It's actually really easy to test drive Model S. Click big red button on the website, they call you, and boom - test driving Model S Performance.
While I don't think it's time to buy EV yet, I highly recommend test driving Model S Perf - it feels, accelerates and handles beyond amazing for car of it's size.
if you've never actually driven a fast car, i'm sure it's very impressive, but objectively, it's not fast compared to its competition.
it appeals to a different crowd, the kind that wants EVs. i bet most people who considered/bought the S perf have never seriously considered an M5, E63, RS, or even Cadillac V (since we're talking American cars here). all of those handily beat the S in every benchmark.
have you test driven a BMW M5 or AMG E63? or does driving a giant, turbocharged, gas guzzling V8 not interest you?
well that's what interests me. not a battery pack.
It's really something you need to experience before you criticize it.
"instant" torque is cool and all, but no match for "more" torque. which also happens to be "instant" when you move beyond a cheapass 3-series M or base 911 with no balls (try a GT2, when you start wearing big boy pants) or V10 in that price range.
All I'm saying is that in my opinion based on driving the cars is that I prefer the Model S Performance over the supercharged M3, 911S because of superior handling, torque and feel.
Just my two cents, no need to get offended that a battery car can give a decent ride.
Also, I know there are people who have traded in the M5's for a Model S Performance and have been quite happy.
maybe for bay area millionaires automotive performance is less important than social progressivism when you drop 100k but not for me.
Personally, I don't feel a tenth of a second makes much difference, but it's wrong to say that the Tesla is handily beat in every benchmark.
References: http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m5/2013/road-test-specs.html http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/2013-tesla-mo...