The Tesla Model S Plaid may look like a comfortable family sedan at first glance but once it hits the tracks, it’s quick as lightning. The Model S Plaid once dominated the segment with a 1,000+ hp output and 0 to 60 figure of just 2 seconds. However, it was only a matter of time before the Model S Plaid invited competition in the form of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lucid Air Sapphire. So let’s take a look at how the three perform against each other.
Engine And Power Figures
It is no surprise that Porsche designed the Taycan Turbo GT keeping the Model S Plaid in mind. Hence its dual motor setup is capable of delivering 1,019 horsepower with launch control and an even higher 1,092 hp for a brief period using its overboost function. The Air Sapphire and the Model S Plaid on the other hand are powered by a Tri-Motor which churns out 1,234 hp and 1,020 hp respectively. In terms of torque, the Taycan Turbo GT produces 818 lb-ft to 988 lb-ft of torque which despite working quite well for the Taycan puts it behind the Air Sapphire and Model S Plaid’s figures of 1,430 lb-ft and 1,050 lb-ft respectively.
Speed And Acceleration
In this battle of high-performance EVs what truly matters is how quick they are and the winner among the three is Lucid Air Sapphire. Sprinting from 0 to 60 in just 1.89 seconds, the Air Sapphire leaves behind the Taycan Turbo GT and Model S Plaid with 0 to 60 figures of 2.1 seconds and 1.99 seconds respectively. The Lucid Air Sapphire also gets the highest top speed of 205 MPH, followed by 200 MPH of Model S Plaid and 180 MPH of the Taycan Turbo GT.
| Specs | Lucid Air Sapphire | Porsche Taycan Turbo GT | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Motor |
Tri-Motor |
Dual-Motor |
Tri-Motor |
|
Horsepower |
1,234 hp |
777 hp/ 1,019 hp |
1,020 hp |
|
Torque |
1,430 lb-ft |
988 lb-ft |
1,050 lb-ft |
|
0-60 |
1.89 Seconds |
2.2 Seconds / 2.1 Seconds (Weissach) |
1.99 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
205 mph |
180 mph |
200 mph |
|
Weight |
5,336 lbs |
4,925 lbs |
4,670 lbs |
|
Price |
$249,000 |
$231,995 |
$89,990 |
Conclusion
The Lucid Air Sapphire dominates the competition. However, it is also the heaviest (5,336 lbs) and the costliest ($249,000). The Tesla Model S Plaid on the other hand is a more value-for-money option, costing just $89,990. However, you may need to opt for the Track Package for peak performance. Finally, the Taycan Turbo GT might be the costliest of all since you’ll need to purchase the “Weissach” package in addition to paying the sticker price of $231,995
