2016 Tesla Model S Electric

The 2016 Tesla Model S is a five-passenger luxury sedan. It is available in nine variants: 60, 60D, 70, 70D, 75, 75D, 90D, P90D, and P100D. The digits in each trim level denote the kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity of the vehicles' battery, and the "D" denotes the dual-motor, which denote all-wheel-drive variants of the corresponding models.

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 If you're just buying a Tesla in peer pressure, get the 60' trim. If you love the car though, but are on a budget, get the 90D. It has a wonderful motor with a good range for your daily commute, without any compromise on anything else.

The 2016 Tesla Model S is propelled by water-cooled electric motors that are single motors for the 60 and 75 models; dual motors in 60D, 75D, 90D, and P90D models. The power is supplied directly to the wheels through a single-speed, direct-drive transmission. Dual-motor models (denoted by "D") power all four wheels while single-motor models are rear-wheel drive. The beast gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery instead of a traditional internal combustion engine

The 2016 Tesla Model S is both the quickest and fastest option in the segment. It sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds and takes 15.6 seconds to the quarter-mile run, making it almost two seconds quicker than its rivals.

The 2016 Toyota Mirai is the least powerful option in the segment. It produces 151hp of power and 247lb.-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 2016 Cadillac ELR features a hybrid engine that belts out 233hp and 373lb.-ft of torque. Given a considerable difference in power outputs, both the Toyota and Cadillac are slower and clock 8.6 and 7.8 seconds respectively to the 60mph mark.

As Tesla produces all-electric vehicles, you need to get them re-charged from either a standard 110- or a 240-volt household electric outlet. There are various public charging stations too, and you'll need to use the included Universal Mobile Connector and adapters.

The 2016 Tesla Model S averages 98 MPGe in the city and 101 MPGe on the highway. Its total range is rated at 210 miles, which feels sumptuous for an electric vehicle. However, it gets outdone by its competitors.

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Mirai ranks second in the segment averaging a combined mileage of 66 MPGe. On the other hand, the Cadillac ELR is a tad bit less efficient but manages to cover the highest range in the segment of 288 and 325 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

The highlight on the inside is the giant center touchscreen console, which neatly controls all the important functions of the car. Knobs and buttons are few and far which gives it quite a clean albeit a little busy look. Thankfully the touchscreen is well-lit and quick to respond.

In terms of space, both front and rear seats offer ample leg space for adults. Due to the slope of the roofline, taller back-seat passengers might find the headroom to be cramped. The front seats are excellent, but they lack the multitude of adjustments offered in a typical luxury sedan. Overall, the comfort and support offered by the seats found in this car are the same as other similar price ranged luxury sedans.

In comparison, each sedan has a total seating capacity of five passengers. While the front row of seats has equal space in all sedans, the Toyota Mirai falls short on rear legroom, which does cause a bearing on the level of comfort. The cargo capacity of the Tesla Model S is the highest in the segment followed by the Mirai and ELR having total trunk volumes of 31.6, 12.8, and 10.5 cubic feet, respectively.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• Heated Front Seats
• Memory Seats
• Cruise Control
• Electric Power Steering
• Dual-zone Front Climate Control

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Tesla Model S?

The 2016 Tesla Model S features a centrally placed touchscreen system that controls all the infotainment and climate functions inside the sedan. It is easy-to-use and filled with a large number of hi-tech specifications that make the sedan a practical and likable proposition. Some of the salient infotainment features include:

• 7-speaker sound system
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Navigation System
• Smart Device Integration
• Wi-Fi Hotspot

The Tesla sedan boasts uncluttered, clean lines that allow it to slice through the air. Highlights include retractable door handles emerging when the key is nearby, and a hidden recharging port in the taillights. Though 21-inch wheels are available, the 19-inch wheels result in a more comfortable ride.

The primary criticism is that the Model S looks odd and full from the front and rear, all to accommodate the sizeable under-floor battery pack. Then again, looks are subjective, and some might think that it is quite a pretty silhouette. However, during the year, Tesla introduced minor cosmetic changes to the 2016 Model S to allow it to be on par with its competitors. It is the longest and widest vehicle measuring 196 and 77.3 inches, respectively, and also sports the best-in-class wheelbase of 116.5 inches. However, its ground clearance of 4.6 inches is the lowest in the segment.

The 2016 Model S is also the heaviest in the lot while the Cadillac ELR is the lightest weighing 4469 and 4069 lbs, respectively. In all other dimensions, both competitors of the Tesla are both visually and statistically smaller, except that the 2016 Toyota Mirai’s total height of 60.4 inches and a ground clearance of 5.1 inches, makes it the tallest option in the segment. Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Dual Moonroof
• Rear Spoiler
• Aluminum wheels
• All-season tires
• Fog Lamps

The 2016 Tesla Model S performs exceedingly well when safety is concerned. It scores a best-in-class rating of 5-stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and managed a similar level of performance when it was tested by the IIHS. It comes equipped with standard features like a 4-wheel antilock braking system, brake assist, and electronic stability control. Other standout features include:

• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Traction Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Auto-leveling headlights
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Cross-Traffic Alert

The 2016 Tesla Model S is undeniably impressive. It garners abundant attention through its minimalistic design and leaves the buyers in awe with an extravagant and tech-laden experience on the inside. Its performance is appreciable and being an electric sedan, it upholds efficiency in the highest regard. Being on the market for quite some time now, the Model S has solidified its position and is definitely on the consideration list of a number of buyers.