Test Driving the New Tesla Model S Long Range: Comfort and Comparisons

Test Driving the New Tesla Model S Long Range: Comfort and Comparisons

Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're a fan of my YouTube channel, you know I'm all about diving deep into the latest Tesla models, sharing real-world experiences, and helping you decide if they're right for your garage. In my latest video, I took the new Tesla Model S Long Range All-Wheel Drive for a spin, and I wanted to break it down in this blog post. Spoiler: It's impressively comfortable, but let's get into the details.

Why the Model S Long Range?

I was originally hoping to drive the Model S Plaid – you know, the beast with insane acceleration – but it was tucked away inside the showroom, off-limits for a test drive. No worries, though; we hopped into the Long Range version instead. This one's equipped with all-wheel drive and promises a solid balance of performance and efficiency. I've owned a 2022 refreshed Model S before, so I was curious to spot any differences. Plus, we were chatting about transferring over Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities – a must for any Tesla enthusiast!

First Impressions: Jumping In and Hitting the Road

As soon as we got in, the conversation turned to how this Model S feels like an upgraded version of the older ones. It's essentially a refined copy-paste, but with noticeable tweaks. One standout feature? The cabin noise – or lack thereof. Roll up the windows, and it's eerily quiet inside. We speculated about active noise cancellation; I'm pretty sure the newer models have it, and it makes a world of difference compared to the 2020-2024 versions.

We took it out for a drive, and right away, the ride quality impressed me. Hitting bumps felt smooth and controlled – way better than I expected. I compared it on the spot to the Model X Plaid we drove earlier, and honestly, this Model S felt more comfortable overall. The Model X, being a performance-oriented SUV, has a sportier suspension that can feel a bit stiffer, even in comfort mode. This Long Range S, on the other hand, is tuned for daily driving bliss.

Comfort vs. Performance: Model S vs. Model X

Don't get me wrong – the Model X is a ton of fun, especially the Plaid variant with its mind-blowing speed. But if comfort is your priority, the Model S Long Range takes the crown. It's smoother over imperfections in the road, and that quiet cabin lets you enjoy the drive without distractions. Of course, if you need extra space for family or gear, the Model X edges it out there.

During the drive, we chatted about my Tesla ownership history. I've gone through nine of them – not because I hoard cars, but because I buy, experience, and sometimes flip them. My shortest stint was with a 2022 Model S Long Range; I held onto it for just six months. Why? It was during that wild market period (remember the 69,420 memes?). I bought it for around $79K and sold it for $98K. After taxes and fees, it wasn't a fortune, but it was a smart move. I even ran into someone who flipped a new Model 3 for a huge profit right after launch – those were the days!

Final Thoughts: Is It Better Than Before?

After looping back from the test drive, I was pleasantly surprised. The new Model S Long Range feels like a step up in refinement, especially in terms of ride comfort and interior quietness. If you're upgrading from an older Model S or considering it against the Model X, I'd lean toward the S for everyday driving comfort. But hey, if space and that SUV versatility are key, go for the X.

What do you think? Have you driven the refreshed Model S? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and if you haven't seen the video yet, check it out on my channel for the full experience. Thanks for reading – stay charged!

Catch more Tesla reviews and adventures on my YouTube: DennisCW.

Watch the Video Here