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Everything is better in the Tesla Model S P85D (pictures)

Tesla improved its Model S substantially with the new P85D edition, adding all-wheel drive and driver-assistance features that put the car on the road to autonomous driving.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The P85D is the dual-motor performance version of the Tesla Model S.

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Using aluminum body construction, Tesla takes many measure to counteract the weight of the 85 kilowatt-hour battery pack.

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The front storage compartment loses space due to the front motor.

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The performance-oriented P85D gets painted brake calipers and rides on 21-inch wheels.

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Tesla employs a sleek yet aerodynamic design in the Model S.

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The passenger compartment seats five, plus two children in optional rear-facing seats.

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An air suspension changes height to improve performance.

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Door handles pop out when you approach the car.

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The P85D badge marks the latest and most powerful edition of the Model S.

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A motorized hatchback makes the cargo area easy to access.

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Tesla's proprietary charging port works with its Supercharger network, providing fast, DC charging. The Model S also work with CHAdeMO fast chargers.

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The electric drive system makes the Model S much more efficient than gasoline- or diesel-fueled cars.

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The dual-motor system aids cornering, with the front tires helping the car grip.

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The P85D boasts acceleration times of 3.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

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A premium interior package brings in Nappa leather.

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Gloss wood trim with deep grain makes for a nice interior accent.

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Three people easily fit in the rear bench seat.

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The front panel of the panoramic roof opens.

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Tesla includes very few buttons on the dashboard.

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The steering wheel holds controls for audio and instrument cluster.

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With audio selection and route guidance active, the instrument cluster is fully lit up.

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The instrument cluster only offers one gauge, showing range, speed and power consumption.

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The 17-inch center touchscreen is big, but minimizes distraction with just a few screens.

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A menu strip at the top of the screen offers quick access to different functions.

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Online navigation comes from Google, and shows either graphical maps or this satellite imagery.

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This drive settings screen enables Insane acceleration mode.

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Automatic high beams are enabled by new sensor hardware.

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The Trips screen shows electricity consumption instead of miles per gallon.

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An energy usage graph offers more detail as to electricity usage.

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With a drive in the car's USB port, the audio interface shows the music library.

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The big audio playback screen includes album art when available.

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Tesla makes no restriction on Web browser access while the car is underway.

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The rearview monitor includes trajectory lines.

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With its new sensor hardware and dual motors, the Model S P85D is an excellent competitor among luxury cars.

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