Tesla Model S Plaid Deep Dive: Performance and Features

The Tesla Model S Plaid Experience

This episode of the Waveform Podcast features an in-depth, hands-on discussion about the Tesla Model S Plaid. After spending extensive time driving the vehicle, the hosts share their raw impressions, covering everything from design and interior quality to the controversial steering yoke.

Interior Design and Functionality

• White Interior: The hosts discuss the aesthetics and durability of the vegan leather, noting that while it looks sharp, maintenance is a factor for some users.
• Minimalist Aesthetic: The new interior features a mix of materials, including carbon fiber and perforated vegan leather. While some critique the number of textures, it is lauded for being a significant step up in fit and finish compared to previous generations.
• Center Console: The redesign, featuring a sliding mechanism and improved storage, is praised for its utility, though there is a notable design flaw: a gap that allows small items like credit cards or registration papers to slide underneath the central unit.
• Horizontal Screen: A major highlight is the move to the horizontal screen, which provides a much more intuitive and immersive experience than the previous vertical orientation.

The Yoke Steering Wheel

"I think the combination of touch-sensitive buttons and the yoke are what goes so wrong."

Perhaps the most debated feature, the yoke steering wheel, is scrutinized for its ergonomics. The removal of traditional stalks in favor of haptic feedback touch buttons on the steering wheel creates a steep learning curve. The hosts express frustration over accidentally triggering blinkers or headlights during standard maneuvers, though they admit muscle memory eventually begins to acclimate.

Engineering Highlights

• Performance Consistency: A key technical improvement in the Plaid edition is the cooling system. Unlike previous iterations that faded after repeated launches, the new motors demonstrate robotic consistency, maintaining top-tier performance over multiple quarter-mile runs.
• The Pikes Peak Influence: The hosts mention the importance of the halo car effect, where the extreme capabilities of the Plaid serve to elevate the entire brand and the viability of electric vehicles for performance enthusiasts.

Q&A Session

• Efficiency vs. Power: When asked if they would sacrifice half the power for double the range, the hosts agree that a 700-mile range vehicle would be the ultimate long-distance machine.
• Why 'Plaid'? The name is explained as a parody reference from the movie Spaceballs, reflecting Tesla's penchant for pop-culture-inspired branding.