Home

Tesla

Model S

Features

Pro Racing Driver Describes Tesla Model S Plaid As "Dangerously Fast And Unstable"

Misha Charoudin was deeply unimpressed with the Plaid's suspension and brakes.

Model S Plaid

35:26

Ben O'Hare Ben O'Hare

By: Ben O'Hare

May 30, 2023 at 1:57pm ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Share

Comment

On paper, the Tesla Model S Plaid is a phenomenally quick car, with 1,020 horsepower and 0-60 time under two seconds. It's extremely quick in the real world, too – in a straight line. While a stripped-out, modified Model S Plaid held the Nürburgring EV record for quite some time the truth is the production car isn't exactly track-focused.

Racer and driving instructor Misha Charoudin recently took a stock Model S Plaid to the Nürburgring to put it through its paces. He recorded the entire experience, with his friend also behind the wheel at various stages. 

While the pair were immediately impressed with the Plaid's acceleration, Charoudin noted its seats weren't quite up to scratch and it was easy to be flung around when driving at high speeds. Furthermore, he felt the Yoke steering wheel was too big and clumsy. 

More On Tesla

Elon Musk Meets Chinese FM, Reaffirms Tesla's Commitment To China

Many Tesla Cybertruck Job Positions Opening At Giga Texas

What do you think?

View

Comments

However, the duo's main concerns were the brakes and suspension. On the Model S in the video, the brakes had to be changed before it was taken onto the track again as the owner deemed the stock ones unsafe. As for the suspension, Charoudin stated that the car lost balance when it wasn't driving in a straight line and couldn't corner well. The suspension also failed to handle bumpy surfaces, and overall the vehicle was prone to "unpredictable movements."

While the long-awaited Track Pack will attempt to fix the braking issue, it won't address the suspension problems. Charoudin concluded that the Plaid is great in the straights, but struggles in track conditions. To be fair, it is a sedan after all and not a supercar. That said, given the power and weight in question the Plaid probably should have better brakes as standard. Instead, Tesla expects you to fork out $15,000 if you want carbon ceramics.
 

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The InsideEVs team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com

View all comments ( )

Trending

GM's Next-Generation EV Platform Has 30% Less Wiring And 20% Less Battery

GM's Next-Generation EV Platform Has 30% Less Wiring And 20% Less Battery

Can The BMW iX3 Take Down The Tesla Model Y L And Rivian R2?

Can The BMW iX3 Take Down The Tesla Model Y L And Rivian R2?

GM's OnStar AI Assistant Debuts In The Cadillac Lyriq

GM's OnStar AI Assistant Debuts In The Cadillac Lyriq

Electrify America’s Largest EV Charging Station Is Missing One Big Thing

Electrify America’s Largest EV Charging Station Is Missing One Big Thing

latest articles

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU



The Longest-Range EVs You Can Buy In 2026



The Midterms Won't Mean Much For EV Policy, Analysts Say



Tesla Says 75% Of New Car Buyers Subscribe To FSD In North America



General Motors Isn't 'Walking Away' From EVs, Top Exec Says



'End Of The Year': Tesla Says Cybercab Customer Deliveries Will Begin Soon



GM Is Adding Its Own Version Of Tesla's Sentry Mode To Cars



The Best Affordable Electric Cars In 2026: Cheap, Reliable Options For Everyone