My Tesla Self-Serve Test Drive
I recently discovered that you can test drive a new car all by yourself. Tesla’s unique technology allows you schedule a two-hour block of time at locations where there is no Tesla ‘dealer’ nearby. My demo drive originated at a hotel parking lot, near a busy highway. Prior to arrival you install Tesla’s app & familiarize yourself through demo videos.
Before you get too excited, the Cybertruck is only available for supervised demo drives. The Model 3 is available, yet I settled on the Model Y. Someone must have checked my net worth, because I ended up with the entry-level Model Y Standard.
First impression: It was so anonymous that it reminded me of Tupperware. Tesla went to great lengths to differentiate the Standard from the Premium Model Y. No light bars or glass-roof views for you. Ambient lighting disappears and cloth adorns the seating surfaces. Also, there are more attractive wheel covers available at AutoZone.
Now, Tupperware is not a bad product & neither is this standard Model Y. Converesly, you have to remind yourself just how easily they do things so well. Beyond the pedestrian surface, it’s fairly easy to recognize why the Model Y is one of the best selling cars in the world.
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The power is effortless. Steering is very accurate. Suspension is compliant. Driving position is near ideal with good forward visibility. Excellent seating capacity with enormous cargo capacity. Good mileage range, and a large network of dedicated Superchargers. Nothing short of revolutionary?
Then you look back. The rear window occupies a slit of your view through the mirror. Standard models don’t come with a digital rear view mirror, so this what you’re left with. ‘But John, there’s a giant touchscreen for that!’
The centerpiece of every Tesla is a large touchscreen. At over two inches larger than Apple’s largest iPad Pro, the screen serves as the vehicle’s lifeline. I immediately noticed why Teslas don’t make good rental cars. Adjusting seating & steering wheel positions, along with mirrors, are a real chore. Conversely, traditional dashboard designs allow adjustments through muscle memory, alone. Familiarity over time would certainly have helped my Tesla experience, but I can’t imagine the experience ever being distraction-free. Also, why does the screen seem canted toward the right rear passenger?
As the weaknesses weighed down on my Demo Drive, I started to notice a possible alibi. Full Self-Drive (Supervised) is always available. Don’t like the visibility, why are you driving? Driving controls bothersome? Leave the driving to us (for only $99 a month).
The Model Y is a solid automobile, just like Samsung is a good refrigerator. Future Tesla models seem to be foregoing the steering wheel & pedals as the revolution continues. Upon returning the vehicle, I was happy that Tesla provided such a unique demo experience & content to get back in my own Honda.
