Tesla Model S 7.0: Review

Also, do we have a literally 360-degree vision of our environment? Add in a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar sensors, not forgetting a sat-nav driven by GPS, and high precision digital maps, and we have a slightly more impressive array than us, fighting through heavy traffic, arguing with the voice on the sat nav while trying to see if it’s clear to change lanes.

The 7.0 update means you can see clearly on the display if the system is fully locked on. We tried it on the M4 near Heathrow and the crowded roads into London from there. It was mighty impressive.

Some other cars have some sort of radar cruise control, but it’s the Tesla’s ability to safely change lane that takes you aback. All you have to do is tell it you want to change lane, by just flicking the indicator, and it will do the rest. Providing you have your hands resting lightly on the wheel. That sounds like a welcome safety back-up and one the system doesn’t demand in the USA.

Given decent white lines – a big ask in this country – the car can centre itself in the lane and keep a sensible distance from the car in front automatically. If you want to change lane, it does so crisply and then centres itself in that lane. It even worked when the creaking road system threw in faded white lines, yellow crosshatches and the like.

The system is currently in beta, but it definitely does work in heavy traffic that’s moving along – perhaps the cut and thrust of inner city driving is beyond it at the moment. Throw in bad weather and fatigue, then this could be a very useful addition to help get you and everyone around you home safe and sound.

2015 Tesla Model S 7.0

On sale: Now

Price: £52,900 + £2100 for Autopilot

Engine: Rear-mounted electric motor

Power: 382bhp

Torque: 325lb ft

0-60mph: 5.4sec

Top speed: 140mph

Kerb weight: 2107kg

Gearbox: Single speed reducer

Economy: 310 miles range (NEDC)

CO2/BIK tax: 0g/km/5%

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