The Tesla Model S Plaid offers a truly comfortable and convenient driving experience, surpassing its competitors like the Porsche Taycan. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the higher seats, wider doors, and absence of any knee-bumping protrusions, making it much easier to access the cabin.
However, one aspect where the Model S falls short is the front seats. They are wide, catering more to people with a larger build than those who are slim. The cushioning is adequate but not exceptional, which is disappointing considering the hefty price tag that comes with this luxury vehicle. The seats lack advanced features like massage functionality, although they can be heated and ventilated. To top it off, the synthetic leather upholstery feels rather cheap. In comparison, the seats in the Taycan are firmer, more comfortable, and provide a glove-like fit.
Image: Tesla Model S interior - Source: km77.com
The Tesla Model S Plaid's adjustable steering wheel offers both height and depth adjustments. However, instead of a convenient lever or button on the steering column, you have to use the left rotary wheel on the central screen to change its position. The same applies to adjusting the side mirrors. While Tesla owners may be accustomed to this setup, I personally find it cumbersome, especially when maneuvering and needing to readjust a mirror to get a better view of an obstacle.
Many of us who have taken the driver's seat in the Tesla Model S Plaid have felt uncomfortably reclined, immediately reaching for the controls to adjust the backrest's inclination. However, to our surprise, the backrest cannot be positioned closer to the vertical. The driving position is a letdown; the Porsche Taycan's position, with its superior seats and extensive adjustability options, is far superior.
The Tesla Model S Plaid's yoke steering wheel is undoubtedly a misstep by Tesla. Its oblong shape and uncomfortable material detract from the overall driving experience. The arm-mounted touch controls for various functions, like turn signals and wipers, further compound the issue, making them difficult to use while driving.
Image: Tesla Model S yoke steering wheel - Source: km77.com
Nevertheless, the yoke steering wheel does not obstruct the instrument panel's visibility, although considering its size and the information it provides, it seems that a traditional round steering wheel would not pose any hindrance in this regard.
The optional yoke steering wheel, priced at €1000 (€250 until August 2023, which we do not recommend), would be more acceptable if the Model S had an electronically assisted steering like the Lexus RZ. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With 2.3 turns lock to lock (834 degrees, compared to the Lexus' 300 degrees, less than a full turn), maneuvering from one extreme to the other can feel challenging. To make matters worse, Tesla decided that selecting the transmission's position is best done by sliding your finger on the screen, abandoning the traditional paddle shifter found in their other models. There is an alternative method using touch buttons located just below the phone charging area, but it is even more inconvenient than using the screen.
Putting aside these peculiarities, the Tesla Model S Plaid dashboard exudes modernity, practicality, and a minimalist design. Almost everything can be controlled through the exceptional 17-inch central display, boasting impressive graphic quality, fluidity, and high resolution (2200 by 1300 pixels). It can even be tilted to bring it closer to the driver or passenger, finding a comfortable compromise for both.
The central screen allows for extensive customization, management, and information access. The menu layout is intuitive and easy to comprehend. However, mastering its operation without distractions requires several hours of familiarization, depending on our technology proficiency. While some functions, such as the climate control and air vent direction, would benefit from dedicated physical controls, the lack of compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also a drawback.
Image: Tesla Model S central display - Source: km77.com
The Tesla Model S Plaid boasts multiple storage compartments, each thoughtfully designed with rubber or felt bases to prevent annoying noises. You'll find compartments in the central console, underneath the front and rear armrests, and in all the doors. The glove compartment is sufficient for essential documents and a high-visibility vest. Below the central display, there are two areas for wireless phone charging.
The rear seats comfortably accommodate two individuals who are around 1.85 meters tall (although three would be a tight fit). While the rear space and overall sense of spaciousness exceed the Porsche Taycan, they fall slightly short compared to the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz surpass the Tesla in terms of exterior dimensions (length, width, and height). Taller individuals may find the lack of legroom uncomfortable, forcing them to keep their knees raised and unable to fully support the posterior side of their thighs. In contrast, the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche offer a less restricted seating position.
Rear passengers can enjoy the luxury of heated seats (with the central seat also having this feature, although it lacks ventilation and massage functions) and a 9.4-inch touchscreen display. This screen allows control of the independent rear climate control system, seat heating, and audio system. It also provides access to the same audiovisual content available on the front display. The center armrest includes an induction charging area for two mobile phones.
Image: Rear touchscreen display in Tesla Model S - Source: km77.com
The Tesla Model S Plaid offers two trunk compartments, one at the front with 89 liters of storage space and another at the rear with 709 liters. The front trunk is wide but not very deep, although it provides ample space for storing charging cables or a small suitcase. Opening the front trunk requires manual action, similar to the Porsche Taycan, while its counterpart in the Taycan is narrower but deeper (84 liters). The BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE lack a front trunk.
Accessing the rear trunk is facilitated by an electrically operated tailgate that reveals a spacious cargo area. According to our measurements, the depth of the cargo space is comparable to the Porsche Taycan and surpasses the Mercedes-Benz EQE. In terms of width, the Model S exceeds both the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, while in terms of height, it lags behind the Porsche but matches the Mercedes-Benz. We do not have independent measurements for the BMW i5.
Beneath the cargo floor, there is an additional generously sized storage compartment capable of accommodating a medium-sized suitcase. Unfortunately, there is no pass-through at the center seat level to transport long objects without sacrificing the lateral seats' usability.
In conclusion, the Tesla Model S Plaid offers a unique and futuristic interior experience. While it has a few shortcomings in terms of seat comfort, steering controls, and some unconventional design choices, it compensates with a modern and functional dashboard, abundant storage options, and ample space for passengers and cargo. If you're looking for a luxury electric vehicle that stands out from the crowd, the Model S is definitely worth considering.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are sourced from km77.com.
