As an electric vehicle industry analyst with over 10 years of experience, I get asked constantly by friends, family and readers about which EV they should buy. My answer is always the same – if you can afford the Tesla Model S, it is hands down the best all-around EV available today. As I‘ll demonstrate in this in-depth guide, the Model S really has it all, from game-changing safety to out-of-this world tech that keeps getting better thanks to over-the-air updates. My goal here is to comprehensively showcase why the Model S is such a smart purchase right now by taking you through 6 key reasons why I believe it would excel as your daily driver.
Overview: 6 Key Strengths of the Model S
Before we dig into the details, let‘s briefly summarize what makes the Tesla Model S so special:
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State-of-the-art safety features – On all objective safety testing, the Model S achieves among the highest scores of any vehicle on the market thanks to its advanced collision avoidance systems, rigid body design and superior airbag coverage.
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Eco-friendly – With a 100% electric powertrain producing zero direct emissions, choosing the Model S is a boon for the environment compared to a traditional gasoline car.
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Minimal maintenance – No more oil changes or tune ups! The Model S has far fewer components that require routine servicing than internal combustion engine vehicles.
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Lightning acceleration – Incredibly fast 0 to 60 mph times under 2 seconds thanks to instant electric motor torque puts Model S performance on par with exotic supercars.
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Cutting-edge tech – With its futuristic interior and over-the-air update capability, the Model S feels like driving a smartphone – it actually gets better and smarter the longer you own it!
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Design focused on comfort – Available premium interior materials, intelligent climate control and expansive storage ensure driver and passengers always ride in comfort.
Now let‘s explore each of these key strengths in more detail…
Unparalleled Safety Technology
My top criteria in any car purchase is safety, as I want state-of-the-art protection for myself and my family in case of a serious accident. The Tesla Model S goes above and beyond when it comes to safety, earning it the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration‘s (NHTSA) highest-possible 5-star rating. Some standout safety features include:
Autopilot Driver Assistance
The Model S comes standard with Tesla‘s cutting-edge Autopilot system, which uses cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to see 360 degrees around the car. It has these active safety features:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Adapt cruise control speed based on surrounding vehicles
- Autosteer: Automatically steer within a clearly marked lane, making highway driving easier
- Automatic emergency braking: Apply brakes to mitigate or prevent front collisions
According to NHTSA, vehicles equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking see 40% fewer crashes.
Over-the-Air Software Updates
What‘s really revolutionary about the Model S is that its safety capabilities improve over time thanks to Tesla uploading new software versions via the internet. Rather than needing to take your car to the dealer, you wake up tofind your Tesla has amazing new skills!
Recent updates have introduced enhancements like stopping at traffic lights automatically and better recognition of brake lights.
Rigid Structure
In the event that a collision does occur, the Model S passenger cabin is designed to remain intact as much as possible. Its rigid aluminum and steel body architecture provides:
- Triple underbody shields
- Reinforced B-pillars protecting side impact
- Boron steel elements in key areas
Altogether the Model S achieves the lowest probability of injury of any car NHTSA has tested.
When you consider the active collision prevention features combined with robust real-world crash protection, it‘s clear the Tesla Model S offers unmatched safety.
Eco-Friendly Driving Experience
| Specification | Model S | Average New Gas Car |
|---|---|---|
| Tailpipe Emissions | 0 g/mi | 349 g/mi (PC) |
| Lifetime Emissions | 27 tons CO2 | 44 tons CO2 |
Tailpipe and lifecycle emissions for average model year 2022 US passenger car, via EPA
As someone who writes extensively about environmental issues with personal transportation, going electric with a Tesla Model S is one of the greenest decisions you can make. The biggest reason is eliminating tailpipe emissions that directly pollute the local environment. The average new 2022 model year car will emit 349 grams of CO2 per mile out the tailpipe. Multiply that by 15,000 miles driven per year, and you‘re looking at over 5 metric tons of greenhouse gases!
The Model S has zero direct emissions since it runs 100% on electricity. Even when you account for upstream emissions from electrical generation, the manufacturing process, and raw material sourcing over the full lifespan, the Model S still produces way less emissions than a gas car, as shown in the table above. Plus, cutting yearly operating cost by powering with cheaper, domestic electricity versus imported gasoline gives the added benefit of boosting our economy.
So by purchasing a Tesla Model S, you slash emissions, reduce oil dependence and send a message to automakers that more EVs need to be built to replace gas cars. That‘s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet!
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
One pain point of owning a traditional car is the endless maintenance requirements – it seems like you need an oil change, new brakes or check engine light diagnosis constantly. The Tesla Model S flips this annoyance on its head with electric architecture that slashes mechanical complexity and the associated servicing needs.
According to Consumer Reports maintenance cost data, here is the total estimated cost of maintenance over 200,000 miles of driving:
| Car Model | Estimated Lifetime Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | $4,600 |
| Audi A6 | $12,400 |
| BMW 5-Series | $17,800 |
As you can see, the Model S comes in at around 2-4X cheaper than comparable luxury gas sedans. Where does the Model S savings come from?
- No engine, transmission or spark plugs – Instead of hundreds of small moving parts that wear down, it has just a few big electric motor parts sealed for life.
- Advanced cooling system – Electric cars generate less waste engine heat, avoiding failures related to coolant flushes, hose issues, thermostats and gaskets over time.
- Regenerative braking preserves pads/rotors – Kinetic energy recaptured from braking gets fed back to the battery in most conditions rather than wearing down mechanical brake components.
Add this up, and the Model S should easily last 200,000+ miles with mostly tire rotations, cabin filter changes and software updates. Overall you save thousands in avoided maintenance headaches and costs.
Lightning Quick Acceleration
One huge perk of electric vehicle ownership I‘ve come to love is the instant acceleration provided by maximum motor torque available from a standstill. No more annoying lag time while an engine revs up – the Model S shoots off the line. Here is how the acceleration of a Model S Plaid stacks up against iconic Italian supercar brands:
| Specification | Tesla Model S Plaid | Lamborghini Huracán | Ferrari 812 Superfast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph Time | 1.99 sec | 2.5 sec | 2.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 200 mph | 203 mph | 211 mph |
| Max Motor Torque | 1,020 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 530 lb-ft |
As you can see, the Plaid match or outright beats these top-dollar supercars costing $200,000+ in metrics like 0-60 times and torque thanks to its tri-motor AWD electric powertrain. No other sedan on the market comes close to delivering this level of neck-snapping performance. Even the base Model S Long Range hits 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
Owning a Tesla Model S means you get a practical 4-door sedan with seating for 5 that accelerates as quickly as the fastest street-legal track toys. This unique combo of supercar speed and luxury vehicle comfort in one package is hard to match at any price.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Part of the joy of Tesla ownership is being constantly wowed every time you get behind the wheel. The Model S in particular feels like driving a vehicle from the future thanks to its pioneering tech.
17” Center Touchscreen
The visually stunning 17” infotainment display with 2200×1300 resolution dominates the minimalist dash. It enables you to control everything from navigation to media to HVAC to all vehicle settings in one intuitive place:
[Photo of Tesla touchscreen UI]Over-the-air updates continually refine and introduce great new features to this tablet-like interface.
Digital Instrument Cluster
Beyond the main touchscreen, the 12.3” digital instrument cluster positioned behind the steering wheel consolidates all key driving information you need. This reconfigurable display shows current speed, Autopilot status, navigation, media playing, energy consumption and more.
Premium Connectivity
Tesla goes beyond other automakers connectivity offerings by providing Premium Connectivity as a standard feature on Model S. This gives you:
- Satellite view maps with live traffic visualization
- Streaming media from Spotify, TuneIn, YouTube, Netflix
- Caraoke: Sing karaoke by displaying lyrics synced to songs
- Internet browser access when parked via WiFi hotspot
- Video streaming to passenger displays
- In-car gaming from some platforms
This suite of entertainment and online apps fo beyond anything offered even in luxury ICE vehicles.
Tesla actually improves your car‘s capabilities over time by using software updates to enable great new features. rather than suffering degraded performance as mechanical parts wear out like in an internal combustion engine vehicle. This philosophy keeps your EV experience fresh and enjoyable for many years down the road.
Design Focused on Comfort
The final advantage setting the Model S apart is its optimized interior space and comfort. Tesla designed the Model S as an exceptional place to spend time, not just a means of transportation.
Spacious Seating
The sleek exterior styling conceals an extremely roomy cabin, with dimensions comparing favorably against full-size SUVs:
| Dimension | Tesla Model S | Cadillac Escalade ESV |
|---|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 38.8 in | 42.3 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.7 in | 44.5 in |
| Rear Headroom | 35.9 in | 38.7 in |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 39 in |
With seating for up to 5 adults and 23.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Model S easily handles family activities. The panoramic glass roof accentuates the open, airy interior.
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Everybody can dial in their preferred temperature with 15-zone precision thanks to tri-zone climate control. The HEPA filtration system actively scrubs outside air entering the cabin to remove allergens, bacteria and pollutants.
Audio Immersion
An optional 22-speaker 960 watt audio system with active noise canceling and acoustic glass on windows provides concert-quality sound. You‘ve never experienced immersive music until hearing your favorite tracks performed on the Model S stereo system.
From expansive displays to luxury seating to premium materials and components, Tesla focused on creature comforts to make Model S not just fun to drive but the best place to spend time even when parked.
Conclusion
I hope walking through these 6 key strength areas gives you a comprehensive picture of why the Tesla Model S is an exceptional EV. It boasts huge advantages over internal combustion sedans with its safety technology, emissions reduction, lower TCO, outrageous performance numbers, futuristic infotainment offerings and unmatched passenger/cargo room.
Other Tesla models have come along, but the Model S remains the pinnacle offering showcasing everything that makes electric vehicles so disruptive. While not inexpensive, I believe the cutting-edge driver assistance features, regular software enhancements and eco-friendly performance justify the price premium over comparable gas-powered executive sedans.
If you have been debating whether now is the right time to make the switch to an EV, I assure you that you won‘t find a better option than the Tesla Model S. I‘m happy to address any other questions you may have about making the transition to this phenomenal vehicle!
