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The Tesla Model S Plaid has long been billed as the pinnacle of electric sedan performance—and from the moment Sandy Munro and John McElroy got behind the wheel, it delivered. In this first drive review, Munro & Associates share their real-world first impressions of the Model S Plaid, exploring everything from thrilling acceleration to build quality and unique features like the controversial yoke steering wheel.
For automotive engineers, EV enthusiasts, and investors tracking cutting-edge developments, the Model S Plaid sets a new standard in electric vehicle design, cost-performance balance, and technological innovation.
Thrilling Acceleration That Redefines Expectations
As the team launched the Model S Plaid from a roll, the immediate response was universal awe. Sandy Munro and John McElroy noted the sheer, visceral punch of the Plaid’s tri-motor setup—reportedly making it the fastest production sedan in the world. In practice, the Plaid’s instant torque delivered acceleration so aggressive that Munro compared it to the feeling of flying in a fighter jet.
Even without the most aggressive performance settings or specialized tires, the Plaid impressed with nearly unmatched launch capability. Compared to other luxury EVs like the Lucid Air Dream Edition, the Plaid’s power delivery felt even more immediate and thrilling, a testament to Tesla’s dedication to lean design and maximizing performance.
Build Quality: Better, But With Minor Flaws
Build quality has historically been a point of criticism for Tesla, but Munro and McElroy’s detailed inspection of the Plaid showed significant improvement. Using gap gauges, they found most body panel alignments to be consistent and acceptable by industry standards. Only minor issues were noted, such as:
- Slight variation in trunk gaps.
- Tail lamp imperfections caused by vibration welding inconsistencies.
While these issues were visible to experienced engineers, Munro emphasized that they were minor—comparable to flaws occasionally seen on premium brands like Bentley. For typical owners, these would likely go unnoticed.
The improved consistency speaks to Tesla’s evolving manufacturing capabilities, especially important for scaling production without sacrificing quality—a key focus in lean manufacturing principles.
Yoke Steering: Innovative but Divisive
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the Model S Plaid is its yoke steering wheel. For McElroy, initial impressions were mixed. While the yoke felt natural for straight-line driving, tight cornering remained awkward without speed-sensitive steering.
Munro pointed out that if Tesla incorporated variable steering ratios—similar to Formula 1 setups or advanced steer-by-wire systems—the yoke could become a groundbreaking innovation that other OEMs would likely imitate.
From a lean design standpoint, removing the top portion of a traditional steering wheel improves visibility of the instrument cluster and eases ingress and egress. Still, the lack of speed-sensitive steering means the current implementation feels like a partial step toward what could eventually become an industry standard.
Both reviewers agreed that an over-the-air (OTA) update enabling speed-sensitive steering could dramatically improve user experience without requiring hardware changes—an engineering strategy Tesla excels at.
Interior Innovations: Usability and Storage
Inside, the Model S Plaid impressed with thoughtful updates:
- Console Storage: Clever sliding compartments expand and collapse for modular use, providing greater flexibility.
- Rear Seat Comfort: While rear seating offers generous legroom, McElroy noted limited thigh support, which could impact long-distance comfort.
- Dual Screens: The secondary display allows intuitive access to controls without overwhelming the driver.
One area for potential improvement identified by Munro was the front trunk (frunk) operation. While the frunk offers excellent storage space, he suggested that Tesla should engineer a kicker mechanism to make opening the frunk lid easier and more consistent with the luxury experience.
Attention to such minor usability improvements would continue aligning Tesla with traditional premium brands while maintaining its advantage in lean, cost-effective innovation.
Driving Impressions: Pure Performance, Everyday Usability
Once on the road, the Model S Plaid reinforced its reputation as a world-class performance machine. Acceleration from a standstill or low-speed roll was instantaneous and gut-wrenching, highlighting Tesla’s superior motor control and battery management systems.
Interestingly, the Plaid achieved these results on regular tires—not performance-oriented ones—and without enabling Ludicrous Mode, demonstrating the efficiency and headroom engineered into the platform.
While the Plaid’s body design remains largely unchanged after a decade, it still feels contemporary, largely due to the scarcity of Model S vehicles in many regions compared to states like California. The understated, aerodynamic shape continues to appeal to drivers seeking performance without ostentation.
Key Takeaways for Automotive Engineers and Enthusiasts
The Tesla Model S Plaid offers several important lessons for the EV industry:
- Performance with Scalability: Tesla has delivered supercar-like performance in a package suitable for everyday use, without massive cost overhead.
- Continuous Improvement: Small flaws remain, but Tesla’s build quality has significantly matured compared to earlier models.
- OTA Potential: The hardware design anticipates future software upgrades, embodying lean design and smart investment in product longevity.
- Bold Experimentation: The yoke steering wheel shows Tesla’s willingness to challenge conventions—an approach that can both alienate and attract consumers.
Final Verdict: A Milestone for EV Technology
Munro & Associates’ Model S Plaid impressions highlight one critical truth: Tesla remains the benchmark for blending high performance, innovative design, and cost-efficiency in electric vehicles.
Minor cosmetic issues aside, the Plaid stands as a masterpiece of modern automotive engineering. It’s a reminder that the EV race isn’t just about range anymore—it’s about redefining what’s possible at every level, from acceleration to user experience to manufacturing excellence.
For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, the Model S Plaid serves as both a symbol of what electric vehicles have achieved and a roadmap for where the industry is headed.
Interested in more teardown insights, lean design analysis, and EV technology reviews? Stay with Munro for upcoming road trip reports and expert breakdowns!