Your head is snapped into the headrest, your blood rushes to the back of your skull, and a rush of endorphins is circulated throughout your body. This is then followed by a huge grin and an exhale of laughter. This may sound like the latest thrill ride at Six Flags, but it’s not – It’s the cycle of emotions that the Tesla Model S P85D offers when it runs to 60 MPH in 3.1 sec, all without burning a drop of gas.
The Model S P85D, which we will just call the P85D from this point on, is the latest flagship sedan from electric car maker Tesla. From the outside, the P85D looks like any other Model S; what’s under the car (not the hood) makes all the difference. The D in the P85D stands for dual. Along with the super high-performance rear motor that puts out 470hp, there is now a motor in the front that provides an additional 221hp, giving you a grand total of 691hp, and to manage all that crazy power, you now have AWD.
Model S P85D Interior
The star of the show is this electric rocket’s performance, but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you how practical the car is.
People first notice the giant 17” screen on the Model S. You can use the included 3G data connection for everything from ordering lunch to plotting your next road trip. I especially liked the internet radio, where you can pretty much ask it to search for any song and play it.
The interior materials look and feel first-rate, yet they don’t quite seem on par (yet) with its competitors like the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 Series. They are very simple and modern-looking. There is no shortage of storage space in the Model S.
Common issues have included wear and tear on suspension components, problems with the door handles, and some reports of touchscreen failures, which can be costly to repair.
You have the front trunk or frunk, which is a little reduced on the P85D because of the placement of the additional front motor. You have the huge hatch in the rear and seats that fold down, giving you minivan-like cargo space. I’ve even heard of people using their Model S to sleep in. It’s the perfect camping tent, and the best thing is that you can set the climate control to provide you with a cozy sleep.
Performance
- Powertrain: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Total Horsepower: Approximately 691 horsepower (combined)
- Power, Front Motor: 221 horsepower
- Power, Rear Motor: 470 horsepower
- 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds in “Insane Mode”
- Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)
- Torque: 687 lb-ft
As mentioned, the acceleration is blinding and borderline scary. The P85D also handles very well, considering it’s almost 5000 lbs. The batteries are low-slung between the two axles, providing for a very low centre of gravity. The result is slot car-like characteristics. It’s like driving the car on a cable.
Customer satisfaction and short-term reliability surveys have been excellent so far with the Model S. My only question, though, is about long-term reliability.
You point it where you want it to go, and without any fuss or wind up, it just ends up there. I’ve driven many high-horsepower cars as well as electric cars, but nothing will prepare you for the P85D experience. I’m not saying its better than driving the Audi RS7 or Charger Hellcat, it’s in a class of it’s own, for now that is.
Range expectations for the P85D
- Battery: 85 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Range: Approximately 253 miles (EPA estimated)
- Charging: Supercharger compatible, with 170 miles of range added in about 30 minutes
- Curb Weight: Approximately 4,936 lbs (2,239 kg)
The P85D’s ideal range is around 249 miles (400 km), so range anxiety is non-existent. In real-world driving with an abnormal number of hard launches, the computer calculated my accurate range to be over 217 miles (350 km). My estimate for the cost of filling at my house is about $6.
Now, that’s incredible. Don’t forget, if you want to plan a long-distance road trip, you can use Tesla’s vast coast-to-coast Super Charging network, which can top off your battery in as little as 20 minutes. It’s free for all Model S owners.
Tesla Auto Pilot, but not all features available yet
All new Model S models are now equipped with the Tesla Auto Pilot, a system consisting of long-range radar, cameras, and 360-degree sonar. This system allows the Model S to perform tasks like auto parking and semi-autonomous driving.
Although all the cars are equipped with it, many of the features have not been enabled yet. In time, Tesla will add the updates over the air, as they do many of their updates now. In the past, owners have woken up to an updated car that produces more power and even more performance. If this is the future, I think I could get used to it.
Takeaway and Long-Term Reliability
Customer satisfaction and short-term reliability surveys have been excellent so far with the Model S. My only question, though, is about long-term reliability. The Model S is still a very new car, so it’ll be interesting to see how long the battery will last and how well the rest of the car holds up.
This car offers almost everything: blinding acceleration and performance, AWD handling, safety, a long-range battery, and everyday practicality. With its cutting-edge technology, though, it doesn’t come cheap, as you would imagine.
The Tesla Model S starts at $87,200, and this P85D version starts at around $120,000. Depending on which province or state you live in, there may be some government incentives and rebates to help you get into an electric car.
Update: the long-term reliability of the 2015 Tesla Model S P85D
As of 2024, the long-term reliability of the 2015 Tesla Model S P85D has been a mixed bag. While the electric powertrain has proven to be robust with few issues reported regarding the motors and battery degradation, some owners have encountered problems with other aspects of the car. Common issues have included wear and tear on suspension components, problems with the door handles, and some reports of touchscreen failures, which can be costly to repair.
However, many owners still report satisfaction with their vehicles, particularly due to the continued software updates that have kept the car feeling modern. Battery life has generally held up well, with most vehicles retaining a significant portion of their original range, though this can vary depending on usage patterns. Overall, while not without its quirks, the 2015 Model S P85D can still be considered a reliable vehicle, especially in terms of its drivetrain and battery. Regular maintenance and being aware of potential repair costs for non-drivetrain components are key to ensuring its longevity.
