Tesla Model S 70D

NEED TO KNOW

Model S’ price tag includes the £5,000 electric vehicle grant from the Government

Essentials

Tesla Model S 70D

Price: £55,000 Engine: Dual motors Power: 256bhp front, 324bhp rear Transmission: Single speed, four-wheel drive 0-60mph: 5.2 seconds

Top speed: 140mph Range: 275 miles ON SALE Now

TeslaModel S70D

Running costs

275-mile range £0 fill-up

FIRST DRIVE Entry point to Model S range makes more sense than ever

Steve Fowler

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler

IT might be the mega-quickTesla Model S

P90D with its Ludicrous mode that’s grabbing all the headlines, but at the same time a new, all-wheel-drive ‘entry-level’ 70D model has also arrived – and we’ve driven it.

It always seems odd to use the phrase entry-level for a car that costs £55,000 (after the £5,000 Government incentive), especially when the 70D feels anything but entry-level. It looks pretty much the same as any other Model S, while the levels of kit, fit and finish are the same as more expensive versions – which means very good.

The badging on the boot refers to the battery pack hidden under the floor – in this case a 70kWh battery. The D refers to the dual-motor four-wheel-drive system – one motor on the front axle and one on the back – and there’s a rear-wheeldrive-only version that’ll save you £4,200.

Tesla claims a range of 275 miles on a single charge (which will cost you nothing if you top up at one of the firm’s Supercharger stations), while 0-60mph takes 5.2 seconds. That might not be as face-altering as the maximum attack models, but it’ll widen the eyes of most passengers, especially when combined with the gentle whirr that sounds like a tape deck on fast forward.

It’s difficult to draw comparisons with this all-electric super-saloon, but a BMW 535d M Sport costs a little bit less, is a little bit slower and a little less well equipped. Oh, and with a claimed average of 53mpg, the BMW will, in theory, go around 800 miles before you need to fill it up, at which time you’ll have to cough up about £80. You’ll have to charge the Tesla more frequently, but it’ll probably cost you less than 10 per cent of that for a similar mileage – or nothing if you use a Supercharger. And the Tesla wins hands down on company car tax, due to its zero tailpipe emissions.

The biggest joy of the driving experience is the instant arrival of torque from the moment you floor the throttle – either at standstill or at speed. The 70D gets a big 524Nm slug of torque, which keeps on coming up to 140mph. However, Teslas aren’t all about driving quickly – the 70D is comfortable, riding nicely on its 19-inch wheels over our short test route, and it’s spacious with plenty of room for two or three at the back, plus the option of two more seats in the boot (for an extra £2,500).

The weight of the batteries can be felt through corners and the steering isn’t BMW sharp, but sit back and enjoy the straightline bursts and you’ll have few complaints. EQUIPMENT Delve into the options and you’ll find Autopilot, which comprises automatic cruise control, lane keep assistance and self-parking

HANDLING Entry-level all-wheeldrive Tesla has a good ride on 19-inch wheels, although handling is not as sharp as on a BMW 5 Series

PRACTICALITY Model S has more boot space than a BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class, as its small electric motor allows for a flat floor

Verdict

DRIVING every Tesla is an occasion and the new 70 models make it more affordable than ever. The 70D still impresses with its acceleration and its calm, relaxed nature, while quality and kit make it an easy car to live with. A 275-mile range is good too, and while that trails a BMW 5 Series, the big win comes in running costs. These latest Teslas are making electric car living more appealing than ever. ★★★★★