70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
70D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
2017 Tesla Model S Sedan is far more acrobatic than any car on the road and amazes one to no end. Colossal acceleration, cutting-edge technology and covering 315 miles on a full charge.
A relatively eccentric car in the world, the Tesla Model S is far more acrobatic than any car on the road and amazes one to no end. Colossal acceleration, cutting-edge technology, and covering 315 miles on a full charge, this automobile is absolutely an electric grandeur sedan that gives you a feeling of floating in the air while driving it. Given its versatility, the Honda Clarity seems to be the only competitor there is to the Model S.
Starting at $68,000 for trim 60, the 2017 Tesla Model S Sedan goes up to $135,000 for the trim P100D. Tesla offers 7 trims in this model and they all offer comfortable seating for 5 and transmission 1-speed automatic, making it stand alone in the crowd of the petrol/diesel driven cars. While the Model S' oneness lies in its design and performance, the availability of an optional AWD setup adds to its likability.
The 2017 Tesla Model S Sedan comes in a variety of trims: 60, 60D, 75, 75D, 90D, 100D, and P100D. The digits depict the kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity of its battery while the "D" is meant for the dual-motor. The all-wheel-drive system is configured in all of the trims of this model except the 60 which comes with a rear-wheel-drive setup.
Trim |
60 |
75 |
90D |
100D |
P100D |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$68,000 |
$69,500 |
$87,500 |
$92,500 |
$134,500 |
MSRP (D) |
$73,000 |
$74,500 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Key Features |
19-inch wheels with All-season tires |
Adds to 60 trim features |
Adds to 75 trims features |
Adds to 90D trim features |
Adds to 100D trim features |
LED headlights |
Maximum battery function and capacity |
Carbon-fiber rear spoiler |
100-kWh battery pack for increased range |
In-cabin air filter |
|
Access to Tesla's Supercharger network |
Heated front seats |
Seven speakers |
Range of 335 miles |
Heated rear seats |
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Power liftgate |
17-inch touchscreen display |
Dual USB ports |
Heated steering wheel |
|
17-inch touchscreen |
Blind Spot Monitoring |
Front & rearview cameras |
Lane Departure Warning |
12-speaker premium audio system |
|
Navigation system |
Wi-Fi hotspot |
Voice command system |
Synthetic leather upholstery |
||
Rearview camera k |
Front & rear parking sensors |
Automatic emergency braking |
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column |
||
Keyless entry |
Power-folding and heated side mirrors |
Cloth and premium vinyl upholstery |
Bluetooth connectivity |
||
Blind-Spot Warning |
Lane Departure Warning |
60/40-split folding rear seats |
Buying Advice
In terms of feature load, each trim of the Tesla Model S comes equipped with a similar set of advanced and hi-tech specifications. Hence, what you have to be concerned about are battery pack size and driving range. We recommend buying the 75 trim level for it packs all the latest features like keyless entry, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, enhanced Autopilot, etc. Also, it offers a driving range of 250 miles which is quite good.
Ever been in an electric car? It's different, to say the least. It's super quiet, offers nimble handling, and delivers exceptional torque - 317 lb-ft in the trim 60. It is impressively efficient and driving is not less than being a Navy's flight school. The Tesla Model S provides an athletic experience with distinct power and torque outputs with each trim level. As standard, all trims make use of a 1-speed direct drive transmission setup, which is similar to what its competitor, the 2017 Clarity, makes use of.
Models |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$68,000 |
$36,620 |
Engine |
Electric DD |
Electric DD |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
1-speed Direct Drive |
1-speed Direct Drive |
Horsepower |
380 hp |
174 hp |
Torque |
317 lb-ft |
221 lb-ft |
To be quite blunt, if you are interested in buying a Honda Clarity, you might as well give your money away to charity. With a difference of just $35,380, the Tesla Model S gives you horsepower that is enough to put Honda to shame. The Honda Clarity develops decent power and torque and has a good bargain to its price, but its 174hp and 221lb.-ft of power and torque respectively are considerably lower when compared to the base variant of the 2017 Model S.
The Tesla Model S 75D has a 75-kWh battery and a range of 259 miles. It can go from 0-60 mph in just whooshing 4.2 seconds. The model delivers outstanding acceleration and more than enough power for any driving situation while you nail on that acceleration pedal. The higher trims are even more impressive. The Model S 100D and Model S P100D each feature a 100-kWh battery.
The 100D has a range of 335 miles - the longest range of an electric vehicle in any automobile market - and a zero to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The P100D is the highest-performance trim and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in an eye blinking 2.5 seconds.
Models |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
5.5 |
7.7 |
Quarter mile (sec) |
10.5 |
15.6 |
Engine |
Electric DD |
Electric DD |
Top Speed (mph) |
155 |
100 |
The Tesla Model S speaks for itself. It has the fastest and the most silent acceleration seen in any EV. 10.5 seconds for a quarter-mile should put it on the top of the car of the year list! The second-in-line is the Honda Clarity with 7.7 food 0-60 mph test and 15.6 seconds for the quarter-mile test, which though not sluggish seems slow-moving when compared to the Tesla.
The Tesla Model S isn't a sports car, but you might not remember that when you drive it. And because of its low weight, it can sprint like Usain Bolt! There are smoother rides, but the Model S never feels rough or coarse. Thanks to an adaptive and sharp steering system coupled with the transmission system, the 2017 Model S never feels to be in the wrong gear. Even high-speed cornering is not a herculean task, thanks to a culmination of responsive and precise setup.
The battery pack is close to the ground acting as the car's floor pan due to which you can't stretch out more but it's not uncomfortable.
Tesla comes with regenerative braking or turning the motor into a generator to recharge the battery pack, slowing the car in the process. The brake pads, which you think might need regular replacement on such a high-performance car, last many times longer than those on gasoline cars. The friction brakes are still there for hard or panic braking but they're used only a fraction as much. In the brake test, the car takes 109 feet to decelerate to zero from 60 mph.
Model |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
14.4 |
12.3 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
14.0 |
12.2 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4469 |
4134 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
109 |
129 |
The strong brakes on the Tesla Model S help it to climb on top of the table. Despite being the heaviest car in this competition, the Models S creates a record with 109 feet. In second place is the Honda Clarity, with 129 feet of braking distance, and is positioned in the last spot.
The 2017 Tesla Model S comes with charging adapters for 120- and 240-volt home outlets, as well as a J1772 adapter for public charging stations. Tesla's special Wall Connector can be installed for faster charging speeds. It allows for 34 miles of range per charging hour, and an optional High Amperage Charger increases that capability to 52 miles per hour.
A 98 e-mpg for the city and 101 e-mpg for the highway, the most talked-about electric car offers either of two battery packs with 60 or 85kW-hr capacity, with a maximum driving distance on a charge of 208 and 265 miles, respectively.
Model |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
98 |
126 |
MPG (Highway) |
101 |
103 |
MPG (Combined) |
96 |
NA |
Fuel Capacity |
NA |
NA |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
249 |
NA |
Now, the Honda Clarity gives more mileage in the city or highway but with its horsepower and torque, it's quite reasonable. The Tesla Model S gives sufficient mileage and is a much better value-for-money car.
The Tesla Model S is remarkably comfortable. The seats are well-bolstered, grippy, adjustable, but have no cooling feature. An extra jump seat for two children with four-point harnesses in the rear cargo area is available too. The seats are seated at a good height and a medium-low step-in height makes this an easy car to get in and out of.
The materials used are excellent and everything feels so luxurious. The legroom and headroom space are adequate and almost the same as the other sedans provide. Each aspect of the interior build shouts comfort and opulence. It is curated to cater to the driver and his dynamics to allow him to be in control of the ride at all times.
Model |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.8/57.7/42.7 |
39.1/59.6/42.2 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
35.3/55/35.4 |
37.1/57.2/36.7 |
In terms of space, Honda Clarity and Model S are evenly matched. Like the Tesla, the Clarity offers ample space for both the front and rear-seat occupants. Both cars have an airy and roomy aura to them and it is difficult to declare a certain winner amongst them when space is a factor. Five passengers can be seated as standard. Some of the most notable interior features include:
Technology-wise, the Tesla Model S is way ahead and advanced in its class. The whole infotainment setup is controlled by a 17-inch touchscreen display that is fixed vertically on the center of the dash. Unlike other touchscreens, this screen is very responsive and thanks to its superior graphics, the visibility is quite good. Bluetooth connectivity is a standard offering and so is voice control.
What does feel irksome, however, is the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, which one would expect to find in a car in this date and at its price point. There is a learning curve to operating the infotainment system and complex menu options do feel like a letdown in an otherwise inch-perfect system. Some of the features of the infotainment system include:
With more than 26 cubic feet of cargo room in the rear which can go up to 58 cubes with the rear seats folded, and an additional 5 cubic feet of storage room available under the hood because of the lack of a conventional engine, the 2017 Tesla Model can store anything from long dresser bureaus to even bicycles!
Model |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
Cargo Volume behind rear seats (cu-ft.) |
26 |
11.8 |
Cargo Volume behind front seats (cu-ft.) |
58 |
NA |
The Tesla Model S is the most practical vehicle in this segment. In comparison to other EVs, the Model S offers a maximum cargo volume of 58 cubic feet. With more than 30 cubic feet difference, the Honda Clarity offers just 11.8 cubic feet.
The 2017 Tesla Model S is an all-new car. Brands like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz are all exceptional in their exterior designs, which makes Tesla all the more majestic when considered its exterior lines. It sports a flat, blunt hood with a slim horizontal vent with a small "T" logo in it.
Although the Model S is very sporty, its shape is designed to cut the smallest hole through the air possible. Due to its all-electric powertrain, and low weight, it's the most desirable EV or car, for that matter, in the market. It has a traditional Tesla feel to it with its sleekness and sharpness. The 2017 Model S is mammoth in its dimensions and proportions.
Model |
Tesla Model S |
Honda Clarity |
---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4469 |
4134 |
Length(in) |
196.0 |
192.7 |
Width(in) |
77.3 |
73.9 |
Height(in) |
56.5 |
58.2 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
NA |
NA |
Wheelbase (in) |
116.5 |
108.3 |
Track Width (in) F/R |
65.4/66.9 |
62.5/62.2 |
Tesla may seem the heaviest here but with respect to its dimensions, it is the most efficient car out there. The sporty feel can be attributed to the almost vogue look it dawns. Compared to its rivals, it carries a wheelbase of 116.5 inches and is also the longest car in the segment. On the other hand, the Honda Clarity is taller and is considerably lighter. The 2017 Tesla Model S Sedan offers many exterior features including -
The Tesla Model S has aced every federal test known to mankind. The IIHS has rated the Model S and gave ‘Good’ ratings in most of the crash tests. It also secured a perfect five-star rating by NHTSA. Standard airbags and traction control systems in the cars have been installed for added protection. Some of the other advanced safety features are listed below -
The Honda Clarity is a nameplate used by Honda on alternative fuel vehicles. It was initially used only on hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles but it was expanded to include battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Although the Clarity is known for its specifications and safety features, the Clarity Sedan is reasonably priced for what it offers in torque and horsepower.
It is almost $32,000 less than the Model S. But it sacrifices many factors like cargo capacity, driving range, luxury, and most important power. Tesla is definitely better than Clarity and is quicker in acceleration. If you want an EV and you have a limited budget, this car is your car!
The Tesla Model S as the latest entrant in the market had many expectations riding on it. With the kind of performance it manages to deliver, it is safe to say that the electric sedan has aced the test. Everything from its design to acceleration is a work of art. The interior build resonates with an ultra-modern aura and its distinctive fit and finish are suggestive of the brand's top-notch craftsmanship. Its only evident drawback is its higher price tag when compared to the Honda Clarity. However, since the Model S targets luxury and provides a number of trim options to please the buyers, we feel it is on the right path to make a favorable impression in the segment.