Tesla P85D notches 103 out of 100 in Consumer Reports ratings test

The venerable Consumer Reports really liked what they experienced with the Tesla P85D Model S – so much, in fact, that the electric sedan received a score of 103 out of 100 and the magazine had to adjust its entire ratings system.

“It’s a remarkable car that paves a new, unorthodox course, and it’s a powerful statement of American startup ingenuity,” the magazine wrote in the review, published Thursday morning.

The test review was headlined “Tesla Model S P85D Breaks Consumer Reports Ratings System” and pointed out the car is “brutally quick, with instant acceleration,” able to hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. While CR did harp on the P85D’s higher price tag, it also noted the improved braking and handling over the previous Model S tested. The car’s equivalent of 87 mpg efficiency per charge was also commended.

“The car set a new benchmark, so we had to make changes to our scoring to account for it,” according to CR. “Those changes didn’t affect the scores of other cars.”

CR also noted that it doesn’t necessarily think the P85D is “a perfect car,” suggesting “the interior materials aren’t as opulent as other high-ticket automobiles, and its ride is firmer and louder than our base Model S.” The review also points to a “logistical hurdle” when the car is taken on a road trip exceeding 200 miles and a charging station is not available.

Further, Consumer Reports said its rating didn’t reflect Tesla’s reliability, labeling it “average” according to owner-survey results.

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