Driving the electrifying Tesla Model S

MANILA, Philippines - Consumer Reports calls it “the best car it has ever tested.” Motor Trend named it 2013 Car of the Year. Automobile Magazine proclaimed it 2013 Automobile of the Year.

It’s the Tesla Model S, and it heralds the very real future of the automobile. The Tesla Model S is a pure-electric rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan about the size of a 5-series BMW and has a retail price in the US of $62,400 (about $7,000 more than a BMW 535i).

It has a liquid-cooled powertrain that includes the battery, electric motor, drive inverter, and gearbox. Power comes from the 60kWh computer-controlled lithium-ion battery (a higher-performance 85kWh battery is optional). It also boasts regenerative braking (heat generated at the brake discs and pads during braking are stored as potential energy to provide added power on demand—a technology derived from F1 cars).

The powerplant generates (pun fully intended) 362hp and 440Nm of torque. If these monsters numbers aren’t enough for you, the 85kWh battery delivers 416hp and 600Nm of torque. And since electric motors deliver all their torque at 0 rpm, acceleration is instantaneous.

Needless to say, the performance is nothing short of electrifying: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds for the standard model and an almost-Ferrari-like 4.2 seconds for the performance variant. Top speed is 195 and 210 km/h, respectively.

I drove the standard model and after flooring the throttle from a standstill, the car hurtled forward on an uphill stretch with stunning speed. And that was with four passengers on board. The surging forward motion felt surreal due to the eerie silence. There was a complete absence of any engine or exhaust sound. The car just rocketed forward as if it was launched from a giant slingshot. Amazing!

Driving range is claimed to be up to 370 kms and 480 kms at a steady 80 km/h on a full charge on the 60 and 85kWh battery, respectively. Charging to a full-charge from a depleted battery is ideally done overnight on a household 110V or 220V system. Optional Twin Chargers and a High-Power Wall Connector can be ordered from Tesla. In the U.S., “supercharging” stations can be found where one can park a Tesla, hook up the car, then have a snack or coffee while the battery quick-charges.

Ride and handling from the double-wishbone front/rear multi-link all-coil spring suspension (with huge 19-inch wheels) felt pretty much the same as any midsize luxury sedan. The leather-swathed interior is fairly spacious, if not class-leading. It feels luxurious enough, although its German rivals still hold the edge in outright luxury and build quality. It’s the cargo area where the Tesla S trumps them all. With no engine, it boasts commodious front and rear trunk spaces.

The usual assortment of safety, luxury, comfort and convenience features are standard, with the eye-popping 17-inch Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-enabled infotainment touchscreen display taking center stage. It controls everything from audio and climate control to the air suspension’s ride height and monitors the electric/battery powertrain.

Last but certainly not least, the Tesla S is a rolling work of art. Its styling is as graceful and compelling as a Jaguar’s. 

Stepping inside the Tesla was a momentous experience. I couldn’t help think of the words “One small step for Manny, one giant leap for mankind.” It’s that kind of car.

Thanks to Jing Garcia and InterAksyon for making this test drive possible.