Tesla Actual Real World Performance
Discussion
Hi all I’m hoping people who are more knowledgeable than me, with real world experience of a Tesla can enlighten me.
I currently drive a Mercedes A35 which I like but I’m being pushed/forced into EV by a change to the company car policy…including the cash allowance option which I’m currently on. I don’t have a real problem with this and have a test drive booked on Saturday in a Model Y LR (I need a hatchback/boot that fully opens, so Model 3 is a no go).
So I’m trying to establish how fast Teslas actually are and if they just have ‘headline’ grabbing 0-60’s and the acceleration tails off?
The reason I say that is I have had a few on road interactions with model 3 LR and tbh they were slower than I expected, I thought I would get dropped but not the case.
I am trying to decide between a MYLR or an MYP which to me is a £190 per month difference (the way the car scheme works) which I’m happy to pay….BUT
Take the Y performance for example, from what I can see and from you tube vids does 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 mph in 9.1 seconds, so 60 to 100 in 5.6.
My A35 does it in about 6 seconds, so not much slower and it has to change gear?
To be clear I 99% will get a model Y, just trying to get my head around how fast they actually are as I find all the BHP and performance claims to be somewhat inconsistent and odd……am I missing something?
Please share your knowledge…..I’m only 2 days into researching this but things don’t seem to add up, especially seeming vids of the performance getting quite close to a Lamborghini.
I currently drive a Mercedes A35 which I like but I’m being pushed/forced into EV by a change to the company car policy…including the cash allowance option which I’m currently on. I don’t have a real problem with this and have a test drive booked on Saturday in a Model Y LR (I need a hatchback/boot that fully opens, so Model 3 is a no go).
So I’m trying to establish how fast Teslas actually are and if they just have ‘headline’ grabbing 0-60’s and the acceleration tails off?
The reason I say that is I have had a few on road interactions with model 3 LR and tbh they were slower than I expected, I thought I would get dropped but not the case.
I am trying to decide between a MYLR or an MYP which to me is a £190 per month difference (the way the car scheme works) which I’m happy to pay….BUT
Take the Y performance for example, from what I can see and from you tube vids does 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 mph in 9.1 seconds, so 60 to 100 in 5.6.
My A35 does it in about 6 seconds, so not much slower and it has to change gear?
To be clear I 99% will get a model Y, just trying to get my head around how fast they actually are as I find all the BHP and performance claims to be somewhat inconsistent and odd……am I missing something?
Please share your knowledge…..I’m only 2 days into researching this but things don’t seem to add up, especially seeming vids of the performance getting quite close to a Lamborghini.
How often do you deploy the full power of the A35 and do a 0-60 or 0-100 run? I hope you are considering more than just straight power when deciding on which one to have? The EV won't handle anywhere near the same as an A35 so things slower will catch you in the corners.
The advantage of the EV is in the instant torque and smoothness compared to a petrol car, it will feel much quicker (and much nicer to drive) in the car and in the normal every day driving of 0-30 or 40 the EV feel plenty quick enough.
It's worth noting as well that the things most people enjoy about driving a Tesla are relevant to all EVs. Teslas are just the one most people have heard about and they have the advantage of the Supercharger network.
The advantage of the EV is in the instant torque and smoothness compared to a petrol car, it will feel much quicker (and much nicer to drive) in the car and in the normal every day driving of 0-30 or 40 the EV feel plenty quick enough.
It's worth noting as well that the things most people enjoy about driving a Tesla are relevant to all EVs. Teslas are just the one most people have heard about and they have the advantage of the Supercharger network.
Edited by somouk on Thursday 12th January 08:31
Thank you for your response. I agree with everything you stated and I appreciate it’s a totally different driving experience and the handling will be different.
I am purely trying to determine how fast the MYP is and whether the difference between the MYP and MYLR is worth the extra money to me.
I guess I will get a better idea on Saturday.
I am purely trying to determine how fast the MYP is and whether the difference between the MYP and MYLR is worth the extra money to me.
I guess I will get a better idea on Saturday.
I've read from a lot of people who got a Model 3 P when they were new going for an LR when their lease came to an end, because the LR strikes a better balance.
The banzai performance you get low-down on the P is great, but tiresome. Nobody drives like that all the time. Then there's the wheels (I hate both the name and the appearance of "Uberturbines") - they result in a more crashy ride. At higher speeds there's very little between a M3P and an LR. I suspect the same is true of the Model Y.
Even an LR has 100hp+ on your A35. Granted, it's going to weigh somewhere like 4-500kg more, so that's where you'd see your advantage at the moment. I quite like the 'darty' steering you get on the quick-racked Tesla's, something they are sometimes criticised for. But it helps hide their mass and makes them semi-entertaining to drive down a windy road.
It'll be a very different proposition than your A35 for sure. But for the majority of situations an EV is just a more pleasant, relaxing experience.
The banzai performance you get low-down on the P is great, but tiresome. Nobody drives like that all the time. Then there's the wheels (I hate both the name and the appearance of "Uberturbines") - they result in a more crashy ride. At higher speeds there's very little between a M3P and an LR. I suspect the same is true of the Model Y.
Even an LR has 100hp+ on your A35. Granted, it's going to weigh somewhere like 4-500kg more, so that's where you'd see your advantage at the moment. I quite like the 'darty' steering you get on the quick-racked Tesla's, something they are sometimes criticised for. But it helps hide their mass and makes them semi-entertaining to drive down a windy road.
It'll be a very different proposition than your A35 for sure. But for the majority of situations an EV is just a more pleasant, relaxing experience.
So I test drove a MYP today and I’m not sure what I think. I expected to come away really wanting one and loving it. Unfortunately this was not the case.
There lots a positives but it was a ‘meh’ really but I get why people like them.
For me personally, compared to my current car -
Pro’s
It’s relaxing and nice to drive (slowly), I actually caught myself driving at 10 mph below the speed limit a few times (30 in a 40) it seemed to feel right there.
The stereo is on par with the burmester in my car (although that’s not necessarily a good thing).
Loads of space (which I need).
It’s fast but didn’t blow me away.
I thought the ride was good, I don’t get the negatives you hear relating to this, but my cars quite hard so it depends what your used to.
Con’s
It’s fast but didn’t blow me away….I don’t really get the vids of people screaming and shouting at the performances. It’s quick to 60 but that’s about it.
The seats are really not great (to be fair I didn’t spend much time adjusting them so maybe my fault).
The interior materials/quality are no way near as nice as a £60k merc or bmw.
As I said I get why people love them, especially if they are not used to faster cars and the tax breaks make them a no brainier for those who car take advantage of them.
Overall I thought it was nice and quick enough. I dare say I will end off with one as I am being pushed into EV’s by work but it’s far from perfect for what I’d like from a car.
I didn’t mention handling because it is what is and was never expected to match my current car.
There lots a positives but it was a ‘meh’ really but I get why people like them.
For me personally, compared to my current car -
Pro’s
It’s relaxing and nice to drive (slowly), I actually caught myself driving at 10 mph below the speed limit a few times (30 in a 40) it seemed to feel right there.
The stereo is on par with the burmester in my car (although that’s not necessarily a good thing).
Loads of space (which I need).
It’s fast but didn’t blow me away.
I thought the ride was good, I don’t get the negatives you hear relating to this, but my cars quite hard so it depends what your used to.
Con’s
It’s fast but didn’t blow me away….I don’t really get the vids of people screaming and shouting at the performances. It’s quick to 60 but that’s about it.
The seats are really not great (to be fair I didn’t spend much time adjusting them so maybe my fault).
The interior materials/quality are no way near as nice as a £60k merc or bmw.
As I said I get why people love them, especially if they are not used to faster cars and the tax breaks make them a no brainier for those who car take advantage of them.
Overall I thought it was nice and quick enough. I dare say I will end off with one as I am being pushed into EV’s by work but it’s far from perfect for what I’d like from a car.
I didn’t mention handling because it is what is and was never expected to match my current car.
I get that and mainly agree with you, I don’t think the ride is poor though.
The performance is more than adequate, particularly in the performance, BUT a lot of the ‘hype’ around Tesla is the performance and tbh I was underwhelmed.
I also purposefully mentioned that I did mention the handling because I am fully aware it’s not a sports car.
The performance is more than adequate, particularly in the performance, BUT a lot of the ‘hype’ around Tesla is the performance and tbh I was underwhelmed.
I also purposefully mentioned that I did mention the handling because I am fully aware it’s not a sports car.
Tesla? Hype?
Say it ain’t so.
I guess we need to remember that for every video of people wetting themselves at a brisk 0-60 there are hundreds of incidents of people not.
A couple of hundred bhp is likely a lot of people’s idea of a “fast” car. They liked turbo diesels because of the big slug of torque. They will love EVs.
Say it ain’t so.
I guess we need to remember that for every video of people wetting themselves at a brisk 0-60 there are hundreds of incidents of people not.
A couple of hundred bhp is likely a lot of people’s idea of a “fast” car. They liked turbo diesels because of the big slug of torque. They will love EVs.
Driven a few electric cars(including a couple of Teslas) and although the instant power was fun at first, it didn’t take long to get bored of using it (like flappy paddles on a 330d auto).
I think you have to look at it as an a-b commuter car (which it does well) and not the car to take out for a Sunday drive along the twisty b-roads. If having a fun car is important and circumstances allow, I’d just get the LR and use the additional £190pm that a Performance would cost for a 2nd fun car.
I think you have to look at it as an a-b commuter car (which it does well) and not the car to take out for a Sunday drive along the twisty b-roads. If having a fun car is important and circumstances allow, I’d just get the LR and use the additional £190pm that a Performance would cost for a 2nd fun car.
Marc p said:
Driven a few electric cars(including a couple of Teslas) and although the instant power was fun at first, it didn’t take long to get bored of using it (like flappy paddles on a 330d auto).
I think you have to look at it as an a-b commuter car (which it does well) and not the car to take out for a Sunday drive along the twisty b-roads. If having a fun car is important and circumstances allow, I’d just get the LR and use the additional £190pm that a Performance would cost for a 2nd fun car.
That’s an option worth considering. There are cars on the company car list that if I ‘downgrade’ to I get paid some of the difference. I think you have to look at it as an a-b commuter car (which it does well) and not the car to take out for a Sunday drive along the twisty b-roads. If having a fun car is important and circumstances allow, I’d just get the LR and use the additional £190pm that a Performance would cost for a 2nd fun car.
So the MG electric SUV (not sure which one I’d need to check) is plus about £100 a month, so it’s a free car plus £100 minus tax. Which would leave the cost of the Tesla plus what’s left of the £100 to fund a fun car.
The downside of that is 80% of my driving would be in the MG (I have no idea if the MG is good or bad, never driven or seen inside one)…….off to have a look, thanks.
I still have fond memories of my first company car, a 172 Cup……maybe a trophy or caterham (if she lets me).
It’s an option worth checking out.
If I wasn’t being forced down the EV route I would have been happy with a 340i touring….but computer says no.
RichA35 said:
That’s an option worth considering. There are cars on the company car list that if I ‘downgrade’ to I get paid some of the difference.
So the MG electric SUV (not sure which one I’d need to check) is plus about £100 a month, so it’s a free car plus £100 minus tax. Which would leave the cost of the Tesla plus what’s left of the £100 to fund a fun car.
The downside of that is 80% of my driving would be in the MG (I have no idea if the MG is good or bad, never driven or seen inside one)…….off to have a look, thanks.
I still have fond memories of my first company car, a 172 Cup……maybe a trophy or caterham (if she lets me).
It’s an option worth checking out.
If I wasn’t being forced down the EV route I would have been happy with a 340i touring….but computer says no.
It'll be an MG ZS, I've got one.So the MG electric SUV (not sure which one I’d need to check) is plus about £100 a month, so it’s a free car plus £100 minus tax. Which would leave the cost of the Tesla plus what’s left of the £100 to fund a fun car.
The downside of that is 80% of my driving would be in the MG (I have no idea if the MG is good or bad, never driven or seen inside one)…….off to have a look, thanks.
I still have fond memories of my first company car, a 172 Cup……maybe a trophy or caterham (if she lets me).
It’s an option worth checking out.
If I wasn’t being forced down the EV route I would have been happy with a 340i touring….but computer says no.
It's OK but after 12 months it's starting to feel cheap. They've also closed the order book because of 12 month lead times too so you'll not get one any time soon. You may get an MG4, I've no experience of those.
I'm looking to get a Model 3 LR....
I've had my MY LR since March and racked up 12.5k miles on it. My previous car was a 2017 Audi S5 and before that I had a 2015 Golf R.
In regards to "fun", there isn't much to be had, apart from just accelerating at any given speed and being knocked back by it. The handling is really bad if you start throwing it around like you would in your A35, but as others have mentioned it is a family car and not a performance car so those things are expected. I think its the acceleration (in most EV's) that have you feeling like you are in performance car but its far from it. Even the brakes aren't good enough for the power the car has IMO but again others will argue you shouldn't drive it that way.
The biggest benefit will be its running costs. I've got a home charger and on an Octopus EV tariff meaning between 23:30-05:30 I'm only paying 7p per kWh. So those 12.5k miles have cost me around £350-400 lol which is just absurd. So to think you can have a pretty fast car that costs this little to run is an amazing thing IMO.
Agreed the interior etc isn't all that but their OTA software updates are really good. Since I've had it they pushed an update out which basically added blind spot monitoring when indicating, so when you indicate the camera on the wing activates and shows you the image on the big screen. Pretty cool for a free upgrade. That's just an example but there have been other nice updates.
The fact your phone is your key is also nice, just walk up to the car and open the door. You can also turn the climate control on via the app so when you get in its all nice and warm, or cool. The cameras also act as dashcams so another expense saved there.
All in all, I think you will be ok with it. I don't massively miss my previous cars so for me that shows that even though the Tesla lacks some things in comparison to the cars mentioned, the stuff it has over them makes up for it IMO.
In regards to "fun", there isn't much to be had, apart from just accelerating at any given speed and being knocked back by it. The handling is really bad if you start throwing it around like you would in your A35, but as others have mentioned it is a family car and not a performance car so those things are expected. I think its the acceleration (in most EV's) that have you feeling like you are in performance car but its far from it. Even the brakes aren't good enough for the power the car has IMO but again others will argue you shouldn't drive it that way.
The biggest benefit will be its running costs. I've got a home charger and on an Octopus EV tariff meaning between 23:30-05:30 I'm only paying 7p per kWh. So those 12.5k miles have cost me around £350-400 lol which is just absurd. So to think you can have a pretty fast car that costs this little to run is an amazing thing IMO.
Agreed the interior etc isn't all that but their OTA software updates are really good. Since I've had it they pushed an update out which basically added blind spot monitoring when indicating, so when you indicate the camera on the wing activates and shows you the image on the big screen. Pretty cool for a free upgrade. That's just an example but there have been other nice updates.
The fact your phone is your key is also nice, just walk up to the car and open the door. You can also turn the climate control on via the app so when you get in its all nice and warm, or cool. The cameras also act as dashcams so another expense saved there.
All in all, I think you will be ok with it. I don't massively miss my previous cars so for me that shows that even though the Tesla lacks some things in comparison to the cars mentioned, the stuff it has over them makes up for it IMO.
NSS89 said:
I've had my MY LR since March and racked up 12.5k miles on it. My previous car was a 2017 Audi S5 and before that I had a 2015 Golf R.
In regards to "fun", there isn't much to be had, apart from just accelerating at any given speed and being knocked back by it. The handling is really bad if you start throwing it around like you would in your A35, but as others have mentioned it is a family car and not a performance car so those things are expected. I think its the acceleration (in most EV's) that have you feeling like you are in performance car but its far from it. Even the brakes aren't good enough for the power the car has IMO but again others will argue you shouldn't drive it that way.
The biggest benefit will be its running costs. I've got a home charger and on an Octopus EV tariff meaning between 23:30-05:30 I'm only paying 7p per kWh. So those 12.5k miles have cost me around £350-400 lol which is just absurd. So to think you can have a pretty fast car that costs this little to run is an amazing thing IMO.
Agreed the interior etc isn't all that but their OTA software updates are really good. Since I've had it they pushed an update out which basically added blind spot monitoring when indicating, so when you indicate the camera on the wing activates and shows you the image on the big screen. Pretty cool for a free upgrade. That's just an example but there have been other nice updates.
The fact your phone is your key is also nice, just walk up to the car and open the door. You can also turn the climate control on via the app so when you get in its all nice and warm, or cool. The cameras also act as dashcams so another expense saved there.
All in all, I think you will be ok with it. I don't massively miss my previous cars so for me that shows that even though the Tesla lacks some things in comparison to the cars mentioned, the stuff it has over them makes up for it IMO.
Thank you for taking the time to write that. In regards to "fun", there isn't much to be had, apart from just accelerating at any given speed and being knocked back by it. The handling is really bad if you start throwing it around like you would in your A35, but as others have mentioned it is a family car and not a performance car so those things are expected. I think its the acceleration (in most EV's) that have you feeling like you are in performance car but its far from it. Even the brakes aren't good enough for the power the car has IMO but again others will argue you shouldn't drive it that way.
The biggest benefit will be its running costs. I've got a home charger and on an Octopus EV tariff meaning between 23:30-05:30 I'm only paying 7p per kWh. So those 12.5k miles have cost me around £350-400 lol which is just absurd. So to think you can have a pretty fast car that costs this little to run is an amazing thing IMO.
Agreed the interior etc isn't all that but their OTA software updates are really good. Since I've had it they pushed an update out which basically added blind spot monitoring when indicating, so when you indicate the camera on the wing activates and shows you the image on the big screen. Pretty cool for a free upgrade. That's just an example but there have been other nice updates.
The fact your phone is your key is also nice, just walk up to the car and open the door. You can also turn the climate control on via the app so when you get in its all nice and warm, or cool. The cameras also act as dashcams so another expense saved there.
All in all, I think you will be ok with it. I don't massively miss my previous cars so for me that shows that even though the Tesla lacks some things in comparison to the cars mentioned, the stuff it has over them makes up for it IMO.
It sums up fairly succinctly what I found after an hour with the performance version, particularly the brakes, but I guess it depends what you’re used to. As others as well have pointed out, it’s a fast in a straight line family car, nothing more nothing less, which tbh will suit me and is fine, I guess I was expecting something more ‘sporty’.
So my current thinking is a blue/black LR and enjoy it for what it is and as you pointed out it will be miles cheaper than the current car to run (22.3 mpg over 24k miles).
I can also charge for free at work, so basically free to run.
Thanks again.
Interesting the speed didn’t blow you away 0-60. When I first test drove the m3p I had never felt instant acceleration like that before and had to have one. Lacking top end keeps me out of trouble which I now embrace although things might change when the plaid arrives 
Edited by stef1808 on Sunday 22 January 20:21
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