Tesla Model S P85D Scores Above a Perfect Score

Image: http://en.autowp.ru/picture/pj6lvkDidn’t you just hate the smart kids in class who would always flaunt their 100/100 perfect test scores in your face? Of course if you where that kid, that’s another story. But the Tesla Model S P85D not only scored a perfect score, it actually went above it!

It’s no secret that Consumer Reports is a hard taskmaster when it comes to scoring and rating products, and CR has definitely earned this reputation with its high standards and critical testing. But the Tesla Model S P85D electric car broke all records by scoring 103 points out of a possible 100.

This achievement by Tesla is the highest rating ever given to any car tested and reviewed by Consumer Reports. The closest competitor’s score was two years ago with 99/100. But it wasn’t really a competitor at all; it was Tesla’s own Model S all-electric sedan.

How to Get 103/100

Getting a perfect score is one thing, but how does a tested car get more than 100 points? According to Consumer Reports’ own grading system, the Tesla was able to surpass the 100 point mark because of an inherent grading curve glitch. Because no car was ever expected to score a perfect score, when the Tesla did, it disrupted the scoring algorithm and it tallied more than 100 points.

Since then, Consumer Reports has adjusted its grading parameters to account for rare situations such as this. So when all was said and done, the 103/100 score was readjusted to a “mere” 100/100. What? No extra credit?

The Testing Parameters

As expected the major feature that stood out for the Tesla was its uncanny power and performance. The electric motors give the rider a jolting rush of acceleration; sort of like being shot out of a cannon. The power to the wheels is instantaneous and it will take a little while to realize just how much torque and performance is available to the driver.

If you like doing 0-60 against other cars, the Tesla can blow away the competition with ease. You’ll see 60 mph from a standing start in just 3.5 seconds. The dual electric motors mean you’re getting 691 horsepower per axle; one electric motor up front and one at the rear.

For a totally electric-powered car the Tesla Model S P85D has some pretty decent range per charge. You can expect to get an average of 265 miles before plugging it in again.

To get faster charge times you’ll need an optional Tesla high powered charger, which shortens it to around 5-hours. If you use a standard 240-vole outlet, this will lengthen the charge time to 12-hours. If you only have regular 120-volt house current—forgetaboutit. This means 2 ½ days for a full charge.

Other things the Tesla was tested on was its ride comfort, road noise, braking distance, handling, cargo area, cabin features, overall interior quality, infotainment system, gauges, instrument controls, and many other factors.

When all was said and done, the Consumer Reports team felt that certain minor issues could be improved upon, but overall the Tesla was the best car to ever enter through the garage doors of CR.

But be aware that having a 100/000 car is expensive. The Tesla Model S P85D will set you back about $128,000, as equipped, for the Consumer Reports test. So, do you still want one?

Source: Consumer Reports

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