A 50/50 split?! I suppose it can be difficult choosing between that V-8 and that V-10. Either way, the M6 is a good example of how expensive M cars can depreciate. You know what else does? Tesla Model S prices.
The 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid vs the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S650
What if I told you that, like all other products invented by man, the electric car was and remains a cash grab? Bouyed by Federal incentives, it seems the electric car isn’t quite catching on like it was meant to. Which leads me to the originator of this madness – Tesla.
I never liked the company, and I think the cars are built like dishwashers – to the nearest penny. On the surface the Tesla Model S Plaid seems it would be a good idea, with 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. No gas required. Sounds fun! Everyone from Car & Driver to Jason Cammisa has tried to convince you that these are worth your while. But you and I know better.
As you’d imagine, Tesla Model S prices have plummeted, which brings me to the crux of this article. The average price for a Plaid edition hovers around $55,000 – from an original MSRP of $137,440. That’s a staggering $82,000 difference in just three years! And you thought the M6 was bad.
But…it does mean you can get a 1,000-horsepower car for a price that’s much easier to swallow. So let’s see if I can tempt you with a Maybach V-12.
The 2022 Tesla Model Plaid S
I know, I know. But let’s see first, okay?
- 36,200 miles
- Pearl white over uh…white. How original.
- Full self-driving equipped
- 21-inch Arachnid wheels. One is curbed.
- No mods
- In an accident last year. New bumper was installed.
- Three electric motors for 1,020 horsepower
- The steering wheel. Why?
- Sold for $49,750. That’s nearly six figures of depreciation in three years!
This car will do 0-60 in 2.1 seconds. It’s also 4,700 pounds and can’t brake to save its life on track. Still, isn’t there some joy to be derived from the ability to destroy anything off the line?
The 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S650
The Model S will never be cool. Is the Maybach?
- 20,900 miles
- Black over charcoal leather
- Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12, with 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque
- No mods really – just some blacked out wheels and trim
- A few marks on the body, and orange peel on the wheels
- Clean CarFax
- Sold for $82,500
This might not be an exciting car to drive, but it sure is luxurious. It’s also suffers from depreciation. This car was $202,000 in 2020, meaning it’s lost over $100k of value in five years.
The Tesla is fast, and cheap.The Merc is a V-12, and not as cheap but still…well you get it. What would you drive every day?
One thought on “Just how far has the Tesla Model S fallen?”