I would enjoy hearing more about your experiences with the Model S if you care to take to the time. What you like about it? What could be changed? How about the service? I hear you get a representative who works with the owner on service and any problems the owner may have. If so, what do you think of it?
I would be happy to.
If the mods think this should go somewhere else please feel free to move it or let me know how to, but it does seem to be on topic
We are are two car household with an attached garage (insulated but not heated).
I LOVE how smooth, and quite the car is. The torque is instantly available and is very linear. It feels as it accelerates from 40-65 as quickly as it does from 0-25 or 15-40.
While performance isn't my primary concern, I do enjoy the performance the vehicle offers. 0-60 time is 5.6 seconds. Performance version is 4.4s.
The center of mass is incredibly low for a sedan. With the battery pack in a skateboard design along the bottom of the car, the handling is increadibly solid. I tried taking a cloverleaf at 40 and had no difficulty. The car stayed very solidly grounded. I could try faster but I don't think my nerves would take it
It is a hatchback design that seats 5+2 (2 optional rear facing jump seats appropriate for kids only). The spot in the middle of the back seat is acutally usable as there is no 'transmition tunnel' down the middle of the car. Floor is flat so you have more room.
Storage between the hatchback and the trunk under the front hood is about 30 cubic feet.
Interior is very clean in appearance. Modern/contemporary you might say. If you like lots of buttons, you won't like the Model S
Steering wheel controls are available and can be modified in a limited way. Right steering wheel control dial can be set to control temperature, media source or one other item which I can't remember at the moment.
Things Tesla can improve on:
I would like to see them add an optional center console solution. My wife loves the large open area between the front seats. I like it, but would also like to see some 'covered' storage solution for iPods, spare change, etc. Using the open space is very convenient for my wife's large purse or my bookbag.
Better placed cupholders and cupholders for the back would be nice.
I have heard that Tesla is working on both of these options now, but I have yet to see them.
Controls for charging needs the capability to set a time to start (or end) the charge. This is very important for people that have time of use metering.
Adaptive cruise control would be nice. I don't care about this so much for myself. But it is something most all of their competition has and they are missing.
I wouldn't mind a smaller car, but that really isn't in the realm of things they could do differently with this model. It really becomes a new model. I am looking forward to their next generation sedan in 2-4 years which is supposed to be a smaller, more economical version.
Service:
Service is outstanding! This is based on my service experience with the Roadster in the last couple of years. The only 'service' experience with the Model S so far is when their delivery specialist came up to give us our introductory tour. He spent a couple hours with us showing us different aspects of the car, chatting about Tesla, Space X and going for a couple of test drives.
Service has always been friendly, extremely knowledgable, and prompt. For brake/alignment/wheel service I would take it to a local shop. For Tesla specific work (battery/drivetrain etc) one of the Tesla Rangers would come up from Chicago and do what work they needed to in my garage or driveway.
I have always called the service manager at the Chicago service center for any issues. All Model S deliveries have been given a Delivery Specialist to work with to arrange time and place of delivery (ours was delivered to our house, some people have them delivered to work). Some have picked up the car at the factory in California and gotten a factory tour. I know one couple that flew out to California to pick up their car at the factory and drove it back to Maine (it was a vacation trip, took 8-10 days I think, you certainly couldn't do it if you were in a rush).
If you have any questions feel free to ask. If you are in MN or western WisconsinI would be happy to give you a close up look