Tesla Model S Long Range – it works better

When it comes to the Tesla Model S, many interested parties always think of the plaid with over 1000 hp. There is another model that makes much more sense and even works better. But read for yourself.

Tesla Model S Plaid, this combination of words seems to be used when discussing the US long-distance electric car in business class format. But why actually? Firstly, nobody really needs that much power (although some enthusiasts are granted it) and secondly, the derating, i.e. the loss of performance under load, is so high that the Plaid is no longer fun at higher speeds.

The so-called Long Range expressly does not have this problem and can also be driven stably over empty stretches of motorway at a rapid pace for a longer period of time. Here, however, Tesla doesn't promise an absurd pace of exactly 322 things, which is more of a theoretical nature anyway, but sticks with the standard 250 km/h.

But why Model S Long Range? First and foremost, the Tesla, which is generally not that cheap at 92,990 euros, is a very comfortable tourer with excellent space. Sure, with a 2.96 meter wheelbase, the packaging can provide plenty of legroom in the second row.

Space isn't an issue at the front anyway, so the attention falls on other things. For example, the infotainment, which is more diverse than the smaller Model 3. This means the user doesn't always have to look to the right at the giant display in the middle (the angle is also electrically adjustable here), but can instead focus on a classic speedometer unit. Of course it consists of pure display space, but that's okay. But what won't anyone interested in Tesla find? That's right, a head-up display. Seems Elon Musk is bored or it's too expensive. The mirror adjustment has to be done via the touchscreen, which is rather impractical.

Apple CarPlay is not available at Tesla

It's just as inconvenient as it is for some users that they won't be able to use their usual Apple CarPlay if they switch from another car brand. Tesla just doesn't think it's necessary. However, you can pay for the Tesla in the configurator with Apple Pay. But hey, the lack of smartphone integration is bearable because the vehicle's own operating system responds really quickly and intuitively. Hardly any other human-machine interface is as easy to use as this one. And when you enter a destination into the navigation system, the charging stops at the corresponding superchargers are of course planned.

The charging planners of other car manufacturers can now do this too, but things are a little more orderly here. That means: Tesla's own supercharger network is only used, while charging stations are always suggested for general charging stations that you as a user don't want because a certain type works poorly or the charging performance isn't right.

However, the Model S did not prove to be the fastest charger in practical tests. It takes around 30 minutes to fill a net capacity of just under 100 kWh. And the nominal charging power of 250 kilowatts is acceptable for a 400-volt architecture. But Tesla's promise on the website that it would be able to track 322 kilometers of range within 15 minutes did not work this time. Instead it was around 260 kilometers.

To be fair, however, it has to be said that the test took place at high summer outside temperatures of 25 degrees and more. However, this still leaves the problem for electric car users that charging performance and range cannot be reproduced. The 2.1-ton truck does not achieve its promised WLTP range of well over 600 kilometers, at least in warm weather, but only travels around 450 kilometers even when driving moderately on the highway at 120 km/h (below the recommended speed).

The Model S definitely offers comfort

But no problem, the comfortable, air-suspended tourer is still a decent choice for confidently mastering long daily stages with a half-hour break. And Tesla has tried to make the interior as neat as possible. Of course there is always room for improvement, but the 5.02 meter long sedan is by no means a clunker. And the use of wooden decor (the customer can even choose between ebony and walnut) is intended to make the American a little more homely. Whether you like it or not is ultimately a matter of taste.

The optional yoke is less a matter of taste and more of a matter of habit. Honestly? Please do not order under any circumstances! This literally half steering wheel may look kind of crazy, but the practicality leaves a lot to be desired. Especially at high speeds, as more sensitivity is required, the control unit simply cannot be held as stable in the hand as a conventional steering wheel. Some things have proven themselves in the almost 140-year-old automobile history.

Speaking of performance. The harmless-looking Model S is quite a beast even as a Long Range – no wonder with 670 horses under the sheet metal. The 3.2 seconds to 100 km/h specified by the factory are absolutely credible. And even in the upper speed range, the Tesla, which is mandatory with all-wheel drive, still increases speed quite emphatically. Driving him into the limiter is a quick matter. And the acceleration ability hardly decreases even after a large number of consecutive full-load orgies. So the Tesla is stable here, and that's a good thing.

However, the engineers definitely need to get the loud fan noise under control depending on the driving mode. Anyone who parks the Tesla in drag strip mode at night runs the risk of getting into trouble with the neighbors.

Finally, a look at the 7500 expensive “full potential for autonomous driving”. The traffic light recognition at least works properly. However, there can be no question of autonomous driving despite guided longitudinal and lateral guidance; Tesla is really good at marketing. However, adaptive cruise control – longitudinal control means that the vehicle brakes and accelerates automatically – has now proven itself, and it also works excellently at Tesla.

Data sheet Tesla Model S Long Range

Conclusion: The Tesla Model S Long Range is a fine tourer with a long range, lots of space and unexpectedly good performance. The processing is actually okay too. What's exciting is that the business class model hardly ever takes place in this country anymore, in contrast to the Model 3 and Y. With a price of 92,990 euros, the Tesla is by no means overpaid given what's on offer – quite the opposite. So it's worth a test drive.