Other than being victim to an acute shortage of re-charging stations, there’s nothing to dislike about the Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S P90D

Quick Spin

What’s it all about?

So much has been written about the Tesla Model S that it’s difficult to find something new to say. But a recent facelift has at least provided the opportunity to revisit the game-changing EV that’s been so warmly embraced by cashed-up customers worldwide.

And what better way to look at the Model S than in its most ludicrous and expensive form, the all-wheel drive P90D?

Neater looks, technical upgrades that further improve its on-road practicality (the top-spec P90D is now rated with an official range of 435km and charge time is reduced through the adoption of a new 48-amp charger), as well as an intriguing step forward in protection of occupant health via a new bio weapon defence mode which “removes at least 99.97 per cent of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from cabin air” add to the peculiarly unique Tesla experience.



How much will it cost?

In the case of the fully kitted-out test car, the all-inclusive (Victorian) price worked out to $281,490, although removing the options would bring that down – before on-road costs – to $171,700. But who would want a Tesla P90D without Ludicrous mode ($15,000)?

In case you’re interested, other options included Autopilot ($3800), air suspension ($3800), a high-power charger upgrade for use with Tesla’s growing Supercharger network ($2300), panoramic sunroof ($2300), swish “next generation” seating ($3800), 21-inch alloys ($6800) and a thumping audio system ($3800).

Teslas are covered by a four-year / 80,000km warranty with 12-month / 20,000km servicing intervals; and there’s a full 24/7 technical support/roadside assist plan during the warranty period.



Why should I buy it?

Fact is, the Model S is the closest thing yet to an entirely practical EV. It is an astonishing car at so many levels. Absolutely one of the fastest-accelerating road cars available in Australia, it is as smooth as silk, agile and completely tractable across the performance spectrum in a way that belies its two tonne-plus weight.

On top of that it offers premium levels of luxury and just about all the safety technology currently imaginable. Although it can be easily recharged at home – providing you have the time – its only real shortcoming right now is the limited charging infrastructure around the country.



When is it available in Australia?

The Model S range is currently available through Tesla stores located in Melbourne and Sydney.

It is available in various grades, each offering its own level of performance and range.

Who will it appeal to?

Those who can afford it, and want to stay a step ahead of the game at an environmental level, find their aspirations realised in the Model S.

It’s a big car, a bee’s knee bigger than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series, and is well suited to carrying five passengers. Its hatchback configuration makes it highly practical and luggage capacity is augmented by the (now reduced in size by the bio weapon defence pack) front load area in the place where an engine would normally reside.

And there’s very little on the road that can challenge a Model S for wow factor.



Where does it fit?

Clearly there is at the moment no direct rival for the full-size, purely electric Model S. Then again, if you consider the pricing of the Tesla and check against high-status European sedans of a similar size, it is priced realistically.

So an E-Class Benz, BMW 5 Series or Audi A6 would be reasonable alternatives if it were not for the Tesla’s deal-breaking fuel-free, emissions-free technology. And the P90D version overwhelms them all in terms of its sheer breadth of capabilities.

AMG Benz? Pah! M series BMW? Not really. And when it comes to environmental footprint, even the best of hybrids come nowhere near its fundamental purity.



So, what do we think?

There’s so many levels for experiencing the Tesla Model S: Its unbelievable speed, its street credibility and its bordering on bizarre inclusions such as the almost-paranoid bio weapon defence.

But take the initial jollies away and the big Tesla remains a brilliant car. Range anxiety becomes almost an irrelevance once you adjust to the need for constant attentiveness. It’s little surprise that those who own (at least) one appear to be generally besotted.

I’ve driven many cars I’ve been reluctant to hand back after living with them for a week, but the Tesla Model S P90D towers above them all.



2016 Tesla Model S P90D pricing and specifications:

Price: $171,700 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: Dual electric motors

Total output: 568kW/967Nm (Ludicrous mode 743kW/967Nm)

Battery: 90kW/h kW/hr lithium-ion

Transmission: Reduction gear

Range: 435km (US EPA)

Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:

>> Mercedes-Benz E-Class (from $89,900 plus ORCs)

>> BMW M5 (from $184,715 plus ORCs)

>> Audi S6 (from $169,226 plus ORCs)

Related reading:

>> Tesla Model S dual motor review

Watch Feann’s video review of Model S 70D

