The first EV is getting old. The sedan-like hatchback 2023 Tesla Model S remains competitive despite newer rivals with more features and longer ranges. The Model S’s single-charge range is 405 miles.
The 1020-hp tri-motor Plaid model accelerates to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds, like a multimillion-dollar hypercar.
The 2023 Model S is Tesla’s flagship, offering its latest software and AutoPilot, a controversial hands-free driving mode.
What’s New in 2023?
The Model S receives a new key card this year, replacing the initially classic car-shaped car key. Standard steering is free (a $700 retrofit is also obtainable for current owners).
Because Tesla is known for making modifications to its vehicles during each model year, expect more future improvements to the Model S.
We’d stay with the core model, which has a range of 405 miles on a single charge.
The Plaid ultra-high-performance model sounds appealing, but its nearly $138k entry price reflects diminishing worth; you need a car with the convenience of a Top Fuel dragster.
| Model S | starts at $94,990 |
| Model S Plaid | starts at $115,990 |
Electric Vehicle Motor, Power, and Efficiency
The Model S offers full-time all-wheel drive regardless of version, with an electric motor devoted to each front and rear axle.
The acceleration of the different models varies from excellent to incredible. Our 2020 Model S test vehicle hit 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and confirmed unending entertaining thanks to its instant power delivery.
The Plaid version adds a third electric motor, increasing total output to 1020 horsepower—enough to propel it to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds.
The classic Model S has proven to be a responsive sports sedan with well body motions and accurate steering. Drivers can choose between heavy and light steering work, but neither allows for more responses from the road.
Sadly, the accessible yoke-style steering wheel is poorly integrated and detracts from the driving experience; a standard steering wheel is an inexpensive alternative.
The ride is comfortable, the handling is adept, and it’s convinced and almost serene on the highway.
Tesla Model S Plaid
| Powertrain | 3 permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Combined power | 1020 hp |
| Combined Torque | 1050 lb-ft |
| Transmission | F/Rdirect -drives |
| Battery pack | Liquid-cooled lithium-ion99.3 kWh |
Tesla Model S
| Powertrain | front permanent-magnet synchronous AC 275 hp, 310 lb-ft |
| Rear | induction AC 503 hp, 531 lb-ft |
| Battery pack | Lithium-ion 98.0 kWh |
| Transmission | single-speed direct drive |
Battery Capacity, Range, and Charging
A battery pack is hidden beneath the Tesla’s floor, resulting in a lower center of gravity and equally distributed weight from front to back.
Driving range and acceleration efficiency vary by Model, with the base model’s battery supplying up to 405 miles of coverage and the Plaid Model providing up to 396.
The current high-water mark is 517 miles for the Lucid Air; the BMW i7’s max range is the quickest at 318 miles.
Tesla Model S Plaid
| C/D Test Results | |
| 60 mph | 2.1 sec |
| 100 mph | 4.3 sec |
| 130 mph | 6.9 sec |
| 1/4 mile151 mph | 9.4 sec |
| 160 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Rolling start, 5-60 mph | 2.3 sec |
| Top speed, 162 mph | |
| Braking, 70-0 mph | 150 ft |
Tesla Model S
| C/D Test Results | |
| 60 mph | 2.4 sec |
| 100 mph | 6.1 sec |
| 130 mph | 11.4 sec |
| 150 mph | 19.3 sec |
| 1/4 mile126 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Top speed, 163 mph |
Real-World MPGe and Fuel Economy
Since EVs like the Chevy Bolt and Polestar 2 provide an adequate driving range, the Model S stays an excellent long-distance option for gas-powered vehicles.
The core model has the best MPGe ratings, with 124 in the city and 115 on the highway.
A 2020 Model S posted a 222-mile result in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, which is still significantly less than its 326-mile EPA range scores at the time. The Plaid covered 280 miles out of its assumed 390 miles.
Tesla Model S Plaid
| C/D Fuel Economy |
| Observed: 71 MPGe |
| 75-mph Highway driving: 91 MPGe |
| Range: 280 mi |
Tesla Model S
| EPA Fuel Economy |
| Combined: 97 MPGe |
| City: 98 MPGe |
| Highway: 96 MPGe |
| Range: 326 miles |
Cargo, Interior, and Convenience
Model S prices start at more than $100,000.
Buyers can expect a certain level of luxury inside the vehicle. The cabin ambiance is adequate.
The sloped roofline of the Model S cleverly conceals a rear liftgate that opens to expose a massive 26-cubic-foot trunk.
You could store eight carry-on-size cases without folding down the back seats.
A sizeable underfloor bin in the rear cargo area compensates for the lack of small-item cubby cabin space throughout the interior, particularly in the back seat.
Tesla Model S Plaid
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in |
| Length | 197.7 in |
| Width | 78.2 in |
| Height | 56.3 in |
| Passenger volume | 100 ft |
| Cargo volume | 28 ft |
| Curb weight | 4828 lb |
Tesla Model S
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in |
| Length | 197.7 in |
| Width | 77.3 in |
| Height | 56.9 in |
| Passenger volume | 95 ft |
| Cargo volume | 26 ft |
| Curb weight | 4998 lb |
Connectivity and infotainment
Enthusiasts of modern simplicity will adore the Model S’s cabin, which includes a massive infotainment screen that handles almost all of the vehicle’s functions as standard.
Technophiles will rejoice, but we’re not convinced. Because of the screen’s placement on the dashboard, some drivers will have to lean forward in their seats to touch certain icons, especially those at the Top of the display.
Unlike the Model 3, the Model S includes a backup array for the gauge cluster and a tiny touchpad in the rear seat.
Features for Driver Assistance and Safety
Although the Model S has sparked a national debate about the safety of partly automated vehicles and has been noted to catch fire after some types of high-speed impacts, its safety reliability is bolstered by the good crash-test performance from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the understanding that car fires aren’t unusual, whether in electric or gas-powered vehicles.
Tesla Model S Plaid
| Suspension, F/R | multilinkmultilink |
| Brakes, F/R | 15.0-in vented disc14.4-in vented disc |
| TiresFR | Michelin Pilot Sport265/35R-21 (101Y) T1295/30R-21 (102Y) T1 |
Tesla Model S
| Suspension, F/R | multilinkmultilink |
| Brakes, F/R | 14.0-in vented disc14.4-in vented disc |
| TiresFR | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S245/35R-21 96Y TO265/35R-21 101Y TO |
The following are important safety features:
– Automatic emergency braking is standard
– Typical lane departure warning
– Adaptive cruise control with the hands-free driving mode is available.
Warranty and Maintenance Safety
Tesla provides an extensive warranty package to preserve the Model S’s powertrain and hybrid elements.
– The limited warranty period is four years or 50,000 miles.
– The powertrain warranty is valid for eight years and has unlimited miles.
– There is no free scheduled maintenance.
