Question...If have you driven the Tesla model S vs S550, why did you choose the S550?
07-06-2015, 02:17 AM
#326
Super Member
Okay so basically we can both agree that the Model S is the best selling premium car around $100K in the US and for now the S class is the world's best selling premium car while Tesla builds out their worldwide dealership/distribution and supercharger infrastructure.
All this becomes a moot point if and when Mercedes finally stops dicking around with hybrids and designs an S Class EV. It's just a matter of how much market share they will cede to Tesla before they do that.
All this becomes a moot point if and when Mercedes finally stops dicking around with hybrids and designs an S Class EV. It's just a matter of how much market share they will cede to Tesla before they do that.
This thread should be locked before someone else replies and then another 40 pages would be made.
Last edited by UrBusted; 07-06-2015 at 02:22 AM.
07-06-2015, 02:52 PM
#327
Senior Member
Thread Starter
WAIT WAIT. Original poster here 
before you close the thread let me add more useless info!
Got the same type rims I had on my W212 for the Tesla.
That all, nothing else to add, except that one needs to read the question asked... for those who "DROVE" the car, why did you chose what you chose out of these 2 models. No one is questioning the superior passenger aspects of the MB. But even after 20k miles now, the Drive of the Tesla is so unique.
The future of cars is sure going to be fun!
before you close the thread let me add more useless info!
Got the same type rims I had on my W212 for the Tesla.
That all, nothing else to add, except that one needs to read the question asked... for those who "DROVE" the car, why did you chose what you chose out of these 2 models. No one is questioning the superior passenger aspects of the MB. But even after 20k miles now, the Drive of the Tesla is so unique.
The future of cars is sure going to be fun!
07-06-2015, 03:09 PM
#328
Super Member
Eh, more CVTs! One thing I think the both of us need are 22", they may ruin the ride but look a whole lot nicer. To be honest, I've forgotten driving the Model S, but I remember sitting inside. Not a P85D but I picked the S Class because of the way it felt when driving, and distronic plus. Autopilot wasn't available when I did the test drive. I also chose it for obvious reasons such as the passenger feeling.
07-06-2015, 03:32 PM
#329
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Eh, more CVTs! One thing I think the both of us need are 22", they may ruin the ride but look a whole lot nicer. To be honest, I've forgotten driving the Model S, but I remember sitting inside. Not a P85D but I picked the S Class because of the way it felt when driving, and distronic plus. Autopilot wasn't available when I did the test drive. I also chose it for obvious reasons such as the passenger feeling.
07-06-2015, 05:03 PM
#330
MBWorld Fanatic!
Keep in mind Tesla = Model S at this point. Sales of it will most likely tank when the Model X is introduced (people love their SUV's) and more so if a $30k-$40k model comes out.
At that point Tesla will be like any other car company offering a low/medium/high end model range and a small part of it's sales being in the $100k range.
Which makes for a bright future for Tesla
At that point Tesla will be like any other car company offering a low/medium/high end model range and a small part of it's sales being in the $100k range.
Which makes for a bright future for Tesla
Before the Model X is even unveiled they already have over 20,000 orders for the Model X and they did that while increasing Model S sales 52%. Given that all this had been accomplished with zero advertising, they have a ton more market share to grab and they've barely scratched the surface. (This is why Audi and BMW are furiously working on their EV models. And what is Mercedes doing in this arena besides dicking around with BS hybrids?)
Similarly the $35-50K Model 3 Tesla is developing will poach the 3 series and C and E class sales. We opted for a premium EV drivetrain over a Mercedes S class. Just imagine how much easier it would be for Tesla to sell a Model 3 when it only has to be better than a C class or 3 series driving experience...
The same way Mercedes has 3 separate segments of buyers for good, better, and best models in their lineup, so will Tesla.
07-06-2015, 05:07 PM
#331
MBWorld Fanatic!
WAIT WAIT. Original poster here
before you close the thread let me add more useless info!
Got the same type rims I had on my W212 for the Tesla.
That all, nothing else to add, except that one needs to read the question asked... for those who "DROVE" the car, why did you chose what you chose out of these 2 models. No one is questioning the superior passenger aspects of the MB. But even after 20k miles now, the Drive of the Tesla is so unique.
The future of cars is sure going to be fun!
before you close the thread let me add more useless info!
Got the same type rims I had on my W212 for the Tesla.
That all, nothing else to add, except that one needs to read the question asked... for those who "DROVE" the car, why did you chose what you chose out of these 2 models. No one is questioning the superior passenger aspects of the MB. But even after 20k miles now, the Drive of the Tesla is so unique.
The future of cars is sure going to be fun!
07-06-2015, 05:09 PM
#332
MBWorld Fanatic!
Eh, more CVTs! One thing I think the both of us need are 22", they may ruin the ride but look a whole lot nicer. To be honest, I've forgotten driving the Model S, but I remember sitting inside. Not a P85D but I picked the S Class because of the way it felt when driving, and distronic plus. Autopilot wasn't available when I did the test drive. I also chose it for obvious reasons such as the passenger feeling.
I know some people are really into the look of the wheels but for us the #1 expectations of wheels for us is to perform well without failing.
07-06-2015, 10:45 PM
#333
Super Member
Those rims look awesome. The Tesla is growing on me - if it had a 400 mile range I would probably buy one.
07-07-2015, 11:17 AM
#334
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Local with TPMS installed too! Thats a bonus.That number is in your head, I had a 600 mile diesel before, now its 267 mile range, with a 120 mile daily rountdtrip commute
The biggest thing is that people forget is that its a full tank every morning. So one must keep track of the days a year they travel more than 250 miles without going home etc.
For example, I am going DC to myrtle beach which is 7 hrs driving and requires 3 x 20 min stops. OR optionally, 1 x 10 min stop and 1 x 50 min stop which are right off the highway, in areas with plenty of food and restroom options. I would make the similar stops in a gas car, maybe 40 min total vs 60. But this 1000 mile trip will be FREE! That is worth my 20 min
So although interior luxury may be a limiting factor, range should not be a limiting factor.
the "300" mile barrier is what most non owners feel is a magic number, but I would say 99% of owners feel 250 is way more than adequate since it is reset Daily.
Last edited by drsaab; 07-07-2015 at 11:22 AM.
07-07-2015, 01:11 PM
#335
MBWorld Fanatic!
The biggest thing is that people forget is that its a full tank every morning. So one must keep track of the days a year they travel more than 250 miles without going home etc.
For example, I am going DC to myrtle beach which is 7 hrs driving and requires 3 x 20 min stops. OR optionally, 1 x 10 min stop and 1 x 50 min stop which are right off the highway, in areas with plenty of food and restroom options. I would make the similar stops in a gas car, maybe 40 min total vs 60. But this 1000 mile trip will be FREE! That is worth my 20 min
So although interior luxury may be a limiting factor, range should not be a limiting factor.
the "300" mile barrier is what most non owners feel is a magic number, but I would say 99% of owners feel 250 is way more than adequate since it is reset Daily.
For example, I am going DC to myrtle beach which is 7 hrs driving and requires 3 x 20 min stops. OR optionally, 1 x 10 min stop and 1 x 50 min stop which are right off the highway, in areas with plenty of food and restroom options. I would make the similar stops in a gas car, maybe 40 min total vs 60. But this 1000 mile trip will be FREE! That is worth my 20 min
So although interior luxury may be a limiting factor, range should not be a limiting factor.
the "300" mile barrier is what most non owners feel is a magic number, but I would say 99% of owners feel 250 is way more than adequate since it is reset Daily.
We went to Asheville North Carolina and got back without any issues whatsoever. And yes, thanks to the Superchargers that trip hardly cost us anything. Can't wait for them to light up I-81 so in the future we can take a more scenic route to Asheville.
As the Giga Factory comes online we are likely going to see a bump up in battery capacity and for those who really want a 300-350 mile range I think they'll actually have that within about the next 12-18 months. More than a larger battery I think what they need to do is accelerate the build out of the Supercharger network.
By the way the car that won Pike's Peak this year is an EV.
http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20150...ers-pikes-peak
07-07-2015, 03:30 PM
#336
Super Member
I do drive my S around London, but the higher miles are completed on long journeys. These long journeys are around Coventry, Birmingham, Manchester and a location north of Leeds. I did look at the superchargers, but on the routes I'm taking I would need to take detours which mean traffic and then wait for the person using the supercharger to finish. There are only 20 superchargers in the UK, with the ones in locations I need only holding 2 people each. Theres 3 superchargers with detours of up to 50 miles to reach them. Once that improves, the Tesla will be a good vehicle for me, if they have a luxury model released at that time. The thing about the big brands is that their value allows for a much larger electric charging network, whereas Tesla needs to find this sort of money.
07-07-2015, 05:34 PM
#337
MBWorld Fanatic!
I do drive my S around London, but the higher miles are completed on long journeys. These long journeys are around Coventry, Birmingham, Manchester and a location north of Leeds. I did look at the superchargers, but on the routes I'm taking I would need to take detours which mean traffic and then wait for the person using the supercharger to finish. There are only 20 superchargers in the UK, with the ones in locations I need only holding 2 people each. Theres 3 superchargers with detours of up to 50 miles to reach them. Once that improves, the Tesla will be a good vehicle for me, if they have a luxury model released at that time. The thing about the big brands is that their value allows for a much larger electric charging network, whereas Tesla needs to find this sort of money.
However if you look at the Super Charger ramp up for 2016 and 2016 on the map there is going to be a big ramp up in 2015 and 2016.
http://www.teslamotors.com/supercharger
Even with the limited resources they have, we are now at 459 Supercharger stations with 2,565 Superchargers globally. None of their better funded competitors have any network at all to speak of other than some chargers at a few odd dealerships...
What would be interesting is Audi, Porsche, and BMW are readying EVs to compete with the Model S and I wonder if they will buy into the existing Tesla supercharger infrastructure (an idea Tesla is open to) or they decide to deploy their own infrastructure.
I'm surprised gas stations haven't started jumping into the EV charging arena as they can make a much bigger profit margin selling electricity than they do selling gas.
07-10-2015, 09:48 AM
#338
And the reality of a Tesla with regard to range, speed, and long trips
http://blog.caranddriver.com/alexand...85d-road-trip/
http://blog.caranddriver.com/alexand...85d-road-trip/
07-10-2015, 10:57 AM
#339
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Join Date: Jun 2015
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2015 S550
07-10-2015, 01:12 PM
#340
MBWorld Fanatic!
And the reality of a Tesla with regard to range, speed, and long trips
http://blog.caranddriver.com/alexand...85d-road-trip/
http://blog.caranddriver.com/alexand...85d-road-trip/
I read that article and they had no issues with the car, or the stated range in the vehicle. They had issues with the navigation system poorly routing them through superchargers. They presented a very easy solution to this issue and I'm sure this will be addressed with an upcoming software update.
We've taken several long trips, last one involved 8 hours of driving, and we had no issues with range or charging options.
07-10-2015, 01:18 PM
#341
MBWorld Fanatic!
Here is a third party comparing the Tesla to the Mercedes 550. The winner: Mercedes. Here is the link:
2014 Tesla Model S vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550! - Head 2 Head Ep. 54 - YouTube
2014 Tesla Model S vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550! - Head 2 Head Ep. 54 - YouTube
There's really no wrong choice there. Just a matter of priorities. One day we will eventually have one car that combines both.
07-10-2015, 02:55 PM
#342
It's widely known that the Tesla navigation that routes you via superchargers needs "work." It's almost like they outsourced that functionality to people who designed the Mercedes navigation system.
I read that article and they had no issues with the car, or the stated range in the vehicle. They had issues with the navigation system poorly routing them through superchargers. They presented a very easy solution to this issue and I'm sure this will be addressed with an upcoming software update.
We've taken several long trips, last one involved 8 hours of driving, and we had no issues with range or charging options.
I read that article and they had no issues with the car, or the stated range in the vehicle. They had issues with the navigation system poorly routing them through superchargers. They presented a very easy solution to this issue and I'm sure this will be addressed with an upcoming software update.
We've taken several long trips, last one involved 8 hours of driving, and we had no issues with range or charging options.
"For this author, whose personal record from VIR to the Car and Driver offices stands at 9 hours, 15 minutes (including fuel and restroom stops) in a Hyundai Genesis coupe, the Tesla route was notably not fast" Also "Armchair re-evaluating the trip down to VIR, we could easily make Macedonia, Ohio, from Ann Arbor (181 miles), where a quick charge to 80 percent there would be enough to reach Somerset, Pennsylvania (176 miles). From there, it’s a 195-mile jaunt to Woodbridge, Virginia, south of D.C., followed by a 216-mile ride to VIR. That’s just three Supercharger stops, none of which would exceed an hour, and 768 miles of driving. Assuming a 60-mph average speed, that’s 12 hours and 48 minutes of driving plus up to three hours of charging."
Looks like 3 to 4 hours more even with efficient stops. Not worth it to me.
70mph also? There are very few instances on a long road trip where I am going as slow as 70mph. Heck when I go between Austin and San Antonio on the 85mph freeway I am at 90mph the whole time.
He also discussed multiple times having to stand around (not something I am willing to do.) I am in and out of a gas station in 5 minutes or less.
Another quote "The Model S is the best worst car for a road trip". Guarantee no one says that about an S Class
Funny the Tesla Kool Aid drinkers sure want to gloss over the shortcomings. Any car that takes more than an hour longer for a similar type car for a 500+ mile road trip is a terrible road trip car. Tesla is an excellent commuter car, but call it what it is.
In fact let me use your words - It is the difference between a superlative driving experience and the epitome of interior luxury vs. a horrible driving experience (slower, warmer (at least if you want range) with a lot of standing around.
Also I have seen numerous times talking about unparalleled tesla technology. Laughable.
Elon is starting to slip - It was incredible range, autopilot, no range anxiety, battery swap, supercharger network that is efficient before and now many of those things have not been delivered
Last edited by Landers; 07-10-2015 at 03:20 PM.
07-10-2015, 04:18 PM
#343
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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'12 CLS 550 Black Ext Almond Mocha Int Ex MBs: '06 E500, '03 E320, '00 E320
The two cars should not be compared other than if you have a lot of $$$ to spend on a car these are among your choices - but so is a Porsche 911. If you want an all electric vehicle, Tesla is your only choice. To me, that is why so many people are purchasing the Model S. A gas engine provides a very different driving experience from an electric vehicle.
I have driven a Tesla S several times. It is quiet and it handles very well. It is a fun car to drive and the tech aspect is great. As you drive it you feel that you have stepped into the future and are driving something very special. From what I have been told, the maintenance of a Tesla S is minimal. However, the Tesla S does not provide the driving experience of a MB S550. The MB drives like it is bolted to the ground but the ride is not harsh. You feel like you are driving a vault. I also like the sound of the MB V-8 engine.
I have been driving MBs for the past 16 years and I like that ride. They provide a very comfortable ride that feels very safe and it handles well. The Tesla S feels like it handles a little better, but it does not have the MB feel that I like. For me, it is the ride and the interior that keeps me in the MB camp over Tesla (it is for the same reason why I choose MB over BMW). In addition, I fear that as more Teslas are sold the wait time at the superchargers will double or triple which may not be a big deal unless you need to use one several times per week.
Currently, the two companies have partnered where MB has supplied parts to Tesla. Ultimately, I hope that MB can partner with Tesla to create an all electric vehicle that feels like a MB.
I have driven a Tesla S several times. It is quiet and it handles very well. It is a fun car to drive and the tech aspect is great. As you drive it you feel that you have stepped into the future and are driving something very special. From what I have been told, the maintenance of a Tesla S is minimal. However, the Tesla S does not provide the driving experience of a MB S550. The MB drives like it is bolted to the ground but the ride is not harsh. You feel like you are driving a vault. I also like the sound of the MB V-8 engine.
I have been driving MBs for the past 16 years and I like that ride. They provide a very comfortable ride that feels very safe and it handles well. The Tesla S feels like it handles a little better, but it does not have the MB feel that I like. For me, it is the ride and the interior that keeps me in the MB camp over Tesla (it is for the same reason why I choose MB over BMW). In addition, I fear that as more Teslas are sold the wait time at the superchargers will double or triple which may not be a big deal unless you need to use one several times per week.
Currently, the two companies have partnered where MB has supplied parts to Tesla. Ultimately, I hope that MB can partner with Tesla to create an all electric vehicle that feels like a MB.
07-10-2015, 04:28 PM
#344
MBWorld Fanatic!
All I have to say is that it is interesting how people who don't own a Model S seem to have so many issues with the car The Tesla Model S has the highest customer satisfaction of any car available to buy, so all those Tesla owners are managing just fine with their cars.
As I've said earlier we've had no issues taking our Model S on road trips. The author had a very simple solution to the issues in the Tesla navigation system and that's just to program the next Super Charger as your destination. That solves most of the gripes he had with the present software implementation.
The only thing to note here is unlike the crappy navigation system in our Mercedes that will never get better, I expect the deficiencies outlined in the article to be fully resolved and fixed via an upcoming software update in the not too distant future.
Tesla is also in the midst of another massive surge in the installation of Superchargers all over the US. They are also about to unveil technology to charge the car faster as well. With additional super chargers and new software features constantly added to the car the Tesla ownership experience just keeps getting better. The P85D I have today is better than the one I bought new and I could never make that statement for any other car I've bought.
I do agree with you about driving faster when I go on a road trip. I love to go as fast as possible but something tells me when autonomous highway driving is released as a software update on our Tesla this summer, I'm just going to let the car do the majority of the monotonous driving with me keeping an eye on things. The Model S can read speed signs so I will likely set the car to go 5 MPH over the speed limit and sit back to enjoy the ride.
The Tesla Model S has the highest customer satisfaction of any car available to buy, so all those Tesla owners are managing just fine with their cars. As I've said earlier we've had no issues taking our Model S on road trips. The author had a very simple solution to the issues in the Tesla navigation system and that's just to program the next Super Charger as your destination. That solves most of the gripes he had with the present software implementation.
The only thing to note here is unlike the crappy navigation system in our Mercedes that will never get better, I expect the deficiencies outlined in the article to be fully resolved and fixed via an upcoming software update in the not too distant future.
Tesla is also in the midst of another massive surge in the installation of Superchargers all over the US. They are also about to unveil technology to charge the car faster as well. With additional super chargers and new software features constantly added to the car the Tesla ownership experience just keeps getting better. The P85D I have today is better than the one I bought new and I could never make that statement for any other car I've bought.
I do agree with you about driving faster when I go on a road trip. I love to go as fast as possible but something tells me when autonomous highway driving is released as a software update on our Tesla this summer, I'm just going to let the car do the majority of the monotonous driving with me keeping an eye on things. The Model S can read speed signs so I will likely set the car to go 5 MPH over the speed limit and sit back to enjoy the ride.
Lets see. They said it would have taken hours longer than with a gas car even if they had the perfect plan meaning only 3 stops or so and had to watch their speed. They also have to watch the climate.
"For this author, whose personal record from VIR to the Car and Driver offices stands at 9 hours, 15 minutes (including fuel and restroom stops) in a Hyundai Genesis coupe, the Tesla route was notably not fast" Also "Armchair re-evaluating the trip down to VIR, we could easily make Macedonia, Ohio, from Ann Arbor (181 miles), where a quick charge to 80 percent there would be enough to reach Somerset, Pennsylvania (176 miles). From there, it’s a 195-mile jaunt to Woodbridge, Virginia, south of D.C., followed by a 216-mile ride to VIR. That’s just three Supercharger stops, none of which would exceed an hour, and 768 miles of driving. Assuming a 60-mph average speed, that’s 12 hours and 48 minutes of driving plus up to three hours of charging."
Looks like 3 to 4 hours more even with efficient stops. Not worth it to me.
70mph also? There are very few instances on a long road trip where I am going as slow as 70mph. Heck when I go between Austin and San Antonio on the 85mph freeway I am at 90mph the whole time.
He also discussed multiple times having to stand around (not something I am willing to do.) I am in and out of a gas station in 5 minutes or less.
Another quote "The Model S is the best worst car for a road trip". Guarantee no one says that about an S Class
Funny the Tesla Kool Aid drinkers sure want to gloss over the shortcomings. Any car that takes more than an hour longer for a similar type car for a 500+ mile road trip is a terrible road trip car. Tesla is an excellent commuter car, but call it what it is.
In fact let me use your words - It is the difference between a superlative driving experience and the epitome of interior luxury vs. a horrible driving experience (slower, warmer (at least if you want range) with a lot of standing around.
Also I have seen numerous times talking about unparalleled tesla technology. Laughable.
Elon is starting to slip - It was incredible range, autopilot, no range anxiety, battery swap, supercharger network that is efficient before and now many of those things have not been delivered
"For this author, whose personal record from VIR to the Car and Driver offices stands at 9 hours, 15 minutes (including fuel and restroom stops) in a Hyundai Genesis coupe, the Tesla route was notably not fast" Also "Armchair re-evaluating the trip down to VIR, we could easily make Macedonia, Ohio, from Ann Arbor (181 miles), where a quick charge to 80 percent there would be enough to reach Somerset, Pennsylvania (176 miles). From there, it’s a 195-mile jaunt to Woodbridge, Virginia, south of D.C., followed by a 216-mile ride to VIR. That’s just three Supercharger stops, none of which would exceed an hour, and 768 miles of driving. Assuming a 60-mph average speed, that’s 12 hours and 48 minutes of driving plus up to three hours of charging."
Looks like 3 to 4 hours more even with efficient stops. Not worth it to me.
70mph also? There are very few instances on a long road trip where I am going as slow as 70mph. Heck when I go between Austin and San Antonio on the 85mph freeway I am at 90mph the whole time.
He also discussed multiple times having to stand around (not something I am willing to do.) I am in and out of a gas station in 5 minutes or less.
Another quote "The Model S is the best worst car for a road trip". Guarantee no one says that about an S Class
Funny the Tesla Kool Aid drinkers sure want to gloss over the shortcomings. Any car that takes more than an hour longer for a similar type car for a 500+ mile road trip is a terrible road trip car. Tesla is an excellent commuter car, but call it what it is.
In fact let me use your words - It is the difference between a superlative driving experience and the epitome of interior luxury vs. a horrible driving experience (slower, warmer (at least if you want range) with a lot of standing around.
Also I have seen numerous times talking about unparalleled tesla technology. Laughable.
Elon is starting to slip - It was incredible range, autopilot, no range anxiety, battery swap, supercharger network that is efficient before and now many of those things have not been delivered
07-10-2015, 04:41 PM
#345
All I have to say is that it is interesting how people who don't own a Model S seem to have so many issues with the car The Tesla Model S has the highest customer satisfaction of any car available to buy, so all those Tesla owners are managing just fine with their cars.
As I've said earlier we've had no issues taking our Model S on road trips. The author had a very simple solution to the issues in the Tesla navigation system and that's just to program the next Super Charger as your destination. That solves most of the gripes he had with the present software implementation.
The only thing to note here is unlike the crappy navigation system in our Mercedes that will never get better, I expect the deficiencies outlined in the article to be fully resolved and fixed via an upcoming software update in the not too distant future.
Tesla is also in the midst of another massive surge in the installation of Superchargers all over the US. They are also about to unveil technology to charge the car faster as well. With additional super chargers and new software features constantly added to the car the Tesla ownership experience just keeps getting better. The P85D I have today is better than the one I bought new and I could never make that statement for any other car I've bought.
I do agree with you about driving faster when I go on a road trip. I love to go as fast as possible but something tells me when autonomous highway driving is released as a software update on our Tesla this summer, I'm just going to let the car do the majority of the monotonous driving with me keeping an eye on things. The Model S can read speed signs so I will likely set the car to go 5 MPH over the speed limit and sit back to enjoy the ride.
The Tesla Model S has the highest customer satisfaction of any car available to buy, so all those Tesla owners are managing just fine with their cars. As I've said earlier we've had no issues taking our Model S on road trips. The author had a very simple solution to the issues in the Tesla navigation system and that's just to program the next Super Charger as your destination. That solves most of the gripes he had with the present software implementation.
The only thing to note here is unlike the crappy navigation system in our Mercedes that will never get better, I expect the deficiencies outlined in the article to be fully resolved and fixed via an upcoming software update in the not too distant future.
Tesla is also in the midst of another massive surge in the installation of Superchargers all over the US. They are also about to unveil technology to charge the car faster as well. With additional super chargers and new software features constantly added to the car the Tesla ownership experience just keeps getting better. The P85D I have today is better than the one I bought new and I could never make that statement for any other car I've bought.
I do agree with you about driving faster when I go on a road trip. I love to go as fast as possible but something tells me when autonomous highway driving is released as a software update on our Tesla this summer, I'm just going to let the car do the majority of the monotonous driving with me keeping an eye on things. The Model S can read speed signs so I will likely set the car to go 5 MPH over the speed limit and sit back to enjoy the ride.
Also crappy navigation in the MB? I have had nothing but good situations with it as well as other companies'. I can also get an updated map every couple years and have not had an issue that couldn't be figured out with an old disk in seconds.
As for Tesla unveiling... I hope they do. I really do. But they were about to Unveil batter swap and autopilot, and the model X, and so on.
Even with autonomous driving I have no desire to go slowly and "enjoy the ride." The destination is the goal, not the ride.
One final thing to consider is that my experience in an S Class doing his trip in the Winter over the same route would be close to the same as in the Summer. What a nightmare standing around waiting would be in the winter.
Last edited by Landers; 07-10-2015 at 04:44 PM.
07-10-2015, 04:52 PM
#346
MBWorld Fanatic!
Being a Mercedes fan (yes, still!) I understand what you mean about the Mercedes driving experience but realize with the Tesla the driving experience changes based on what suspension you have as well as whether you go with the 19 or 21" wheels. With Air Suspension and 19" wheels I have absolutely zero issues with the handling and driving characteristics of the car. It offers to me every bit of the feel of the Mercedes S class driving experience but it is elevated substantially performance wise. It is interesting to note that some of the same suppliers and people involved in the S class suspension actually designed and tuned the Model S suspension.
Based on how the car's weight is contained entirely within the 4 wheels and just inches above the ground where the battery pack resides, the Model S is superbly balanced and it is well planted. The 2000lb battery pack is part of the support structure for the car and the center of gravity is so low when they were crash testing the car, they could not make the car roll over using the normal methods used for other cars:
"Tesla added that the Model S was about 50 percent better than its competitors in the rollover test. In fact, the Model S didn't roll over at all through normal methods; it took unique situations to actually turn it over, and Tesla said this is because the battery is mounted below the floor pan for a low center of gravity."
http://www.dailytech.com/Teslas+Mode...ticle33209.htm
The Tesla is every bit as safe (if not more so) than a Mercedes S class. A while ago when they were crash testing the car, the Tesla actually broke the machine that was trying to crush the roof.
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles...-dot-literally
http://www.wired.com/2013/08/tesla-model-s-crash-test/
We'd never have considered a Porsche 911 as it would have been very unpractical for our needs. We like a larger car with more space and we can leave just about any Porsche in the dust in normal street driving situations.
Interesting your mention of the sound of a V8 engine. We still own our E550. After owning the Tesla for several months I've come to really dislike engine sounds of any type. I now see all the engine sounds, vibration and gear shifts to be completely unnecessary and I can't imagine ever buying an ICE car. The other day we took our E550 for servicing and on the way back home I floored the gas at an onramp, for several seconds after I took my foot off the accelerator the car held the lower gear and you could hear the engine roar at high RPM when I was done with my acceleration jaunt. My girlfriend asked if something was wrong with the car and I Just told her that's normal and that in several seconds it will switch gears and the horrible sound of the engine running at high RPM will go away.
I will again agree on Mercedes having a better interior. I hope one day soon Mercedes pulls its head out of its *** and builds a modern car with a high performance and long range EV drivetrain to offer Tesla some competition. For anyone looking for a premium EV Tesla is the only game in town likely for the next couple of years.
I also agree than a Mercedes S class with a Tesla drivetrain and a ~300/350 mile battery would be an incredible vehicle. The technology exists today to build such a vehicle, whenever Mercedes decides to stop dicking around with hybrids.
Based on how the car's weight is contained entirely within the 4 wheels and just inches above the ground where the battery pack resides, the Model S is superbly balanced and it is well planted. The 2000lb battery pack is part of the support structure for the car and the center of gravity is so low when they were crash testing the car, they could not make the car roll over using the normal methods used for other cars:
"Tesla added that the Model S was about 50 percent better than its competitors in the rollover test. In fact, the Model S didn't roll over at all through normal methods; it took unique situations to actually turn it over, and Tesla said this is because the battery is mounted below the floor pan for a low center of gravity."
http://www.dailytech.com/Teslas+Mode...ticle33209.htm
The Tesla is every bit as safe (if not more so) than a Mercedes S class. A while ago when they were crash testing the car, the Tesla actually broke the machine that was trying to crush the roof.
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles...-dot-literally
http://www.wired.com/2013/08/tesla-model-s-crash-test/
We'd never have considered a Porsche 911 as it would have been very unpractical for our needs. We like a larger car with more space and we can leave just about any Porsche in the dust in normal street driving situations.
Interesting your mention of the sound of a V8 engine. We still own our E550. After owning the Tesla for several months I've come to really dislike engine sounds of any type. I now see all the engine sounds, vibration and gear shifts to be completely unnecessary and I can't imagine ever buying an ICE car. The other day we took our E550 for servicing and on the way back home I floored the gas at an onramp, for several seconds after I took my foot off the accelerator the car held the lower gear and you could hear the engine roar at high RPM when I was done with my acceleration jaunt. My girlfriend asked if something was wrong with the car and I Just told her that's normal and that in several seconds it will switch gears and the horrible sound of the engine running at high RPM will go away.
I will again agree on Mercedes having a better interior. I hope one day soon Mercedes pulls its head out of its *** and builds a modern car with a high performance and long range EV drivetrain to offer Tesla some competition. For anyone looking for a premium EV Tesla is the only game in town likely for the next couple of years.
I also agree than a Mercedes S class with a Tesla drivetrain and a ~300/350 mile battery would be an incredible vehicle. The technology exists today to build such a vehicle, whenever Mercedes decides to stop dicking around with hybrids.
The two cars should not be compared other than if you have a lot of $$$ to spend on a car these are among your choices - but so is a Porsche 911. If you want an all electric vehicle, Tesla is your only choice. To me, that is why so many people are purchasing the Model S. A gas engine provides a very different driving experience from an electric vehicle.
I have driven a Tesla S several times. It is quiet and it handles very well. It is a fun car to drive and the tech aspect is great. As you drive it you feel that you have stepped into the future and are driving something very special. From what I have been told, the maintenance of a Tesla S is minimal. However, the Tesla S does not provide the driving experience of a MB S550. The MB drives like it is bolted to the ground but the ride is not harsh. You feel like you are driving a vault. I also like the sound of the MB V-8 engine.
I have been driving MBs for the past 16 years and I like that ride. They provide a very comfortable ride that feels very safe and it handles well. The Tesla S feels like it handles a little better, but it does not have the MB feel that I like. For me, it is the ride and the interior that keeps me in the MB camp over Tesla (it is for the same reason why I choose MB over BMW). In addition, I fear that as more Teslas are sold the wait time at the superchargers will double or triple which may not be a big deal unless you need to use one several times per week.
Currently, the two companies have partnered where MB has supplied parts to Tesla. Ultimately, I hope that MB can partner with Tesla to create an all electric vehicle that feels like a MB.
I have driven a Tesla S several times. It is quiet and it handles very well. It is a fun car to drive and the tech aspect is great. As you drive it you feel that you have stepped into the future and are driving something very special. From what I have been told, the maintenance of a Tesla S is minimal. However, the Tesla S does not provide the driving experience of a MB S550. The MB drives like it is bolted to the ground but the ride is not harsh. You feel like you are driving a vault. I also like the sound of the MB V-8 engine.
I have been driving MBs for the past 16 years and I like that ride. They provide a very comfortable ride that feels very safe and it handles well. The Tesla S feels like it handles a little better, but it does not have the MB feel that I like. For me, it is the ride and the interior that keeps me in the MB camp over Tesla (it is for the same reason why I choose MB over BMW). In addition, I fear that as more Teslas are sold the wait time at the superchargers will double or triple which may not be a big deal unless you need to use one several times per week.
Currently, the two companies have partnered where MB has supplied parts to Tesla. Ultimately, I hope that MB can partner with Tesla to create an all electric vehicle that feels like a MB.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; 07-10-2015 at 04:57 PM.
07-10-2015, 05:56 PM
#347
Super Member
The P85D I have today is better than the one I bought new and I could never make that statement for any other car I've bought.
07-10-2015, 10:36 PM
#348
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
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96 and 08 911 turbos
I see not much has changed. Web-whatever is still telling anyone who doesn't prefer the tesla why they are wrong like they are going to change their mind because of one internet blowhard.
I don't really understand how the point that they are different cars for different audiences can be belabored any more than it already has, but I'm sure our resident tesla lover (and his girlfriend) will i'm sure explain it again, several hundred times.
I don't really understand how the point that they are different cars for different audiences can be belabored any more than it already has, but I'm sure our resident tesla lover (and his girlfriend) will i'm sure explain it again, several hundred times.
07-17-2015, 02:56 PM
#349
MBWorld Fanatic!
Speaking of how the Model S keeps getting better, I just received some interesting news from Tesla. They just announced a "Ludicrous Speed Upgrade" for the Model S P85D. If you've watched Space ***** you know where this comes from and it is great they have a sense of humor.
This "upgrade" is also available for existing customers so my P85D just went from insanely fast to ludicrously fast The P85D just became 20% faster to its top speed of 155mph. 0-60 is now 2.8s and the quarter mile time is 10.9 seconds. This means it can pull 1.1 lateral Gs on acceleration (more Gs than what you feel jumping off of a plane) and can corner at 1G. This is nuts for a 5+2 passenger sedan.
They also just announced a modest battery pack upgrade to 300 miles of range.
This makes the Model S an even more compelling choice and I hope sooner or later they let some designers loose inside the Model S to make the interior a bit more luxurious. The era of high performance gasoline cars that reign the road is over. I can't wait for Mercedes to finally build an all electric car to compete with the Model S. The technology is obviously there.
<IMG SRC="http://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/1110x519/80-ludicrous_speed_upgrade_65b38f158c455720bceafa0833 be65d994fe9d59.jpg" width="600">
This "upgrade" is also available for existing customers so my P85D just went from insanely fast to ludicrously fast
The P85D just became 20% faster to its top speed of 155mph. 0-60 is now 2.8s and the quarter mile time is 10.9 seconds. This means it can pull 1.1 lateral Gs on acceleration (more Gs than what you feel jumping off of a plane) and can corner at 1G. This is nuts for a 5+2 passenger sedan.They also just announced a modest battery pack upgrade to 300 miles of range.
This makes the Model S an even more compelling choice and I hope sooner or later they let some designers loose inside the Model S to make the interior a bit more luxurious. The era of high performance gasoline cars that reign the road is over. I can't wait for Mercedes to finally build an all electric car to compete with the Model S. The technology is obviously there.
<IMG SRC="http://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/1110x519/80-ludicrous_speed_upgrade_65b38f158c455720bceafa0833 be65d994fe9d59.jpg" width="600">
Last edited by WEBSRFR; 07-17-2015 at 03:06 PM.
