Just a few quick Tesla Model S vs. Volt observations, not really a 'review'…
I've been enjoying my Volt since March. There is a lot to like (and a few things to tolerate)... I've found the driving performance and experience in the Volt is better than any other car I've owned or driven; with the caveat that GM neuters the Volt in standard "D"rive mode. Anyone who does not drive their Volt in Sport+L is doing themselves a huge disservice... IMO.
I've made my reservation for the Tesla S (my motivation is < luxury; vs supporting the company/concept, the people and in a far-fetched way, it's namesake) and I was recently able to take the model S for a test drive.
Here are few observations from my hour with the S in comparison to my Volt.
Driving Experience: Tie
I was expecting this to be where the model S was really going to shine, yet it turned out to be a bit disappointing.
I test drove the top of the line Signature Performance Model S (i.e. 0-60 in 4.4s). It is without a doubt a 'thrill' to drive, however I felt the acceleration curve 'jarring' and re-gen braking less aggressive than the Volt in L (even with the Model S set to High). “One-foot” driving isn’t practical. The S feels heavier at times. It’s also longer… the Volt seems more nimble at weaving through traffic.
The S is great at head-snapping acceleration to impress your friends; yet it seems rarely practical.
One thing to note; the S has accelerometer activated brake indicators. This one small feature is indicative of my overall impression of Tesla, i.e. “they thought of everything”.
Interior: Tesla
Tesla also got this right. My four year old always comments "why did you buy such a small car" when she's trying to squeeze herself into the back car seat in my Volt. Sadly, she's comparing it to the Mini Cooper we traded in.
The Tesla S is the exact opposite... there is more space in the cabin and cargo areas than I could possibly know what to do with.
The S is also “power everything”... the windows, seats, steering adjustments; door handles that gracefully slide out to greet you. You sit... the car turns on.
When I sit in my Volt, reaching back to manually "jack-up" my seat... I always think to myself "this cost $45k?!".
I still can't grasp what GM was thinking when it came to the Volt interior design.
Exterior: Tesla
No contest.
I've followed the Volt from when it was first announced. Seeing it go from its original concept design to a "Prius" clone was a huge disappointment. At least the Ampera designers were a little more daring.
I still can't grasp what GM was thinking when it came to the Volt exterior design.
Technology: Tesla
I'll just preface by saying cars need hard-button/tactile controls.
Both use 'touch' input controls. The Tesla with its large 17" portrait screen is essentially a big tablet integrated into the car. The layout is intuitive, fluid, customizable and feels "Apple" inspired. Most actions and controls can be ‘moved’ to the Driver display and worked with the Steering wheel controls. It’s equipped with a 3G radio. Voice recognition was not working; so I wasn’t unable to test it.
Volt navigation is ‘adequate’ and on par with technology in most sedans (circa 2008). OnStar integration/service is superb. The ‘touch console’ on the Volt is a gimmick in my opinion. The layout is not intuitive and requires too much ‘focus’.
Tesla also shines here as they promise upgrades to the software. GM doesn't seem to have much regard for its early adopters… with the Volt, you are stuck with what you bought.
If I were to make an analogy in technology, design and usability:
GM Volt = “2008 NetBook running Windows XP”
Tesla S = “Apple iPad2”
Price: Volt
It's hard to make direct/fair comparison; however while ‘range’ may not be on-par I believe if one is seriously considering a model S over a Volt; the 160 mile range of the lower end S is within reasonable assumption.
2012 Volt + Premium Trim & Nav 42,780
Federal Rebate -7500
California Rebate -1500
$33,780
Tesla S 40kwh + Tech/Leather 62,650
Federal Rebate -7500
California Rebate -2500
$52,650
Difference -18,870
UPDATE: As WCW pointed out, I had calculated the Fed credit twice. Changes my opinion.
While ‘range’ may not be equivalent; in my opinion you’re getting a more per dollar than on a Volt purchase. The Tesla will also likely hold its resale value a bit (depending on the viability of Tesla Motors). Leasing a Volt is a clear advantage.
Company: Tesla
My purchasing experience with my Volt was horrible. The dealer I purchased from didn’t know a thing about EV’s… they’re really good at selling Trucks though.
Tesla is non-commission; they really seem to want to explain every aspect of their design and philosophy.
While this is a subjective experience; it would seem Tesla can provide better support and knowledge to new EV owners based on its core focus.
I've been enjoying my Volt since March. There is a lot to like (and a few things to tolerate)... I've found the driving performance and experience in the Volt is better than any other car I've owned or driven; with the caveat that GM neuters the Volt in standard "D"rive mode. Anyone who does not drive their Volt in Sport+L is doing themselves a huge disservice... IMO.
I've made my reservation for the Tesla S (my motivation is < luxury; vs supporting the company/concept, the people and in a far-fetched way, it's namesake) and I was recently able to take the model S for a test drive.
Here are few observations from my hour with the S in comparison to my Volt.
Driving Experience: Tie
I was expecting this to be where the model S was really going to shine, yet it turned out to be a bit disappointing.
I test drove the top of the line Signature Performance Model S (i.e. 0-60 in 4.4s). It is without a doubt a 'thrill' to drive, however I felt the acceleration curve 'jarring' and re-gen braking less aggressive than the Volt in L (even with the Model S set to High). “One-foot” driving isn’t practical. The S feels heavier at times. It’s also longer… the Volt seems more nimble at weaving through traffic.
The S is great at head-snapping acceleration to impress your friends; yet it seems rarely practical.
One thing to note; the S has accelerometer activated brake indicators. This one small feature is indicative of my overall impression of Tesla, i.e. “they thought of everything”.
Interior: Tesla
Tesla also got this right. My four year old always comments "why did you buy such a small car" when she's trying to squeeze herself into the back car seat in my Volt. Sadly, she's comparing it to the Mini Cooper we traded in.
The Tesla S is the exact opposite... there is more space in the cabin and cargo areas than I could possibly know what to do with.
The S is also “power everything”... the windows, seats, steering adjustments; door handles that gracefully slide out to greet you. You sit... the car turns on.
When I sit in my Volt, reaching back to manually "jack-up" my seat... I always think to myself "this cost $45k?!".
I still can't grasp what GM was thinking when it came to the Volt interior design.
Exterior: Tesla
No contest.
I've followed the Volt from when it was first announced. Seeing it go from its original concept design to a "Prius" clone was a huge disappointment. At least the Ampera designers were a little more daring.
I still can't grasp what GM was thinking when it came to the Volt exterior design.
Technology: Tesla
I'll just preface by saying cars need hard-button/tactile controls.
Both use 'touch' input controls. The Tesla with its large 17" portrait screen is essentially a big tablet integrated into the car. The layout is intuitive, fluid, customizable and feels "Apple" inspired. Most actions and controls can be ‘moved’ to the Driver display and worked with the Steering wheel controls. It’s equipped with a 3G radio. Voice recognition was not working; so I wasn’t unable to test it.
Volt navigation is ‘adequate’ and on par with technology in most sedans (circa 2008). OnStar integration/service is superb. The ‘touch console’ on the Volt is a gimmick in my opinion. The layout is not intuitive and requires too much ‘focus’.
Tesla also shines here as they promise upgrades to the software. GM doesn't seem to have much regard for its early adopters… with the Volt, you are stuck with what you bought.
If I were to make an analogy in technology, design and usability:
GM Volt = “2008 NetBook running Windows XP”
Tesla S = “Apple iPad2”
Price: Volt
It's hard to make direct/fair comparison; however while ‘range’ may not be on-par I believe if one is seriously considering a model S over a Volt; the 160 mile range of the lower end S is within reasonable assumption.
2012 Volt + Premium Trim & Nav 42,780
Federal Rebate -7500
California Rebate -1500
$33,780
Tesla S 40kwh + Tech/Leather 62,650
Federal Rebate -7500
California Rebate -2500
$52,650
Difference -18,870
UPDATE: As WCW pointed out, I had calculated the Fed credit twice. Changes my opinion.
While ‘range’ may not be equivalent; in my opinion you’re getting a more per dollar than on a Volt purchase. The Tesla will also likely hold its resale value a bit (depending on the viability of Tesla Motors). Leasing a Volt is a clear advantage.
Company: Tesla
My purchasing experience with my Volt was horrible. The dealer I purchased from didn’t know a thing about EV’s… they’re really good at selling Trucks though.
Tesla is non-commission; they really seem to want to explain every aspect of their design and philosophy.
While this is a subjective experience; it would seem Tesla can provide better support and knowledge to new EV owners based on its core focus.