While traditionalists may lament the lack of a powerful engine, a melodic exhaust note, and gears to row through, there's no denying that high-performance electric vehicles are astonishingly quick. The instant torque is no match for even the most advanced gasoline-powered supercars, shuttling the battery-powered alternatives off the line at an astonishing speed.
The Tesla Model S and Model X Plaid are perfect examples. With unassuming styling and nothing to clue in unsuspecting victims, the electric duo is certainly rapid. We've seen what the Model S Plaid can do when confronted with a quarter-mile. Last year, an example blitzed the stretch in 9.08 seconds, breaking a previous record set by Jay Leno.
Even though the Model X Plaid weighs over 5,400 lbs, the 1,020-horsepower tri-motor setup affords the SUV breathtaking performance. Zero to 60 mph is dispatched in around 2.5 seconds. So how would it fare on the quarter-mile? Well, someone decided to find out, posting some truly incredible results.
While we certainly don't agree with this type of driving on public roads, the results are impressive. The silent SUV hits 60 mph in just 2.74 seconds, hitting 130 mph just five seconds later, in 7.86 seconds. The heavy Model X Plaid accelerates strongly, requiring a mere 5.12 seconds from 60 mph to 130 mph. The quarter-mile is over in just 9.83 seconds, crossing the finish at 146.68 mph.
To put that into context, this luxury SUV, capable of seating six people in comfort, covered the distance 0.4 seconds slower than the Bugatti Chiron, a multimillion-dolla hypercar. More to the point, the Model X Plaid is quicker than dedicated performance SUVs, such as the Lamborghini Urus and supercharged Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Both the Model S and Model X Plaid will pale in comparison to the upcoming Roadster. Tesla is promising even greater performance, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 mph. Elegant and sleek, the electric supercar will give the established exotic brands a proper shake-up, with remarkable performance for not much outlay - prices are expected to start at $200,000.
We know Tesla can build a fast car, so we completely believe the performance claims. However, the electric carmaker has a reputation for delaying highly anticipated products, the Roadster being one of them. Originally slated for a 2020 introduction, the battery-powered supercar has been pushed back to 2023, along with the Cybertruck. While frustrating, we're willing to be the Roadster and its awe-inspiring performance will be worth the wait - especially if the Model X Plaid's quarter-mile run is anything to go by.