2025 Tesla Model S Plaid: Still the fastest but uncomfortable ride

The Tesla Model S Plaid continues to dominate as one of the quickest production cars ever built, delivering acceleration that borders on the surreal. Powered by a tri-motor setup producing 1,020 horsepower, it launches from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds under ideal conditions, with independent tests often clocking it around 2.1 to 2.3 seconds. This neck-snapping thrust comes from instant torque delivery, unique to electric powertrains, making every full-throttle pull feel like warping into hyperspace.

• Real-world quarter-mile runs frequently hit 9.4 seconds at over 150 mph.

• Top speed reaches 200 mph with optional upgrades, outpacing many supercars.

• The "Cheetah Stance" launch mode lowers the front end for optimal traction, amplifying the drama.

Few vehicles can match this straight-line brutality, turning mundane highways into personal drag strips. It's not just fast—it's addictively exhilarating, resetting expectations for what a sedan can do.

The Price of Performance: A Firm and Unforgiving Ride

While the Plaid excels in speed, comfort takes a noticeable hit, especially on imperfect roads. The adaptive air suspension offers multiple modes—Comfort, Standard, and Sport—but even in its softest setting, the ride remains firm. This stems from the car's nearly 4,800-pound curb weight and low-profile tires on larger wheels, which transmit bumps and imperfections directly into the cabin.

• Potholes and expansion joints create jarring impacts that disrupt serenity.

• Highway cruising reveals more road noise than expected in a flagship EV.

• Compared to rivals with advanced air suspensions, the Plaid feels less isolated and refined.

Enthusiasts praise its composure during aggressive driving, where the stiffened setup provides excellent control. However, for daily commutes or long trips, this firmness can lead to fatigue, making it less ideal for those prioritizing plushness over precision.

Interior and Daily Usability: Minimalist with Mixed Results

Inside, the Model S Plaid embraces Tesla's signature minimalism, dominated by a massive 17-inch touchscreen and a controversial yoke steering wheel. The cabin feels futuristic, with premium materials and ample space for front passengers, but practicality varies.

• Rear seats offer decent legroom but limited under-thigh support for taller adults.

• The hatchback design provides generous cargo space, perfect for family duties.

• Over-the-air updates continually enhance features, from infotainment to autonomy.

Yet, the reliance on the screen for nearly everything—from climate to seat adjustments—can distract. The yoke, while novel for quick maneuvers, feels awkward in tight parking lots or low-speed turns. It's a bold design that polarizes: innovative for some, impractical for others.

Handling Dynamics: Grippy but Not Graceful

On twisty roads, the Plaid surprises with its grip and stability, thanks to all-wheel drive and torque vectoring. It corners flat and predictably, defying its size and weight. However, the sheer mass becomes evident mid-corner, where it leans toward understeer rather than playful agility.

• Adaptive damping firms up effectively in Sport mode for spirited drives.

• Regenerative braking allows one-pedal driving, smooth in traffic.

• Braking feel is strong but lacks the modulation of dedicated performance setups.

It's competent and confidence-inspiring, yet lacks the finesse of lighter sports sedans. The focus remains on overwhelming power rather than nuanced feedback, suiting drag-strip heroes more than canyon carvers.

Why It Remains King Despite the Trade-Offs

The Model S Plaid's blend of hypercar performance in a practical package keeps it atop the EV hierarchy. Its silent, seamless power delivery—combined with access to a vast charging network—makes it uniquely versatile. For drivers craving adrenaline without compromise on efficiency or tech, it's unmatched.

• Instant overtaking capability transforms everyday driving.

• Track-capable with optional packages, yet usable year-round.

• Continuous software improvements add value over time.

Ultimately, the Plaid demands acceptance of its firmness for the reward of blistering speed. It's a statement vehicle: brutally quick, technologically advanced, but unapologetically tuned for performance over pampering.