Quick Drive: Tesla Model S Plaid Impressions and Why It's the Ultimate Upgrade
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're a fan of my YouTube channel, you know I love diving into the latest Tesla models and sharing my honest thoughts. Recently, I got the chance to take a quick spin in the new Tesla Model S Plaid. Tesla was pretty strict about not putting too many miles on it, so this was more of a 'get in, feel it out, and get out' kind of experience. But even in that short time, I was blown away by the differences compared to the older models. Let's break it down step by step based on my drive.
First Impressions Inside the Cabin
Jumping into the Model S Plaid, the interior doesn't scream 'revolutionary change' at first glance. You've got the familiar carbon fiber dash, the same steering wheel setup, and the central screen looks pretty much identical to what we've seen before. It's sleek and modern, as expected from Tesla, but the real magic happens when you start driving.
I wanted to focus on the ride quality right away—specifically, how the suspension stacks up against the older Model S and even the Model X. Spoiler alert: it's a game-changer.
The Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Comfortable
As soon as we hit the road (which, by the way, wasn't the smoothest—plenty of bumps to test it out), I was impressed. The air suspension feels way more refined. Gone are the creaks and rattles from the older models. This thing glides over imperfections like they're not even there. It's super quiet inside, too—no road noise creeping in, making it feel like a luxury cocoon.
Compared to the Long Range Model S I drove just last week, the Plaid is noticeably more comfortable. If you've experienced the 'ricketiness' of the previous generations, you'll appreciate this upgrade. Tesla seems to have poured a lot of effort into perfecting the Model S, especially when you stack it against the Model X, which still has some of those quirks.
Why Choose the Model S Plaid?
If you're in the market for a Tesla and budgeting around $90K to $100K, here's my take:
- Comfort and Ride Quality: This is the star of the show. It's ideal for daily commuting or long drives where you want that plush, effortless feel.
- Family Considerations: Skip the Model X if you have a bigger family—the third row isn't spacious enough to justify it. The Model S Plaid offers plenty of room for most without the extra bulk.
- Styling and Features: The frost blue color (like a baby blue with a frosty sheen) looks stunning in person. Add in the Plaid-exclusive touches like the carbon fiber spoiler, badging, lower diffuser, and optional wheels, and it's got that sporty edge. I went with the blue exterior and white interior combo—trust me, the white interior is phenomenal and holds up great.
Overall, if you're upgrading from an older Model S or looking for a high-performance EV that's as comfortable as it is quick, the Plaid is the way to go. It's not just about the insane acceleration (though that's fun); it's the refined everyday driving that seals the deal.
Final Thoughts
This quick drive left me convinced: the Model S Plaid is Tesla's best effort yet in the sedan category. If you're on the fence, head to a showroom and feel it for yourself. What do you think—would you pick the Plaid over the Long Range or Model X? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out the full video on my YouTube channel for the raw drive footage!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more Tesla reviews and EV insights. Drive safe!
-DennisCW
