The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan known for its groundbreaking performance, with versions like the Plaid reaching over 1,000 horsepower and a mph time of under two seconds. It features a sleek, aerodynamic design, a long-distance range of over 400 miles, and a Supercharger network for fast charging. While the Model S is praised for its historic impact on the auto industry, performance, and technology, some recent models have faced criticism for controversial design choices, such as capacitive buttons, and specific issues like tire wear.
Key features
- Performance:
The Plaid model boasts over 1,000 horsepower and accelerates from
mph in seconds. The car features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring and can achieve top speeds of up to 200 mph.
- Range and charging:
The Model S has an EPA-estimated range of up to 410 miles. A 15-minute charge at a Supercharger can add up to 205 miles of range.
- Aerodynamics:
The design is optimized for efficiency, with a low drag coefficient to improve speed and range.
- Technology:
The car includes Autopilot, which assists with steering, accelerating, and braking, and has over-the-air software updates. It also features a large touchscreen display and can automatically reroute to Superchargers using its trip planner.
- Tesla Model S – Wikipedia
The body and the chassis of the Model S are made mostly of aluminum. The car shares its platform and thirty percent of its parts w…
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Wikipedia
- Model S – Luxury Electric Sedan | Tesla United Kingdom
* Exterior: Designed for Efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just .208 Cd, the lowest on the planet, Model S is built for spee…
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Tesla
Points of praise
- Historical significance:
The Model S is credited with changing consumer expectations for electric vehicles and proving that EVs could be compelling alternatives to gasoline cars, as noted by Consumer Reports.
- Performance and handling:
Even early models were praised for their performance, with later models like the P85D combining sedan practicality with Ferrari-like handling and performance, says TeslaMagazine.org. The Plaid model is considered in a class of its own due to its acceleration.
- Comfort:
It is described as a quiet and comfortable car for daily driving, with features like a smart air suspension that adjusts based on speed.
- 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid Review: A New … – The Drive
Aug 24, 2021 — Against the Competition. The Model S Plaid’s starting price of $131,190 is eyebrow-raising. But what you’re getting in…
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The Drive
- My Tesla Model S Long Term Review after 7 Years
Jul 2, 2021 — The interesting thing is the Tesla Model S P85D was like all four of those vehicle combined into one car with the treme…
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Jake’s Tesla World
- Tesla Model S review: interior, dashboard & infotainment
The Model S features power-adjustable leather heated seats throughout, and there’s room for five passengers. It’s quiet on the roa…
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DrivingElectric
- Making Model S and Model X Even More Fun to Drive – Tesla
Jun 12, 2025 — Model S and Model X Are Only Getting Better Over Time … Aiming to build the world’s best car, we unveiled Model S Pl…
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Tesla
Recent criticisms
- Capacitive buttons:
The steering wheel and door controls on recent models have been a point of contention for many owners, with some reporting difficulties and issues like non-functional turn signals, says this YouTube video.
- Tire wear:
The high-performance nature of the Plaid, especially with staggered 21-inch wheels, can lead to significant rear tire wear if the negative camber issue is not addressed, notes this YouTube video.
- Design integration:
Some critics have noted that the decision to include over 1,000 horsepower without corresponding brake upgrades was a design risk, according to Road & Track.