Well it doesn't look like my TES1A plate is going to be going on this EV as I've had a significant offer for it.  So it's going...

Got contacted, said it wasn't for sale.  One thing led to another with a couple of offers being refused and there we go.

I'd have held onto it for a little while...as the Tesla catches on I could see that plate being very valuable in the not too distant future....

I'd imagine if Richard parted with it now, the sums involved weren't small.

I'd imagine if Richard parted with it now, the sums involved weren't small.

 

Indeed.

 

I'd have held onto it for a little while...as the Tesla catches on I could see that plate being very valuable in the not too distant future....

 

Future Teslas will be cheaper as they bring out smaller models.

Currently they are all expensive ones.

I didn't plan to sell it, but sometimes you just can't ignore an offer.

In other news, they have fast tracked my order and it looks like I will be getting the Model S on Christmas Eve.

 

Very nice, looking forward to this one as well.

2+2="That might be why you've getting it fast-tracked as part of a deal"?

In other news, they have fast tracked my order and it looks like I will be getting the Model S on Christmas Eve.

 

Good negotiating skills there

In other news, they have fast tracked my order and it looks like I will be getting the Model S on Christmas Eve.

 

 

Wow - You must have been a very good boy! Santa's going to have his work cut out getting that down the chimney....

 

It might need a good detail after that too....

I really did wonder when this would turn to Tesla Richard! Fair shout to you.

At last we get to hear from someone what its really like to live with one.

I think you did the right thing....90D is about the best compromise....still bloody fast (for a daily) but with the best potential (and v usable) range.....insane mode is but a talking point I cant see anyone really using that daily!

An expensive car too but as you say the TCO isnt really bad at all and you only live once right?!

Expect a full review when it turns up....but get Xmas over and done with first :-)

I bet that number pate gave a decent ROI Richard! A nice little pre Christmas present...roll on Xmas eve!

I think you did the right thing....90D is about the best compromise....still bloody fast (for a daily) but with the best potential (and v usable) range.....insane mode is but a talking point I cant see anyone really using that daily!

 

That was my thinking.  Cheers.

 

If it's anything like the GT-R with launch control I used it 4 times in 18 months.  Just to show mates.

Makes it a bit of an expensive novelty when it's a £15k-£23k option.

That was my thinking. Cheers.

If it's anything like the GT-R with launch control I used it 4 times in 18 months. Just to show mates.

Makes it a bit of an expensive novelty when it's a £15k-£23k option.

Defo enjoy it when it turns up pal and let us know your thoughts...with photos of course.

Are you getting it from Gatwick? I work but a stones throw away from Tesla Crawley!

Yes, the Gatwick one.

Noticed today at Keele Services on the M6 Southbound they had 3 Tesla chargers installed, with a Dutch registered Tesla charging,

Music to the Tesla Ears.http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tesla/model-s/93868/tesla-model-s-gets-spotify-music-streaming-service

Did you get the Tesla as planned Richard?

Yes he did, probably out driving it still.

Did you get the Tesla as planned Richard?

 

 

Yes he did, probably out driving it still.

If it had a full charge on delivery, then he could be out all day!

If it had a full charge on delivery, then he could be out all day!

Or it could power the Christmas lights for a whole year!    

...or he is stuck at the side of the road having flattened his batteries playing with the cars insane/ludicrous/warp-speed mode thingie

Or if he's up here, floating down the M62. 

Or if he's up here, floating down the M62. 

Hmmmm deep water and electrics.....that's not good....right?

Yes, I got the Tesla on Chrstmas Eve.

As you'd expect (with two children) Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day have been a bit hectic.

But at least it's given me chance to put 120 miles on the Tesla and form some opinions.

 

First off, I have to say the Tesla showroom is something unlike any other car showroom I've been too.

They are so helpful and really go the extra mile.

 

The car itself is something else, I might have had a few cars but it's deeply impressive.

Like the best bits of a premium car and the best bits of an EV rolled into one.

I am quite critical and there are some things that could be improved a little, but overall it's an amazing bit of kit.

 

Mine is the 90D (without the performance pack 0-60mph in 3 seconds and red calipers) which is the longest range car they currently make.

Tesla quote 350 officially, or 280-300 depending on how you drive realistically.

 

As well as being a 90D (D for dual motor or All Wheel Drive) it also benefits from the following options:

Range upgrade (85kW to 90kW)

Deep Blue Metallic Paint

All Glass Panoramic Roof

Next Generation Seats (more comfy and better side bolsters)

Premium Interior Package (overall upgrade of interior and ambient lighting)

Carbon Fibre interior trim (replaces interior black trim with real Carbon Fibre)

Auto Pilot enabled

Smart Air Suspension

SubZero Weather Package (5 seated seats, heated steering wheel and washers)

 

So quite a car and spec.  I did push the price up a bit...

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/3833/rxQ6lh.jpg

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img910/6735/Bupn7J.jpg

 

Surprisingly, you don't notice the huge 17" portrait touchscreen that much when driving, it's not distracting at all.

 

But the car has many clever features.

Like if you raise the air suspension for a hatch speed bump, drive etc.. it logs it on the map, so when you drive down there again it will raise and then lower automatically.

Door handles that slide out as you approach the car, and retract as you walk away.

Auto Pilot that even when you are driving will move the car to try and avoid accidents.

It's very well thought out and very clever.

 

My criticisms so far are that it's so smooth, quite and refined that soft close doors would be worth while, but they are not available.

Also it needs a better choice of colours, with the only non-white/black/silver shades being one red and one blue.

 

I went for the stock 19" rims, the smallest option and teamed it with air suspension for the best ride quality I could get.

The 21" rims look nice, but bring in increased tyre wear and expensive replacement tyres.  Plus they are an expensive option considering you already got tyres and rims anyway.

It's right up there with the A8 I had in terms of ride quality, but without the gear changes or engine noise which makes it smoother and more relaxing.

And it leans far less in the corners too with such a low centre of gravity.

 

In terms of noise it's silent until you bury the throttle, then you get a faint hum from the front motor.

Performance wise it's pretty brisk.  Telsa claim a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds and it anything that's conservative.

Even at speed if you bury the throttle it just goes!

 

I charged it for the first time today.

Up to that point I'd done 114 miles and used 42% of the battery, and I had given it the beans a few times.

That seems about right based on a fairly sensible (70-80mph) claim of 280-300.

 

Apologies for the dark pictures but I just took them.  Busy few days!

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img910/8949/1xlpl1.jpg

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img910/7968/fBi2Cw.jpg

 

Have to say I am looking forward to using this car as much as I can.

 

 

EDIT: put in picture links as embedded in the usual way and they weren't showing...

Edited 26 December, 201510 yr by BossFox

This where me being an amateur photographer shows; I rather like the lighting effects that relying on available light after dark has achieved.

 

I'm pretty sure I agree with you about the paint options though! (and the choice at least for the UK; "lowest power" and "extra batteries").