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My 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid

Video/Handout

9/5/2026, James Little

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My 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid: I Bought It for the Power, but the Intelligence Impressed Me Most

9/5/2026, James Little

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I have owned three generations of the Tesla Model S, and each was impressive in its time. However, my 2026 Model S Plaid has advanced so far beyond the earlier cars that it makes them seem considerably less remarkable by comparison.

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I initially purchased the Plaid for its extraordinary power and acceleration. After driving it for several months, however, I have become even more impressed by its Full Self-Driving (Supervised), nine-camera system and artificial-intelligence features.

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I now use FSD for more than 90 percent of my driving. On two occasions, it helped me avoid potential collisions that could have significantly damaged the car. Neither would have been my fault, but avoiding an accident is far better than proving responsibility afterward.

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The nine cameras monitor traffic at different distances and angles around the car. They can observe forward, backward and to both sides simultaneously—something no driver can do as effectively. FSD combines these views with artificial intelligence to interpret vehicles, lanes, traffic signals, pedestrians and changing road conditions.

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FSD remains a supervised driver-assistance system, so I stay attentive and prepared to intervene. Nevertheless, it provides an impressive additional layer of awareness.

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This webpage uses illustrated figures to explore the Model S Plaid’s performance, batteries and motors, cameras, FSD and AI, safety, charging, operating costs, storage and everyday practicality. For me, the Plaid’s combination of power and rapidly evolving intelligence is what makes it truly remarkable.

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