Tesla Model S Gets Loads Of Praise From Consumer Reports

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla Motors)

Not that long ago, Consumer Reports didn’t seem such a fan of the Tesla Model S, complaining of trouble with the retractable door handles. Things have changed quite a bit since then, with the organization saying the Model S P85D is the top-rated car it’s ever tested.

Consumer Reports heaps plenty of praise onto the Model S P85D, saying that it’s one of the quietest cars ever tested. The organization also gushed about the “catapult” acceleration that’s been the subject of many entertaining YouTube videos, while still being a comfortable vehicle to ride in just about any on-road situation.

Not surprisingly, Consumer Reports also found that Tesla does onboard technology better than pretty much anyone else in the industry. The huge tablet-like touchscreen in the center stack works quickly and doesn’t require drivers to squint while navigating the menus, which are big pluses. Even more important is that connectivity and various advanced features are integrated well, something that many automakers struggle to get even remotely right.

There were many, many other points of praise cited by Consumer Reports. One of the other big highlights is the Tesla ordering process, which surpasses the usual car dealer runaround and games, presenting car shoppers with a much more streamlined experience. That’s been a controversial aspect of Tesla as a company, but Consumer Reports thinks it’s a huge plus.

Apparently the Model S P85D is so good, it actually achieved a score of 103 out of a possible 100. In other words, the car “broke” the Consumer Reports rating system. As a result the organization said it made some metrics tweaks to the score. Those changes won’t be used on other vehicles, which should be a relief for everyone else. In the end, the Model S P85D is only going to get a score of 100.

While the blindingly fast acceleration of the luxury sedan impressed Consumer Reports, it was also blown away that the car is incredibly efficient. Perhaps this news will help convince more people that Tesla isn’t going anywhere and that the Model S is a game-changer, but the critics will probably never go away.