Tesla P85D is One of the Quickest Cars Consumer Reports Has Tested: Video

Tesla P85D is One of the Quickest Cars Consumer Reports Has Tested: Video

On August 27, we will release the full results of our multiweek Tesla Model S P85D test, but we wanted to share some Tesla Model S P85D test results. (Watch the video above to go behind the scenes of the testing.)

You may have seen Model S P85D tests before, but we do things a little different at Consumer Reports. We bought a Tesla Model S P85D—our test car is not on loan from Tesla. And all the testing is done in a precisely controlled environment—our 327-acre auto test facility in Connecticut. Like every car we purchase, the Model S P85D was put through an extensive gauntlet of more than 50 tests and evaluations, after a significant break-in period.

Below are a few highlights of the Tesla Model S P85D test results:

Accident avoidance maneuver

Our accident avoidance maneuver is similar to the European “elk” or “moose” tests. (Not to worry, no wildlife is involved.) This is a part of our emergency handling tests that simulates swerving out of your lane to avoid hitting an obstacle in the road, and then swerving back into your lane to avoid oncoming traffic. We use two drivers and average their fastest time through the course without hitting a cone. We’re not relying on the speedometer or a stopwatch; we use a laser to measure the car’s speed. And a judge watches the test to make sure the cones escape untouched. Our car made it through at 55.5 miles per hour. That’s really good, putting the P85D in performance car territory, despite being a big luxury car.