After years of driving a 2016 Model S, the upgrade to the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid with Full Self-Driving (FSD) was highly anticipated. Initially, the plan was to move to the Plaid+ for its promised features and extended range, but with its cancellation, a shift to the Model S Plaid was made. Despite a few order adjustments and some waiting, the delivery finally happened. This review dives into the real-world experience of owning and driving the 2021 Model S Plaid, comparing it directly to a previous generation Model S to highlight the advancements and nuances of this high-performance EV.
Navigating the Yoke: First Impressions
The yoke steering wheel in the 2021 Model S Plaid has been a talking point, and approaching it with an open mind was key. While largely a non-issue in daily driving, a couple of scenarios revealed minor drawbacks. On winding roads, especially when needing to quickly indicate a turn, the button placement on the yoke can be less intuitive than a traditional steering wheel, occasionally leading to missed signals when the yoke is not horizontally oriented. Although, in line with Tesla’s vision, the expectation is that Full Self-Driving will eventually mitigate such manual input needs.
Another minor adjustment is the proximity of the windshield wiper button to the cruise control thumbwheel. Accidental activation of the wipers while adjusting cruise speed is a recurring, albeit minor, inconvenience. Similar to the earlier Model S, initiating Autosteer at lower speeds in urban environments does not automatically adjust to increasing speed limits, a point for potential software refinement.
However, these points are far from deal-breakers. The yoke quickly becomes comfortable, offering an unobstructed view of the digital displays, and for the majority of driving situations, it feels natural and even enhances the futuristic feel of the Plaid.
Unleashing the “Plaid” Performance
The “Plaid” badge signifies a significant leap in performance, and the 2021 Model S Plaid delivers in spades. Handling is exceptionally sharp, surpassing any previous driving experience, including high-performance vehicles like Porsche Caymans and Panamera loaners. The car feels firmly planted, a testament to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension system.
While outright speed isn’t the primary focus for every driver, the sheer acceleration capability of the Plaid is breathtaking. A casual full-throttle acceleration test from around 45 mph in a passing zone demonstrated its phenomenal power. The surge of speed is unlike anything experienced before, rocketing to 104 mph in a matter of moments. This raw power, while exhilarating, demands respect and highlights the importance of responsible driving.
Interestingly, exceeding a certain speed threshold triggered a temporary disabling of Autosteer, indicating a sophisticated safety mechanism. Even a system reboot couldn’t immediately restore Autosteer functionality, showcasing Tesla’s commitment to safety engineering. This feature underscores the advanced safety considerations integrated into Tesla vehicles, often exceeding those of traditional automakers. Regaining Autosteer required completing the current “trip” and initiating a new one, a testament to the robust safety protocols in place.
Autopilot and the Path to Full Self-Driving
Tesla’s Autopilot system, even in its current form, is a valuable driver-assistance tool, requiring constant driver attention and readiness to intervene. The technology provides an extra layer of safety and can be particularly helpful in mitigating driver fatigue or distraction.
One notable update in the 2021 Model S Plaid is the enhanced traffic light recognition. The car now alerts to traffic lights, regardless of color, sometimes prompting unnecessary slowing. While this cautious approach might be refined with future FSD updates, it prioritizes safety, erring on the side of caution.
Autosteer capabilities have also seen significant improvements. It now functions effectively even on gravel roads and demonstrates enhanced lane recognition, even on roads with faded or complex markings. The system confidently navigates lane seams and maintains a stable, “on-rails” feel.
Encountering road construction further showcased Autosteer’s capabilities. The car adeptly navigated around cones, including a fallen cone, maintaining a safe distance and smoothly returning to the lane center. The system’s ability to recognize and react to road furniture is a clear step forward in autonomous driving technology.
The driver display now provides visual cues for stop signs, traffic lights (including color), and brake lights of preceding vehicles, although turn signals are not yet displayed. The system’s ability to interpret complex lane markings, such as those in roundabouts, is also impressive, demonstrating a level of visual processing that mirrors human driver interpretation.
However, Autopilot is not yet flawless. A situation with a bicyclist highlighted the need for continued vigilance and occasional manual intervention. This real-world data is crucial for Tesla’s ongoing development and refinement of FSD, utilizing data analysis tools like “Dojo” to continuously improve the system’s responsiveness and safety.
A particularly insightful observation is the car’s accurate interpretation of speed limit signs, especially in areas with variable speed limits at town boundaries. The system correctly recognizes and maintains the appropriate speed, even with immediately following “town-wide limit” signs, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of speed regulations.
Image: Interior view of the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid showcasing the yoke steering wheel and minimalist dashboard design.
The Tesla Ecosystem: Continuous Improvement and Owner Loyalty
A key aspect of Tesla ownership is the dynamic nature of the vehicles. Unlike traditional cars that remain static after purchase, Teslas continually evolve through over-the-air software updates, enhancing features and performance over time. This continuous improvement fosters a strong sense of owner loyalty, as the car essentially gets better with age. For older drivers, this is particularly appealing, as the car’s technology can adapt and improve alongside the driver’s changing needs.
Tesla’s approach to updates, focused on safety and improvement rather than just monetization, resonates with owners. This philosophy sets Tesla apart from other manufacturers and positions them as leaders in automotive innovation. The superior vehicle design, combined with the electric powertrain and integration with renewable energy sources, further solidifies Tesla’s position in the market.
The seats in the 2021 Model S Plaid maintain the comfort levels of previous updates, providing excellent support even on long drives. This comfort, coupled with the advancements in technology and performance, places the Model S Plaid significantly ahead of competitors in the luxury car segment.
Refinement in Quietness and Sound
The 2021 Model S Plaid incorporates insulated glass, resulting in a remarkably quiet cabin, even at highway speeds. The noise levels are comparable to, or even better than, luxury vehicles like the Mercedes S560 and Porsche Panamera, creating a serene and refined driving environment.
The sound system in the Plaid is carried over from previous high-end Model S configurations, delivering exceptional audio quality. The system surpasses even premium sound systems in traditional luxury cars, offering minimal distortion and superior clarity, a noticeable improvement over systems like the Burmester in the Mercedes S560.
Addressing “Tesla Time”: Innovation Ahead of Schedule
The notion of Tesla being “late” to market is often discussed, but it overlooks the groundbreaking nature of their innovations. Tesla consistently pushes the boundaries of automotive technology, delivering features and capabilities that competitors are only beginning to consider. While timelines may sometimes be ambitious, the end result is a product that is significantly more advanced and forward-thinking than anything else available.
Elon Musk’s ambitious vision and relentless pursuit of progress have propelled the automotive industry forward at an unprecedented pace. Tesla vehicles are not just cars; they are mobile platforms that are continuously evolving, offering a glimpse into the future of personal transportation, particularly beneficial for enhancing driving safety and extending driving years for older individuals.
Final Verdict: Awe-Inspiring, Yet Grounded
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid is undeniably a technological marvel, a showcase of engineering and innovation. Its performance is exhilarating, its technology is cutting-edge, and its driving experience is unique.
The immense power of the Plaid can be both a thrill and, at times, slightly overwhelming. For some drivers, the standard Model S might be a more balanced choice, offering impressive performance without the Plaid’s extreme capabilities. The decision to opt for the Plaid in this case was driven by quicker availability, and the added cost is viewed as a contribution to Tesla’s mission of sustainable transportation.
One minor drawback noted is the removal of the detailed energy usage display, a feature valued for long-distance driving and range management. This omission necessitates a slight adjustment to EV driving habits, even with the Plaid’s extended range. Restoring this feature through a software update would be a welcome enhancement for dedicated EV enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid is a remarkable vehicle that lives up to its hype. It offers a significant upgrade in performance, technology, and refinement over previous models, solidifying Tesla’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution. The anticipation for experiencing the next level of Full Self-Driving with the FSD Beta update further enhances the excitement of owning this groundbreaking EV.
