Last year, Tesla unveiled the updated Model 3 Highland sedan in various European locations before bringing it to the United States just last month. Perhaps they prioritized local matters, such as the initial deliveries of the powerful Cybertruck, which is set to compete against the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, Rivian R1T, Chevy Silverado EV, and the upcoming GMC Sierra EV and Ram 1500 REV, all while sporting a futuristic design.
On the other hand, the sales of Tesla’s Model Y crossover SUV skyrocketed due to recent price reductions, making it the fifth best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2023. It also claimed the top spot for deliveries in Europe and posed a challenge to Toyota’s RAV4 and Corolla family in the global market. However, what about Tesla’s flagship sedan, the “old” Model S, and their crossover SUV, the Model X?
These models have not been forgotten, especially since the impressive tri-motor all-wheel drive Model S Plaid has become more affordable as of late. In the United States, it now costs only $90k, while in Germany, it is priced at 110k euro. Although it may not match the Lucid Air Sapphire in terms of cost, this version of the Model S Plaid still packs a punch with 1,020 electric horsepower, surpassing most non-electric cars that haven’t been heavily modified. But don’t just take our word for it; we have a compelling example to demonstrate its capabilities.
The folks at the KaRace YouTube channel in Germany enjoy showcasing battles between different types of vehicles and were given the opportunity to set up an impromptu race on the airstrip of a local airfield. This time, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, which had previously competed against an Audi R8 V10 and an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, returns with hopes of finally securing a victory. Normally, a sports car like the 473-horsepower Porsche 911 Carrera GTS would have no trouble defeating a heavy electric sedan.
However, this particular electric sedan is the Tesla Model S Plaid, and after a few unsuccessful launches, the drivers eventually mastered the use of launch control, providing us with some intense yet unprepared quarter-mile action. Porsche enthusiasts might want to avert their gaze from these two drag races because the 911 is simply no match for the Plaid, despite its impressive 11.5-second quarter-mile time and acceleration to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 3.3 seconds.
Even on an unprepared surface, the Tesla Model S Plaid continues to reign as the king of sub-nine-second quarter-mile runs, achieving two impressive times of 9.1 and 9.2 seconds, along with a blistering 2.1-second sprint to 62 mph. Pretty cool, isn’t it?