Last updated on July 24th, 2020 at 11:32 am
Exterior Design
Tesla exterior design isn’t to everyone’s taste, as it’s clinical and efficient rather than inspired and beautiful in the Italian vein. It doesn’t have the gorgeousness of a Maserati Quattroporte, but on the other hand it’s unmistakably a Tesla Model S, which makes a certain statement in itself. The Model S in 2020 doesn’t look that different from eight years ago, even if a lot has changed inside, so it’s iconic if not gobsmacking. The exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, with flush door handles that pop out when you attempt to enter and go back in again once you’re inside and on your way.
The panoramic roof isn’t obvious from the outside, due to the heavy tinting. Tesla’s range of colours isn’t that extensive. The midnight silver metallic paint on the car we tested is rather sober, but the blue and red options are much more eye-catching. These do offset the clinical look, whereas the basic white is extremely generic.
The basic silver wheels provide a reasonable appearance, but the “Sonic Carbon Slipstream” upgrade is more purposeful. The much more expensive “Sonic Carbon Twin Turbine” 21in option is not a recommended choice for the UK’s terribly potholed roads. Our test car had these rims, and they were great for handling but did tend to telegraph ever little bump, particularly in sport suspension mode.
Interior Comfort
Of the three interior options, we actually prefer the basic Figured Ash Wood, which is black apart from some dark wood inlays. The Black and White with Dark Ash Wood includes fresh-looking white seats, but the wood is a bit too funky for our tastes. The Cream with Oak Wood option, which our test car came with, is our least favourite of all. The wood inlays have the appearance of Swedish self-build furniture. On a more positive note, the faux leather seats are very comfortable. There’s plenty of room in the back for three adults.
All interiors include the Premium Upgrades Package. These provide heated seats for the driver and every passenger, a heated steering wheel, and a HEPA air filtration system. The tinted panoramic sunroof includes UV and IR protection. There’s wireless phone charging in the centre console too, as well as a convenient USB port and two cupholders.
Storage and Load Carrying
Although the Model S is an executive saloon, it’s also a hatchback and a big car. There’s the usual little Tesla cubby under the front bonnet with room for 59.5 litres – enough for a few shopping bags. But the boot has 744.7 litres, and 1,645.2 litres with the rear seats down, making a total of 1,704.7 litres including the front. Putting this in perspective, the capacious Mercedes E-class estate has a 640-litre boot, rising to 1,820 litres with the rear seats down. The Model S may not be an estate car, but if you do need to carry lots of luggage, you can, although since the boot is enclosed, you wouldn’t want to put your whippets in there.
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