They were long overdue, but the first Tesla Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid are announced for November and December in France.
While the new generation of Tesla Model S and X have already been circulating for more than a year in the United States, Europeans had to bite their brakes while waiting for Tesla to launch the first deliveries to Europe. Their wait is coming to an end since Tesla announces, in a press release received by Numerama on August 3, the first deliveries of the Model S and X in their Plaid version for the months of November/December 2022 – including in France.
For those who are waiting for the slightly less extreme version of these models, it will be necessary to arm themselves with a little more patience, because the first deliveries will only begin in 2023. If you want to order yours, the Model S Plaid configurator and Model X Plaid is now open on the Tesla site.
Exclusive performance for a large electric sedan
The return of the Model S and Model X is good news, although the bulk of sales will remain on the Model 3 and Model Y, which remain more affordable despite the price increases of recent months. It was time for the S3XY range to be complete again in the brand’s catalog.
For those who have forgotten why the Plaid version is so awaited, it is enough to quote some technical data of the Model S Plaid:
- Three high-performance motors with carbon-coated rotors;
- Torque vector control;
- Up to 1,020 hp of power;
- 0 to 100 km/h: 2.1 seconds (compared to 3.2 for the Model S dual motor);
- Top speed: 322 km/h (it requires a paid hardware update);
- Autonomy: 600 km.
Do we really need such an abundance of power on a daily basis? Clearly not, but at this price, why deprive yourself of it. A few years ago, to exceed 1,000 hp, you had to be able to buy a Bugatti Veyron for several million euros.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is still much more affordable, even if its starting price is displayed at €138,900. The new generation of Model S brings its share of new features, such as the Yoke steering wheel.
We had somewhat forgotten such high prices in the Tesla catalog, but it reminds us of the first Model S which then bore the letter P, which has since become the “Performance” versions. This is the price to pay to obtain a slightly more exclusive version within the range of the American manufacturer, in any case, until the arrival of the Tesla Roadster.
The Model X also has its Plaid version
We often talk about the Model S for the Plaid version, but the Model X also has its supercharged version.
The Model X Plaid flaunts the same tri-motor and battery assembly. It therefore also has 1,020 hp of power, but its 0 to 100 km/h is established in 2.6 seconds and its maximum speed is limited to 262 km/h. The WLTP autonomy is announced for 528 km, against 600 km for the Model S Plaid.
For the price, the Model X Plaid starts from €141,900. You shouldn’t see many of them on the roads. It should also be noted that the Plaid version of the Model X is only available in the 6-seater configuration.