One and a half years after they launched in the US, the Tesla Model S and X Plaid have finally arrived in Europe through the Belgian Port of Zeebrugge, with the first cars being handed over to German customers.

It seems that Tesla is trying to deliver as much as possible before the end of Q4 to reach its target of 500 000 vehicles for a single quarter.

In January 2021, Tesla announced a significant refresh of the Model S and X, its first two vehicles, with the tri-motor ‘Plaid’ driveline.

The interior of both cars was also overhauled, with a new, horizontal central display, a rear passenger display, and most prominently, the ‘yoke’ steering wheel. US customers received their Model S/X Plaids starting in June 2021, but European customers had to wait a bit longer.

First vehicles on European shores

Until now, the first vehicles are being delivered to delivery centers and quickly handed over to customers, apparently with no advance notice.

The vehicles arrive in the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium, and the first deliveries appear to be in Germany, although Dutch and Belgian cars should also come imminently.

With the rushed deliveries, Tesla seems to be pushing to maximize the number of vehicles delivered in Q4. It wants to deliver nearly 500 000 cars before the end of the year to hit a 50% growth figure for 2022 – the latter hinges on the number of vehicles that can be shipped and delivered to European customers.

However, the target seems difficult to achieve, considering Tesla’s difficulties with the Berlin Gigafactory.

Plaid is faster than Ludicrous

To recap: the Tesla Model S and X Plaid use the most powerful driveline from Tesla, with a tri-motor assembly developing 1 020 hp and allowing the Model S to accelerate to 100 km/hour in just 2,1 seconds.

De heavier Model X takes 2,6 seconds. The Model S Plaid hits a top speed of 322 km/hour (200 mph) and has a WLTP range of 600 km. Model X hits 262 km/hour and reaches 543 km on a single charge.

Tesla charges €139 990 for a Model S Plaid; the Model X Plaid is available from €143 990. Cars that are ordered in December get a January-March delivery window.

The ‘Long Range’ models of the Model S and X are still unavailable to order; they should return to the range in 2023.