yet invisible cabin air-conditioning keeps the atmosphere comfortable thanks to features like ‘Tri-Zone’ temperature controls, ventilated front seats and air filtration, all of which are standard fit.

With no engine luggage space is great, with front and rear boots (trunks) and fold-flat seats; the whole interior being very versatile in that respect.

Driving The Tesla Model S

Tesla like to style this prestige car as the future of motoring and they might well have a point. Model S is an easy car to drive and the automotive technology is second-to-none allowing the Model S ‘Autopilot’ to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane, under driver supervision of course, removing the tedium of boring roads. With over-the-air software updates, the latest enhancements are available instantly. Air suspension means a smooth ride for all with handling to match.

Safety is enhanced by rear, side and forward facing cameras for maximum visibility. Further, there’s also forward-facing radar for a long range view. Sensors detect nearby cars, helping to prevent potential collisions and assisting with parking. That seems pretty comprehensive.

The performance is astonishing: The entry-level Long Range model manages the sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds. Step up to the Performance model and this is trimmed to 2.3 seconds; blink and you’ve arrived. That said of course, don’t expect to achieve the stated official range figure of 396 miles with that sort of acceleration.

Obviously charging is slowest using a domestic socket. This is improved greatly by a Type 2 wall-charger which seems to be becoming a standard. Better still get a dedicated dual-charging Tesla wall-box. Out on the road, as mentioned above, Tesla superchargers do the job much faster.

Should You Buy One?

This is a spacious, luxury saloon with a sporting edge. It does everything a conventional car can do and more. For both new and used vehicles, potential customers wishing to import a Model S from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand or other destinations may wish to ensure that this car fits their lifestyle. If it does then there are few, if any, finer electric cars than the Model S. Find out about availability from us here at MHH International.