As if car badging and spec labels weren’t confusing enough, Tesla had to take a standard term and re-use it for something else. Their P70D model is not, as you would expect from the D, a diesel powered motor, but in this case the D stands for Dual Motor. Why didn’t you call it a DM? Thanks a bunch, Elon!
Anyway, this particular model of Tesla (Model S P70D) looks pretty much the same as every other car on the Tesla list (and in fact it looks very like every other mid-range hatchback too). I’m not blown away by the Tesla bodywork, if I’m honest. For the prices these things sell at, I would be upset if I confused it with a 25k Ford Mondeo, for example!
Really makes an impact when it drives past you, though, as the complete silence as it drives by is really off-putting. I was in a dealership recently looking at my next potential purchase, but to organise a test drive they had to move a Tesla out of the way. It was strange watching the dealer hop in, start the Tesla (no noise!), and then driving it out of the showroom – the only noise was the tyre squeaking on the tile floor. It just seemed wrong!
There is a question over Tesla build quality too. A particular car magazine has documented issues with door handles and paint quality, and other owners on the internet report various interior issues over the life of their ownership. So, if you are going to invest in a Tesla Model S on the used market, I suggest you thoroughly check it over before purchase.
Now, despite the negative tone I’ve taken thus far, I actually really like the idea of the Tesla P70. Fast, spacious and comfortable (when it stays together), this is definitely a huge leap forward in car technology. I like the 385km (280 miles) range they can cover on a single charge, and the running costs cannot be ignored. When the infrastructure around electric cars matures and we can get a full electric charge in the same amount of time that it takes to fill a fuel tank, then we will have taken a leap forward in car ownership for sure.
Highlights
The Model S was initially launched in 2013, in P60 guise. The P70D that we are discussing here came along in April 2015, giving us all wheel drive from a dual motor setup punching out 70kw of battery power and 175kw from the motors on the axles and an improved range. Elon has also seen fit to grant us an autonomous driving setup, although personally I would still be paying attention at the wheel, even in autonomous mode.
If you can locate a rapid charge station, this machine will recharge enough in 31 minutes to offer a driving range of 283 km. The much discussed ludicrous mode for the later versions of the Model S is not present in this incarnation, so bear that in mind if you are buying one on the used market. Having said that, the actual 0-100kmh time of 5.4 seconds means this version will still blow the doors off most other machinery on the road!
Tesla Model S (P70D) – Vital Statistics
| Power | 245 kW (328 bhp) | |
| Torque | 525 Nm (387 lb/ft) | |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 5.4 seconds | |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (140 mph) | |
| Electric range | 354 km | |
| Charge time (normal, full charge) | 7hr 15 | |
| Charge time (full, ->283 km) | 31 minutes | |
| Weight | 2100 kg | |
| **** | **** | |
| Powerplant | 70kWh Lithium Ion battery, Type 2 charging port (left side, rear) | |
| Transmission | Single speed | |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive |
Tesla Model S recalls
| Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner. Company Recall code: SB-15-20-002. |
| Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. |
| Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist. Company Recall code: SB-18-32-002. |
| Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat. |
| Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release. Company Recall code: SB-17-33-002. |
| Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013. An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle. |
| Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. Company Recall code: SB-18-20-001. |