Man that camera lens was annoying there! Thankfully it doesn’t last too long. I’m still blown away by that acceleration! However, as I always say, there’s more to performance than straight line. I’m really looking forward to track mode, active noise cancellation, and torque vectoring to be updated to the car. Of course, I’ll drive it again after some updates! Insane machine, truly. Also, a huge thanks to Brandon (Tesla Flex) for loaning this car! He’s now on TH-cam so check out this link: th-cam.com/channels/IMasKY5YlgzcOmxVW4loaw.html
Software can add torque vectoring and power acceleration in the turns but not without a track pack brake upgrade and shouldn’t it have come with that as an option package? If that’s all it lacked it would be doable but it’s not going to get quieter or more enjoyable even with a driver stalk and round wheel. I’ve heard it said that a one trick pony charms for only so long. That road noise is constant and make the Air sound like the long distance EV choice and the EQS a bank vault solidity that lets you escape the here and now noises along your daily commute. The Taycan (Cross Turismo😍) and RS eTron GT the curvy road drivers choice and long trip pleasurable haulers. With a pack of dogs it’s the Cross Turismo with rear steering hands down. 🎯
I like your long in-depth driving reviews, very articulate on the little things that are actually important to owning the car everyday. Too many other reviews focus on track which I will never be on.
Someone finally beat Thomas Majchrzak a German car enthusiast on Autogefühl with longwinded reviews. The last two, Mercedes EQS & Tesla Plaid were awesome.
Awesome review Kyle! What I so appreciate is your transparency (and vulnerability) as you talk about vehicles. Your expertise always comes through. Thank you!
It's like the model 3. It wasn't the best around the corners. Then they released track Mode V2 and it's phenomenal. So I hope that's the plan with the plaid.
Kudos Kyle, for keeping your financials independent from car companies! I'd hope, people would appreciate honest reviews more and not fall for YT influencer bs! I wonder, where Tesla is going from here. Is there even more potential for an even farster car?
@@EVPaddy than you own something people don't value anymore it seems, called integrity. Probably worth mentioning, in the long run every investor should be critical towards own investments...
@@hankmoody7521 to be honest, I knew a lot less about Elon Musk when I bought the stock :) Not sure I'd buy again.. well today I wouldn't buy of course anyway because I'm very sure this is a bubble that will eventually burst. But I hope it still gets a little bigger. But yes, why would you not criticise a company you own stock of. I want them to improve. I want their quality to improve and they have to get rid of those ridiculous quirks that serve nothing else than Musk's ego.
@@dimaroscadallacqua9926 well maybe in time. I didn’t initially like the taycan or the model s for that matter, but now I think they are both very good looking cars. Regarding interior, I’m sure quality is top notch. I would just have liked them to dial down the lights and screens… its a bit too much, and I actually prefer the standard set up to the hyperscreen.
@@nilsfrederiksen2840 Yes, I totally agree about the interior light (but fortunately you can turn them off), speaking of screens , yeah man, I just don’t like the passenger screen, 2 are ok, but 3 are overkill. Other than that, I love it, especially the EQS 53AMG.
It took me a while of watching Kyle to understand that we just don't require the same things. Once I got over that, I can appreciate his opinions. He is much more objective than I gave him credit for. Great video man.
Thanks for watching! As I always say, there’s a reason we have more than one car review channel. Different opinions from many people can help shape a buying decision.
I think for athletic backroad driving, sport or even chill is superior to plaid mode. The plaid drive mode has too much power (insane levels of power) and it just shuts down any on-throttle during steering inputs. Probably will be fixed with a new sw update. The car is actually one of the best handling 4800lb cars out there, it just gets locked down in plaid mode because of oversensitive stability control.
@@ehudk215 He has never concluded that any car is perfect so don’t come here and lie just because your feelings are hurt that someone dares to point out negatives about a Tesla.
Thank you for being thorough and honest in all your reviews! I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of years and I have come to appreciate how you point out the flaws and attributes of all the cars you drive … always with a smile on your face. I love your enthusiasm for cars and your open-mindedness towards their form factor and power train. I truly hope the U.S. auto industry is paying attention!
Hopefully someone makes an aftermarket steering wheel. That yoke was a horrible idea and a safety issue for me. Once they do I will order one. At least should have been an option.
it's perfectly fine. you get used to it quickly. zero safety risk. zero annoyance. people always reject the unfamiliar at first, that's all these complaints are.
@@BrowncoatFairy Yeah you might be right. It's the old knight rider wheel I saw on TV in the early 80's. It was cool back then because I was a kid..😂. As an adult ; I am like that doesn't look safe.
@@BrowncoatFairy You're so wrong. Round steering wheels on a car with this type of steering ratio is just superior compared to "yokes". "yokes" have their places in real racing cars where you have a much tighter steering ratio so that you dont need to turn it more than 180 degrees or simply because on a track you don't have intersections, parking lots and generally tight turning spots. On a car like this it's just a big dumb compromise. Ask yourself why so many car companies don't put these type of steering wheels from their racing cars on a street cars.
hi from the UK, been watching your channel for while now and must say absolutely loving your reviews and your personality lol, like this review you just summed the tesla Vs other EVs agreement, just love all cars for what they are, pls keep up the good work
This is definitely the vehicle I’d buy if I had the money. One of the best ev’s and cars you can get right now in my opinion. Though the EQS you just reviewed is very nice as well but Tesla offers the supercharger network and such good software
I'm not even interested in this car and yet i watched the whole review with rapt attention. Great job. Way more nuanced and interesting than the usual Tesla reviews.
I Think track mode software update will fix most of your complaints about the Plaid's handling and braking, just like in the Model 3, you'll be able to set the front/rear power delivery, reduce stability control that keeps braking in the corners and heating up the brakes, set the regen to be more powerful (M3P does that) to take stress out of the brakes and make them last longer without heavy fading, and probably with the 2 rear motors you'll even be able to control and set to different levels the torque vectoring! On top of that there could be some space to further improve the suspension via software updates. For the type of car, i think the Plaid already does well in the canyons, you are an experienced and fast driver! And it's cool it will further improve with software updates! And the price... you could swap the yoke, new rims and tyres, full custom racing suspension, carboceramic brakes with 6 piston calipers, racing seats, and you still wouldn't spend half the price difference between Plaid S and a Taycan with all those mods
yoke, the "solution" to a problem that didn't really exist BTW, the yoke is not an issue 99.9% of the time, it is that emergency situation when you need to grab on to something and it is just not there.
People who never rode a motorcycle are really surprised in this car..for people who don't or can't ride much anymore because of back problems or for whatever reason will love this! And just people who love roller-coasters... lol
Another great and honest review Kyle. I’m loving how with the new breeds of EVs, we’re seeing a unique characteristic in each. For example, if you want the acceleration king, you get plaid. If you want luxury above all else, may be get EQS or Lucid. If you want off-roading, wait for Rivian or Hummer or even Tycan.
Most Americans don't actually know how to drive in the twisties or even find it fun. I see the Plaid appealing to the same mentality that made the recent supercharged Dodge sedans popular, "Hey you guys, Watch this!" I drive (or ride) fast on certain lonely twisty roads I know or on track. I've driven and owned lots of fast cars but never had more fun than diving into corners fender to fender on track with Miatas (or Ducatis). After the _MotorTrend_ review I have been looking forward to you taking a Lucid GT up your mountain. I have a Lucid GT reserved but was impressed by your EQS review. Test drives in my future I suppose. I like to travel across the country and those two seem valid comfortable cruisers. One day I *really* hope to see that electric Miata or even an electric 718.
Great honest review. Love the way you mention to be careful that you have no one in front of you when you floor it, for I have same issue on seriously quick motorcycles.
Its great to have adequate competition from Manufacturers like Lucid Ford VW etc.. Competition breeds innovation and excellence which is great for us customers.
Great review. Love the honesty. I do think the Tesla UI is one of the most underrated parts of the brand. It’s more intuitive than anything else and it’s not even close. I’m sure plenty of people get used to the yoke but, what’s the benefit? Unique ≠ innovation
Completely agree with the UI thing and the yoke. At first I thought it would be a situation like when the Model 3 came out and had no screen in front of you and people were freaking out over nothing it’s still really intuitive but nope I test drove a Plaid and I don’t think I could get used to it. Especially in a Model X makes even less sense to me that’s a Whole Foods mom car why would they want or need a yoke steering wheel?
@@mrnoname7370 your friend or whoever probably let you drive their plaid for a good 15 minutes. can’t get used to a yoke in that amount of time. try living with it and driving it daily to make a more valid conclusion.
@@EVPaddy you’re the reason progress is hindered in the world. always wanting to stick to the old and close-minded about trying something new. It’s funny that you have never sat in one, yet go around in the comments telling people there’s a fanboy defending the yoke lol. get a life.
Elon responded to a tweet saying that they aren’t going to do any sort of track pack for the Plaid. Sounds like it doesn’t make sense financially for them. Pretty disappointing that they didn’t beef up the brakes on a 1000HP car.
If you can't be bothered to get a custom brakes yourself what kind of a track/speed enthusiast are you? I'm sure you can afford it if you ARE comparing it to a Taycan because the price difference. And as for everyday drivers(and there is way more of us) like me the brake getting rusty(because hardly ever gets used) is the problem LOL.
@@DarkWing494 You need to drive a car with good upgraded brakes from the factory. The M2 Competition I drove had amazing factory steel brakes. The GT4 I drove with carbon ceramics were also great. Kyle said the brakes on the Plaid were cooked by turn two.
@34:40 is where I got the answer I needed. This is a muscle car, for the same kind of driver who'd buy a Hellcat. Stupid amounts of acceleration (enthusiast or not that's really fun), but in terms of its ability to provide good feedback, feel somewhat light on its wheels, and be rewarding to drive in situations beyond straight lines, it doesn't hold up to a properly sorted chassis.
Teslas really need a "High" mode for regen. I hardly ever use the friction brakes on my Model Y, but I would use them less if max regen was more than 85 kW, and would approach curves faster if max regen was upwards of 120 kW.
If you ever get a chance try the Bolt’s regen- drive in L mode and use the paddle behind the steering wheel on the left. It’s so much fun in city traffic with the strong regen and front wheel driving torque steer that you have to wrestle with a bit. You can even be holding the steering wheel paddle and simultaneously press the accelerator and control the amount of regen that way as well. Sure we love our Tesla, but for city stuff the Bolt’s a blast. It’s my beater EV.
Great job Kyle. Thanks. And yeah, despite advertising the feature from even before it came out, torque vectoring is still an upcoming thing ... they did quietly say it's going to come soon in a software update.
I think the audio adaptive noise cancelling is still in software development and will come out maybe when they have more data. Not 100 percent on timing but it's definitely coming
It's good for daily driving, but should be (much) stronger when throwing it through windy roads or even on the Autobahn when decelerating from high speeds.
I’d like to know which car of similar interior dimensions is better at shredding roads? I’m looking at a five passenger family hatchback they can also hold my bike and still destroy anything on the road. Just curious…
The yoke would be so good if they did like you said Kyle. If they would work on the turn radius of the wheel at most of 180 degrees, it would be such a breeze to use. I thought it did have the 180 degree turn at cap so there wouldnt be all the crazy steering with a half steering wheel.
Hennessey said in his Model S Plaid review that the plaid needs breaks. Not made for performance driving because the brakes fade like mad. Tesla needs to offer a Brembo brake package with a round steering wheel option.
No AR HUD, fully adaptable matrix LED headlights, cool light patterns, ambient lighting, etc. Nobody is ever honest about it. You mentioned the HUD and that's good.
With your complaint. About the handling. I have a feeling track mode will fix all those problem. Those older manafacture should be worries. They have been building cars for how many years compared to Tesla.
Still watching the video, but you touched on a few things that I actually had just been talking about. I just got back from a road trip with my partner and our Model 3 LR. We also have a Bolt and something that I really wish the Tesla has is the ability for driver input for more regen braking. I haven’t driven that many EVs, but I really enjoy the brake blending in the Bolt. If you don’t want to use 1 pedal driving, it gives you the option for coasting to a stop, or blend in a little regen braking with the brake pedal, or pull the regen paddle. Or, you can put it in 1 pedal driving mode and it has of regen braking for pretty much all normal stops. The Tesla has no real options for regen, and there is no option to reduce the regen braking to allow you to coast. My mom *hates* this about her Model 3. The Bolt system is substantially better to her. Also, for me, I would much rather have a slower car that feels at least comfortable on a back road rather than a fast car that feels uncomfortable. I think your one lap of the Bolt and the Kona was a good example of that. The Kona was faster but felt way worse. The overuse of the brakes for stability control is concerning, the fact that they give you no power with the wheel turned tells me the car has a tendency to spin and they don’t want the average driver to crash it. I really lusted after the previous gen Model S…until I drove one. I think they are still excellent looking cars, maybe one of the best sport sedans styling wise, but they aren’t that good to drive. I’d almost say the same about the Model 3. On paper, it’s a great EV, but looking into the details, it falls apart a bit. The acceleration is crazy, but with the stock wheel and tire package on the long range, the handling isn’t good. The interior noise level absolutely sucks. The build quality sucks. The vision based autopilot feels like it wasn’t really tested before it was released (it was much better before eliminating the radar), the actual public release of FSD is borderline embarrassing (stops working in the rain, drives so slowly that it’s basically unusable, tries to stop in the middle of the road all the time, doesn’t stop for actual obstacles unless they are a car,etc). Like, Tesla is a super ambitious manufacturer and they do so many things light years better than other manufacturers. Using heat from the motor(s) and battery as a heat source for the heat pump is brilliant. They have the best built-in route planning. They actually preheat the battery before charging (as long as you use route guidance to a super charger). The actual act of supercharging is super easy, at least at V3 chargers. They do some things so well, but repeatedly fail to address the biggest complaints that people have about them. It’s really confusing, and they are opening the door for other manufacturers to beat them at their own game.
I too wish there was a low regen option with a paddle like the bolt has. When I'm not using TACC/AP, maintaining speed is difficult as such small adjustments in the pedal make large speed differences. An ICE car is more: accelerate a bit to speed and then coast, and repeat. Much less speed variation in my Camry when driving manually. Overall though I do like the regen in my M3, feathering the throttle to get desired regen works well 95% of the time, but some people just don't have the fine muscle motor control. But that brings me to the next point which you touched on: Vision based TACC/AP. The phantom braking and unintended acceleration. It's so bad on two-way roads, especially at night. Damn near every oncoming car it thinks is going to hit me and slows down, brakes, or sounds the alarm buzzer, or all 3. It's truly awful. Even just the 1-2mph sudden slowdown blips, while not dangerous in any way is incredibly jarring in such an otherwise smooth driving experience. Divided highways or actively following someone though I rarely if ever have any phantom braking. I have noticed heavy overcast days dramatically reduces the phantom braking occurrences. I wonder if they're having problems filtering sun glare and road mirages. Even on light overcast days where the road is still hot there are a lot of mirages where it does kind of look like a car or its headlights are in my lane and phantom brakes a lot. Having said all that, if it really thinks a car is coming head on, why bother stopping, the other car is just going to slam into you anyway by the time it reacts. And if the software can't make the distinction of a car moving towards you while staying in your lane or a stationary car you're moving towards, well that's just sad considering how good the tech is in the rest of the car. I don't fully agree with you on the build quality. While I wouldn't call most of the body panels and interior ultra premium (other than the seats, pretty damn comfortable), I wouldn't call it crappy. More just average and maybe low for the price. I only had one minor panel misalignment on the trunk. It was super easy to adjust with the two bolts by the actuator. I fixed it myself in 5 minutes with just a socket wrench. I wouldn't call the panel gaps on my Camry that much better either, there's a couple places where there's inconsistencies as well.
Been enjoying your videos 👍🏼 glad I found your channel going through Lucid reviews. Keep up the great work. Love your comment “about the EQS” haha 👀. Really looking forward to your assessment when you get your hands on a Lucid for a good drive.
The best car for a driving enthusiast on public roads, is without a doubt the Miata. Why? Because you can use the total potential of the car on public roads, almost all of the time, have a blast and actually live to enjoy it. I know the 23 vet Z is all that, but you could really only ring it out on a track. And when I say Miata I mean an old one, that is totally analog, no electric steering or handling crap, preferably the 97 which has the most powerr of the first model, a vanishing breed, a car you can thrash day after day, year after year, and will still run great with a couple hundred thousand on it. Of course the 03 S2000 is great if you are the kind of person who doesn't care about torque but loves the power of 9k, but they have gotten ridiculously expensive and actually, in the real world, the Miata is more fun to live with. Oh yeh, and until recently you could get a cherry one for around five grand.
We’ve just ordered some audio equipment to run a cabin decibel level test. But this doesn’t tell the full story of different frequencies of noise and will be more of an indication rather than a full scientific reading
@@OutofSpecReviews As an audio person, I would suggest using A as well as C weighting, and trying to standardize it as much as possible by using the same exact roads and noting wind and weather conditions. Car NVH is ultimately way more complicated than that, which is why I place more importance on your gut impressions than an SPL meter.
One hand steering works perfectly and efficiently with the yoke for significant direction changes of any sort. The yoke is a paradigm shift and I recommend getting used to one hand rather than perseverating over traditionally shaped wheel's hand over hand. The yoke really gets the steering wheel out of the way.
Great review! I was following your european tour.. you have professionally grown up a lot. Good job! I was looking forward for a review like this one since I live in Switzerland and those streets are similar to the ones we have over here. A car, to me as to be funny on tight corner and at (relative) low speed. I love my M3P with modified suspensions, swaybar and brakes (never liked tesla's ones) but I was wondering if the plaid could get near to the fun I have on my M3 and you are the only one who gave me the answer. Thank you so much 😉
just don't forget fast driving only in germany. too fast driving in switzerland and the car, driver license and a lot of money are gone. best regards from zürich.
@@Francis-yc9nc you forgot... PRISON! (that's the swiss law even if not applied strictly) I know, I don't care about driving fast in general (I always respect the speed limits) but the allowed 80km/h in the passes is often way too fast for those streets full of turns. Is where a tesla is nearly unbeatable and therefore is where a car (for me) as to be good. For the boring moments autopilot is in charge 😉
I look forward with great anticipation to the inevitable light weight advanced batteries. That power with some lite weight and some aero would be hard to beat.
I would choose EQS every single day of the week, I'm more into comfort than acceleration, even 4.1 seconds 0 to 60 is more than enough for me. And the after watching EQS video this Tesla's interior looks cheap for 140k $, but I must admit, this car is also very impressive! :)
Can't wait until you do the cybertruck, because to me, with the exoskeleton instead of a frame/body, that will be the killer app of EVs. And I would be equally excited to see you test drive a Roadster with the SpaceX option.
Tesla uses brembos for Model 3 front brakes. I am guessing they use some sort of performance brakes on the Model S too. Obviously not meant for the track but I believe their are discussions about a track package coming in the future.
Yea, always wondered why everyone was complaining about brakes, then I looked into it and turns out all performance Teslas use nice big brembos but that’s not the issue, it’s the disc/rotor, if they had carbon ceramic discs the brakes would be comparable to Porsches. So yea that’s why
@@JoshTheFrosch07 Ya that makes sense. I'm pretty sure the stock ones are still perfect for the type of driving 95% of buyers use it for. Looks like Tesla is developing a track version for the other 5% of drivers who want to shred the canyons and tracks.
I have heard for Pikes Peak the car was on some different version of software - not confirmed - and I have heard nothing on the Nürburgring car but I wonder if a pre-release version of track mode would allow it to stay within the stock class
@@KyleConner Thanks, funny to see Tesla spending so much effort idiot-proofing their vehicles, like with the FSD rollout with Safety Score. Maybe this is opportunity for open source firmware on inexpensive Chinese EV hardware to leapfrog, rather like nag-free openpilot compared to nagging Tesla Autopilot. Did Tesla Track Mode ever come out for Tesla Model Y? Here's hoping for Track Mode on the Cybertruck from the start.
I guess the Porsche Taycan is then a very slow car, its a fully 7 seconds slower! I could make at least 20 rounds on the Nürburgring in 7 Seconds! With my finger on the map of course. That says a lot about electric cars and their weight. Or how about the VW ID? 6:05. 1:30 faster then the Plaid. Must have been the fastest VW. No: It was the Porsche Hybrid! Yes, says much about dynamics of Electric cars, weight, Sportcars etc. pp... I guess the roadster will reach somewhere around 6:55. When it will be built of course. Patience!
@@passing_bye5991 No, never said so. But they are cars or not? I mean they have 5 wheels. 4 on the street and one in the drivers hands. Even if one maybe resemble a yoke. I don't think Dumas drove with a joystick.
@@wolfgangpreier9160 you’re an eegit mate. How many are regularly driving on the ring, if ever? It’s just not done. Plaid is the perfect performance grocery getter. The Germans are way behind. Way.
@@alexnutcasio936 Maybe, but its not available. Taycan can be bought and you can go to your Porsche Dealer and fetch it tomorrow. Tesla? Nope. Nada. Nyet. Nie. Maybe next year?
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
Man that camera lens was annoying there! Thankfully it doesn’t last too long. I’m still blown away by that acceleration! However, as I always say, there’s more to performance than straight line. I’m really looking forward to track mode, active noise cancellation, and torque vectoring to be updated to the car. Of course, I’ll drive it again after some updates! Insane machine, truly.
Also, a huge thanks to Brandon (Tesla Flex) for loaning this car! He’s now on TH-cam so check out this link: th-cam.com/channels/IMasKY5YlgzcOmxVW4loaw.html
As my son would Say Sick!
Software can add torque vectoring and power acceleration in the turns but not without a track pack brake upgrade and shouldn’t it have come with that as an option package? If that’s all it lacked it would be doable but it’s not going to get quieter or more enjoyable even with a driver stalk and round wheel. I’ve heard it said that a one trick pony charms for only so long. That road noise is constant and make the Air sound like the long distance EV choice and the EQS a bank vault solidity that lets you escape the here and now noises along your daily commute. The Taycan (Cross Turismo😍) and RS eTron GT the curvy road drivers choice and long trip pleasurable haulers. With a pack of dogs it’s the Cross Turismo with rear steering hands down. 🎯
elon the liar said active noise cancellation was coming a few months ago, dont hold your breath, he lies about everything
@@garyclark6747 then you have the charging problem.
ig videos look better then this.
I like your long in-depth driving reviews, very articulate on the little things that are actually important to owning the car everyday. Too many other reviews focus on track which I will never be on.
Someone finally beat Thomas Majchrzak a German car enthusiast on Autogefühl with longwinded reviews. The last two, Mercedes EQS & Tesla Plaid were awesome.
Kyle, what an experience reviewer. You are super natural in talking about the car effortlessly, your knowledge obviously showed right there...welldone
Most involving and informative driving impressions vid of the Plaid I've seen so far. Great job and thanks!
Kyle I'm for sure one of your viewers who appreciates the longer in depth honest reviews you provide. Keep up the great work!
Awesome review Kyle! What I so appreciate is your transparency (and vulnerability) as you talk about vehicles. Your expertise always comes through. Thank you!
Definitely the most in depth review of how this car drives and feels in detail so far. 👍
It's like the model 3. It wasn't the best around the corners. Then they released track Mode V2 and it's phenomenal. So I hope that's the plan with the plaid.
Thank you for this video. I saw many Model S videos, but none were as detailed as yours for in-depth driving. Keep up the excellent work mate.
Kudos Kyle, for keeping your financials independent from car companies! I'd hope, people would appreciate honest reviews more and not fall for YT influencer bs! I wonder, where Tesla is going from here. Is there even more potential for an even farster car?
Roadster 2 of course
Lucid is topping 1,000hp with two motors...what happens with a third?
I own Tesla stock and still am very, very critical of them.
@@EVPaddy than you own something people don't value anymore it seems, called integrity. Probably worth mentioning, in the long run every investor should be critical towards own investments...
@@hankmoody7521 to be honest, I knew a lot less about Elon Musk when I bought the stock :) Not sure I'd buy again.. well today I wouldn't buy of course anyway because I'm very sure this is a bubble that will eventually burst. But I hope it still gets a little bigger. But yes, why would you not criticise a company you own stock of. I want them to improve. I want their quality to improve and they have to get rid of those ridiculous quirks that serve nothing else than Musk's ego.
53:21 EQS COMMENT HAD ME ROLLING ON THE FLOOR IN LAUGHTER!!! KYLE BRINGS LOW-KEY SAVAGE TO A NEW LEVEL
Unless you don’t have eyes!
Savage
Yea hilarious! But true! It has you turning your head for all the wrong reasons 😖
At first I hated the design of EQS, but is growing on me, the interior is far better than any EV's for me.
@@dimaroscadallacqua9926 well maybe in time. I didn’t initially like the taycan or the model s for that matter, but now I think they are both very good looking cars. Regarding interior, I’m sure quality is top notch. I would just have liked them to dial down the lights and screens… its a bit too much, and I actually prefer the standard set up to the hyperscreen.
@@nilsfrederiksen2840 Yes, I totally agree about the interior light (but fortunately you can turn them off), speaking of screens , yeah man, I just don’t like the passenger screen, 2 are ok, but 3 are overkill. Other than that, I love it, especially the EQS 53AMG.
It took me a while of watching Kyle to understand that we just don't require the same things. Once I got over that, I can appreciate his opinions. He is much more objective than I gave him credit for. Great video man.
Thanks for watching! As I always say, there’s a reason we have more than one car review channel. Different opinions from many people can help shape a buying decision.
The review I’ve been waiting for
I think for athletic backroad driving, sport or even chill is superior to plaid mode. The plaid drive mode has too much power (insane levels of power) and it just shuts down any on-throttle during steering inputs. Probably will be fixed with a new sw update. The car is actually one of the best handling 4800lb cars out there, it just gets locked down in plaid mode because of oversensitive stability control.
Just Wait until plaid S with 4680 batteries.
As a Tesla owner of a '19 Raven S, love your candor and unbiased review. Keep up the good work.
When reviewing Teslas, but when it comes to VAG cars, he has no criticism at all, id4, etron, taycan etc… all perfect
@@ehudk215 He has never concluded that any car is perfect so don’t come here and lie just because your feelings are hurt that someone dares to point out negatives about a Tesla.
@@gbej1 ohhh did i hurt your hero?
@@ehudk215 Do you own a Tesla?
@@joemcdonough7509 that obvious? :)
that obvious? :)
You should not put it in dragstrip mode when you are not on a dragstrip. That's why you got wheelspin, as the car is assuming a more sticky surface.
Fantastic review, Kyle!! Watched the whole thing from beginning to end. Really informative and very entertaining the same time! Subscribed for all!
Thank you for being thorough and honest in all your reviews! I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of years and I have come to appreciate how you point out the flaws and attributes of all the cars you drive … always with a smile on your face. I love your enthusiasm for cars and your open-mindedness towards their form factor and power train. I truly hope the U.S. auto industry is paying attention!
Hopefully someone makes an aftermarket steering wheel. That yoke was a horrible idea and a safety issue for me. Once they do I will order one. At least should have been an option.
it's perfectly fine. you get used to it quickly. zero safety risk. zero annoyance. people always reject the unfamiliar at first, that's all these complaints are.
@@BrowncoatFairy Yeah you might be right. It's the old knight rider wheel I saw on TV in the early 80's. It was cool back then because I was a kid..😂. As an adult ; I am like that doesn't look safe.
@@BrowncoatFairy You're so wrong. Round steering wheels on a car with this type of steering ratio is just superior compared to "yokes". "yokes" have their places in real racing cars where you have a much tighter steering ratio so that you dont need to turn it more than 180 degrees or simply because on a track you don't have intersections, parking lots and generally tight turning spots. On a car like this it's just a big dumb compromise. Ask yourself why so many car companies don't put these type of steering wheels from their racing cars on a street cars.
@@jeppewerring a lot of words from someone who hasn't even driven it. your opinion doesn't matter.
@@BrowncoatFairy it seems to me more that you lack common sense.
hi from the UK, been watching your channel for while now and must say absolutely loving your reviews and your personality lol, like this review you just summed the tesla Vs other EVs agreement, just love all cars for what they are, pls keep up the good work
This is definitely the vehicle I’d buy if I had the money. One of the best ev’s and cars you can get right now in my opinion. Though the EQS you just reviewed is very nice as well but Tesla offers the supercharger network and such good software
@Ferdi Posh no
I'm not even interested in this car and yet i watched the whole review with rapt attention. Great job. Way more nuanced and interesting than the usual Tesla reviews.
Tesla charging network makes this car winner over lucid, Mercedes or any other car and their charging networks.
I Think track mode software update will fix most of your complaints about the Plaid's handling and braking, just like in the Model 3, you'll be able to set the front/rear power delivery, reduce stability control that keeps braking in the corners and heating up the brakes, set the regen to be more powerful (M3P does that) to take stress out of the brakes and make them last longer without heavy fading, and probably with the 2 rear motors you'll even be able to control and set to different levels the torque vectoring! On top of that there could be some space to further improve the suspension via software updates.
For the type of car, i think the Plaid already does well in the canyons, you are an experienced and fast driver! And it's cool it will further improve with software updates!
And the price... you could swap the yoke, new rims and tyres, full custom racing suspension, carboceramic brakes with 6 piston calipers, racing seats, and you still wouldn't spend half the price difference between Plaid S and a Taycan with all those mods
yoke, the "solution" to a problem that didn't really exist
BTW, the yoke is not an issue 99.9% of the time, it is that emergency situation when you need to grab on to something and it is just not there.
How long before someone sues Tesla when they crash because of yoke.
People who never rode a motorcycle are really surprised in this car..for people who don't or can't ride much anymore because of back problems or for whatever reason will love this! And just people who love roller-coasters... lol
Another great and honest review Kyle. I’m loving how with the new breeds of EVs, we’re seeing a unique characteristic in each. For example, if you want the acceleration king, you get plaid. If you want luxury above all else, may be get EQS or Lucid. If you want off-roading, wait for Rivian or Hummer or even Tycan.
Most Americans don't actually know how to drive in the twisties or even find it fun. I see the Plaid appealing to the same mentality that made the recent supercharged Dodge sedans popular, "Hey you guys, Watch this!"
I drive (or ride) fast on certain lonely twisty roads I know or on track. I've driven and owned lots of fast cars but never had more fun than diving into corners fender to fender on track with Miatas (or Ducatis).
After the _MotorTrend_ review I have been looking forward to you taking a Lucid GT up your mountain.
I have a Lucid GT reserved but was impressed by your EQS review. Test drives in my future I suppose. I like to travel across the country and those two seem valid comfortable cruisers. One day I *really* hope to see that electric Miata or even an electric 718.
Great honest review. Love the way you mention to be careful that you have no one in front of you when you floor it, for I have same issue on seriously quick motorcycles.
"EQS might be for someone who has no eyes." HAHA!! That made my day!:)
Its great to have adequate competition from Manufacturers like Lucid Ford VW etc.. Competition breeds innovation and excellence which is great for us customers.
Great review. Love the honesty. I do think the Tesla UI is one of the most underrated parts of the brand. It’s more intuitive than anything else and it’s not even close. I’m sure plenty of people get used to the yoke but, what’s the benefit? Unique ≠ innovation
Completely agree with the UI thing and the yoke. At first I thought it would be a situation like when the Model 3 came out and had no screen in front of you and people were freaking out over nothing it’s still really intuitive but nope I test drove a Plaid and I don’t think I could get used to it. Especially in a Model X makes even less sense to me that’s a Whole Foods mom car why would they want or need a yoke steering wheel?
@@mrnoname7370 your friend or whoever probably let you drive their plaid for a good 15 minutes. can’t get used to a yoke in that amount of time. try living with it and driving it daily to make a more valid conclusion.
@@ynadle1111 no! Why trying to get used to an inferior solution.
@@EVPaddy you’re the reason progress is hindered in the world. always wanting to stick to the old and close-minded about trying something new. It’s funny that you have never sat in one, yet go around in the comments telling people there’s a fanboy defending the yoke lol. get a life.
I wonder if the noise will improve when they finalize and send out the noise cancelling feature.
My favorite color of all time! Blue with violet pearls. Gorgeous!
Great review man! REALLY helpful for someone like me that has a P100D and upgrading to the Plaid
Thanks for the fair and rounded review! Especially in-depth insights in roadholding and performance driving.
Elon responded to a tweet saying that they aren’t going to do any sort of track pack for the Plaid. Sounds like it doesn’t make sense financially for them. Pretty disappointing that they didn’t beef up the brakes on a 1000HP car.
If you can't be bothered to get a custom brakes yourself what kind of a track/speed enthusiast are you? I'm sure you can afford it if you ARE comparing it to a Taycan because the price difference. And as for everyday drivers(and there is way more of us) like me the brake getting rusty(because hardly ever gets used) is the problem LOL.
@@DarkWing494 You need to drive a car with good upgraded brakes from the factory. The M2 Competition I drove had amazing factory steel brakes. The GT4 I drove with carbon ceramics were also great. Kyle said the brakes on the Plaid were cooked by turn two.
Kyle, you have to give it a week before you get familiar with Yoke. As a special car, I think this amount of effort in learning is a good thing.
@34:40 is where I got the answer I needed. This is a muscle car, for the same kind of driver who'd buy a Hellcat. Stupid amounts of acceleration (enthusiast or not that's really fun), but in terms of its ability to provide good feedback, feel somewhat light on its wheels, and be rewarding to drive in situations beyond straight lines, it doesn't hold up to a properly sorted chassis.
Teslas really need a "High" mode for regen. I hardly ever use the friction brakes on my Model Y, but I would use them less if max regen was more than 85 kW, and would approach curves faster if max regen was upwards of 120 kW.
If you ever get a chance try the Bolt’s regen- drive in L mode and use the paddle behind the steering wheel on the left. It’s so much fun in city traffic with the strong regen and front wheel driving torque steer that you have to wrestle with a bit. You can even be holding the steering wheel paddle and simultaneously press the accelerator and control the amount of regen that way as well. Sure we love our Tesla, but for city stuff the Bolt’s a blast. It’s my beater EV.
Thanks for your honest review. I'd be interested in a comparison with Lucid Air.
@@passing_bye5991 He didn't "steal" them. They WERE his ideas, he was the Chief engineer at the end of the day.
Just wanted to point out that the ventilated seats *are* cooled. They brought that back with the refresh.
Great review Kyle! Can't wait to test the Plaid my self 😊 Keep up the good work mate!
Best car reviewer on the internet hands down
Was going to post more or less the same comment. If I was Elon, this is one of the ones I would be watching and taking notes from.
Great job Kyle. Thanks. And yeah, despite advertising the feature from even before it came out, torque vectoring is still an upcoming thing ... they did quietly say it's going to come soon in a software update.
The Color is amazing. The whole car, 😵
Heard your comment about the noise level, so I take it that the car didn't yet get the OTA active noise cancelling update.
Tesla is basically the muscle car form this century, just very fast but only in a straight line.
Their handling is pretty good as well. Besides most sports cars are same as well
@@sa34w For how harsh the suspension is, a Tesla is not a good handeling car at all, it is actually pretty bad.
I could listen to you talk all day haha
I think the audio adaptive noise cancelling is still in software development and will come out maybe when they have more data. Not 100 percent on timing but it's definitely coming
Finaly a fan that admits Tesla regenerative braking isn't up to par. My Kona has stronger regenerative braking than any Tesla.
It's good for daily driving, but should be (much) stronger when throwing it through windy roads or even on the Autobahn when decelerating from high speeds.
I’d like to know which car of similar interior dimensions is better at shredding roads? I’m looking at a five passenger family hatchback they can also hold my bike and still destroy anything on the road. Just curious…
None, most of the cars that have similar performance are toys with big engines or things with cages one them
@@sa34w I think he’s being sarcastic
I would say keep power but add a sports steering angle. So that your steering angle is similar to an open wheeler.
The yoke would be so good if they did like you said Kyle. If they would work on the turn radius of the wheel at most of 180 degrees, it would be such a breeze to use. I thought it did have the 180 degree turn at cap so there wouldnt be all the crazy steering with a half steering wheel.
Best car ever made. Period.
Thank you for your unbiased review. I think it's the first one available on youtube. Keep up the good work!
Hennessey said in his Model S Plaid review that the plaid needs breaks. Not made for performance driving because the brakes fade like mad. Tesla needs to offer a Brembo brake package with a round steering wheel option.
"the seats don't feel bolted down... Just the kind of Tesla stuff you get" ....... Says it all
No AR HUD, fully adaptable matrix LED headlights, cool light patterns, ambient lighting, etc. Nobody is ever honest about it. You mentioned the HUD and that's good.
It's not that they aren't honest. They just forget that shit after they feel the acceleration.
@@duncanaronstein7462 Oh dear.
10 years on and the Model S is still stunning.
Nice review; Tire noise with the Michelins 4s are annoying. I had to change my tires to contiSilent from Continental w/ foam inside. A BIG DIFFERENCE
Finally honest review on backroads, thank you 👍🏻
Sounds like most the handling problems could be fixed with track mode
I can't wait to drive the Tesla Model S Plaid
With your complaint. About the handling. I have a feeling track mode will fix all those problem. Those older manafacture should be worries. They have been building cars for how many years compared to Tesla.
Still watching the video, but you touched on a few things that I actually had just been talking about. I just got back from a road trip with my partner and our Model 3 LR. We also have a Bolt and something that I really wish the Tesla has is the ability for driver input for more regen braking. I haven’t driven that many EVs, but I really enjoy the brake blending in the Bolt. If you don’t want to use 1 pedal driving, it gives you the option for coasting to a stop, or blend in a little regen braking with the brake pedal, or pull the regen paddle. Or, you can put it in 1 pedal driving mode and it has of regen braking for pretty much all normal stops. The Tesla has no real options for regen, and there is no option to reduce the regen braking to allow you to coast. My mom *hates* this about her Model 3. The Bolt system is substantially better to her.
Also, for me, I would much rather have a slower car that feels at least comfortable on a back road rather than a fast car that feels uncomfortable. I think your one lap of the Bolt and the Kona was a good example of that. The Kona was faster but felt way worse. The overuse of the brakes for stability control is concerning, the fact that they give you no power with the wheel turned tells me the car has a tendency to spin and they don’t want the average driver to crash it. I really lusted after the previous gen Model S…until I drove one. I think they are still excellent looking cars, maybe one of the best sport sedans styling wise, but they aren’t that good to drive. I’d almost say the same about the Model 3. On paper, it’s a great EV, but looking into the details, it falls apart a bit. The acceleration is crazy, but with the stock wheel and tire package on the long range, the handling isn’t good. The interior noise level absolutely sucks. The build quality sucks. The vision based autopilot feels like it wasn’t really tested before it was released (it was much better before eliminating the radar), the actual public release of FSD is borderline embarrassing (stops working in the rain, drives so slowly that it’s basically unusable, tries to stop in the middle of the road all the time, doesn’t stop for actual obstacles unless they are a car,etc). Like, Tesla is a super ambitious manufacturer and they do so many things light years better than other manufacturers. Using heat from the motor(s) and battery as a heat source for the heat pump is brilliant. They have the best built-in route planning. They actually preheat the battery before charging (as long as you use route guidance to a super charger). The actual act of supercharging is super easy, at least at V3 chargers. They do some things so well, but repeatedly fail to address the biggest complaints that people have about them. It’s really confusing, and they are opening the door for other manufacturers to beat them at their own game.
I too wish there was a low regen option with a paddle like the bolt has. When I'm not using TACC/AP, maintaining speed is difficult as such small adjustments in the pedal make large speed differences. An ICE car is more: accelerate a bit to speed and then coast, and repeat. Much less speed variation in my Camry when driving manually. Overall though I do like the regen in my M3, feathering the throttle to get desired regen works well 95% of the time, but some people just don't have the fine muscle motor control.
But that brings me to the next point which you touched on: Vision based TACC/AP. The phantom braking and unintended acceleration. It's so bad on two-way roads, especially at night. Damn near every oncoming car it thinks is going to hit me and slows down, brakes, or sounds the alarm buzzer, or all 3. It's truly awful. Even just the 1-2mph sudden slowdown blips, while not dangerous in any way is incredibly jarring in such an otherwise smooth driving experience. Divided highways or actively following someone though I rarely if ever have any phantom braking.
I have noticed heavy overcast days dramatically reduces the phantom braking occurrences. I wonder if they're having problems filtering sun glare and road mirages. Even on light overcast days where the road is still hot there are a lot of mirages where it does kind of look like a car or its headlights are in my lane and phantom brakes a lot. Having said all that, if it really thinks a car is coming head on, why bother stopping, the other car is just going to slam into you anyway by the time it reacts. And if the software can't make the distinction of a car moving towards you while staying in your lane or a stationary car you're moving towards, well that's just sad considering how good the tech is in the rest of the car.
I don't fully agree with you on the build quality. While I wouldn't call most of the body panels and interior ultra premium (other than the seats, pretty damn comfortable), I wouldn't call it crappy. More just average and maybe low for the price. I only had one minor panel misalignment on the trunk. It was super easy to adjust with the two bolts by the actuator. I fixed it myself in 5 minutes with just a socket wrench. I wouldn't call the panel gaps on my Camry that much better either, there's a couple places where there's inconsistencies as well.
Awesome and honest review !!! Great job!
Been enjoying your videos 👍🏼 glad I found your channel going through Lucid reviews. Keep up the great work. Love your comment “about the EQS” haha 👀. Really looking forward to your assessment when you get your hands on a Lucid for a good drive.
This is literally the best car you can buy.
Best review i've seen yet for a tesla plaid
Maybe put it into steering sport mode.
Thank you!! I was getting a bit annoyed that he kept roasting the driving dynamics but did not put the steering in sport.
The best car for a driving enthusiast on public roads, is without a doubt the Miata. Why? Because you can use the total potential of the car on public roads, almost all of the time, have a blast and actually live to enjoy it. I know the 23 vet Z is all that, but you could really only ring it out on a track. And when I say Miata I mean an old one, that is totally analog, no electric steering or handling crap, preferably the 97 which has the most powerr of the first model, a vanishing breed, a car you can thrash day after day, year after year, and will still run great with a couple hundred thousand on it. Of course the 03 S2000 is great if you are the kind of person who doesn't care about torque but loves the power of 9k, but they have gotten ridiculously expensive and actually, in the real world, the Miata is more fun to live with. Oh yeh, and until recently you could get a cherry one for around five grand.
Hi Kyle,
How do you compare this to Taycan 4s Cross Turismo/Sport Turismo? road noise, handling, and suspension wise and overall quality wise?
best way to turn with the yoke is the one hand push and rotate spin. you dont want to drive the yoke using steering wheel techniques.
Road trip?
Going 80 something past a 40 mph sign. 🤫 Shhhh. Best and most honest video I've seen on Tesla yet.
That was when the camera turned away from the speedo. The accelerating pitch did not stop at that time ;-)
Lol get about 6 points if you are lucky in the UK for that, and your insurance would massively increase
Love your review style Kyle. I'd love to see the noice comparison using a meter with measurements. Hard to tell via TH-cam if it's really loud or not
We’ve just ordered some audio equipment to run a cabin decibel level test. But this doesn’t tell the full story of different frequencies of noise and will be more of an indication rather than a full scientific reading
@@OutofSpecReviews There are iPhone apps that can measure the decibel level.
@@OutofSpecReviews As an audio person, I would suggest using A as well as C weighting, and trying to standardize it as much as possible by using the same exact roads and noting wind and weather conditions.
Car NVH is ultimately way more complicated than that, which is why I place more importance on your gut impressions than an SPL meter.
One hand steering works perfectly and efficiently with the yoke for significant direction changes of any sort. The yoke is a paradigm shift and I recommend getting used to one hand rather than perseverating over traditionally shaped wheel's hand over hand. The yoke really gets the steering wheel out of the way.
I love the Tesla model S plaid, I love the yoke steering wheel and no gear stock
Great review!
I was following your european tour.. you have professionally grown up a lot. Good job!
I was looking forward for a review like this one since I live in Switzerland and those streets are similar to the ones we have over here. A car, to me as to be funny on tight corner and at (relative) low speed. I love my M3P with modified suspensions, swaybar and brakes (never liked tesla's ones) but I was wondering if the plaid could get near to the fun I have on my M3 and you are the only one who gave me the answer. Thank you so much 😉
just don't forget fast driving only in germany. too fast driving in switzerland and the car, driver license and a lot of money are gone. best regards from zürich.
@@Francis-yc9nc you forgot... PRISON! (that's the swiss law even if not applied strictly)
I know, I don't care about driving fast in general (I always respect the speed limits) but the allowed 80km/h in the passes is often way too fast for those streets full of turns. Is where a tesla is nearly unbeatable and therefore is where a car (for me) as to be good. For the boring moments autopilot is in charge 😉
At least with the plaid, can you change the angle of the forward looking camera so that the A piller isn't taking up 50% of the screen?
I look forward with great anticipation to the inevitable light weight advanced batteries. That power with some lite weight and some aero would be hard to beat.
I think you will be impressed with the spacex roadster handling.
Performance EVs love high-altitude roadways. Less wind-resistance and no loss of power like an ICE. Colorado has a great high-altitude dragstrip. 😃
I love the honesty.. excellent
I wonder if an upgraded brake package and track mode we’re supposed to be offered on the dropped plaid plus model?
EPA on the Plaid model with the base wheels IS OVER 400 MILES OF RANGE.
I would choose EQS every single day of the week, I'm more into comfort than acceleration, even 4.1 seconds 0 to 60 is more than enough for me. And the after watching EQS video this Tesla's interior looks cheap for 140k $, but I must admit, this car is also very impressive! :)
15:27 Tesla didn't activate the noise canceling microphones yet, they'll activate them through a software update.
We still have to review the car as is and never rely on promised software. Such as Model Y track mode being promised but never coming - Kyle
Can't wait until you do the cybertruck, because to me, with the exoskeleton instead of a frame/body, that will be the killer app of EVs. And I would be equally excited to see you test drive a Roadster with the SpaceX option.
Excellent review! Keep killing it
Tesla uses brembos for Model 3 front brakes. I am guessing they use some sort of performance brakes on the Model S too. Obviously not meant for the track but I believe their are discussions about a track package coming in the future.
Yea, always wondered why everyone was complaining about brakes, then I looked into it and turns out all performance Teslas use nice big brembos but that’s not the issue, it’s the disc/rotor, if they had carbon ceramic discs the brakes would be comparable to Porsches. So yea that’s why
@@JoshTheFrosch07 Ya that makes sense. I'm pretty sure the stock ones are still perfect for the type of driving 95% of buyers use it for. Looks like Tesla is developing a track version for the other 5% of drivers who want to shred the canyons and tracks.
The whole driving on back roads not being particularly fun is a bit disappointing given the speed.
You sure it wasn't a setting?
Love this video. Super objective and that’s refreshing. Thanks Kyle
If you're in Barstow, the outlets supercharger is then place to go. By a holiday I think version 3 chargers and like 20 destination chargers.
Did Tesla use any special firmware or mode on the Nurburgring track? What about the Pikes Peak run?
I have heard for Pikes Peak the car was on some different version of software - not confirmed - and I have heard nothing on the Nürburgring car but I wonder if a pre-release version of track mode would allow it to stay within the stock class
@@KyleConner Thanks, funny to see Tesla spending so much effort idiot-proofing their vehicles, like with the FSD rollout with Safety Score. Maybe this is opportunity for open source firmware on inexpensive Chinese EV hardware to leapfrog, rather like nag-free openpilot compared to nagging Tesla Autopilot. Did Tesla Track Mode ever come out for Tesla Model Y? Here's hoping for Track Mode on the Cybertruck from the start.
Obviously it will get a track mode update kyle so who gives 2 sits of the record was done with software that isn't out yet as long as it's coming.
Great review as always dude.
The Model S plaid was only slightly faster than Porsche Cayenne GT on Nurburing … that says a lot about Porsche and Plaid dynamics.
I guess the Porsche Taycan is then a very slow car, its a fully 7 seconds slower! I could make at least 20 rounds on the Nürburgring in 7 Seconds! With my finger on the map of course. That says a lot about electric cars and their weight.
Or how about the VW ID? 6:05. 1:30 faster then the Plaid. Must have been the fastest VW. No: It was the Porsche Hybrid! Yes, says much about dynamics of Electric cars, weight, Sportcars etc. pp...
I guess the roadster will reach somewhere around 6:55. When it will be built of course. Patience!
@@passing_bye5991 No, never said so. But they are cars or not? I mean they have 5 wheels. 4 on the street and one in the drivers hands. Even if one maybe resemble a yoke. I don't think Dumas drove with a joystick.
@@wolfgangpreier9160 you’re an eegit mate. How many are regularly driving on the ring, if ever? It’s just not done. Plaid is the perfect performance grocery getter. The Germans are way behind. Way.
@@alexnutcasio936 Maybe, but its not available. Taycan can be bought and you can go to your Porsche Dealer and fetch it tomorrow. Tesla? Nope. Nada. Nyet. Nie. Maybe next year?
@@wolfgangpreier9160 and yet they are making more plaids for US sale than Taycans so if you can get one so easily It tells you alot.
Great review.
Funniest statement on 'low speed' backroad driving and seeing 71mph on speedo.. and don't steer with your knees.