Tesla Model S

Overview: Is the Tesla Model S a Good Car?

If you regularly get your news from outlets like Electrek and Insideevs, coverage on Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, is inescapable. This notoriety is partially due to the Tesla Model S. The groundbreaking Tesla Model S pioneered premium electric vehicles powered by vast battery packs and exhilarating performance. This midsize EV seats up to seven with available third-row seating and offers a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive.

Tesla innovations include regular over-the-air software updates, direct-to-consumer sales, and the Supercharger network. Meanwhile, Plaid variants push Tesla Model S performance into supercar realms, if not beyond. Other Tesla models include the original Tesla Roadster (now a collectible), Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model X, and the Cybertruck.

Tesla is not alone in its quest to change what the world drives. Conventional automakers like BMW and AMG Mercedes Benz are in hot pursuit of Tesla, while upstarts like Xpeng, Nio, and Vinfast have joined the race. Other companies, including Nikola Motors and Faraday Future, haven’t lived up to their promised potential.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Tesla Model S cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Tesla Model S Years To Avoid and Are Teslas Reliable?

Key Features

The Tesla Model S offers:

• Four-door sedan body style with liftgate rear
• All-electric propulsion ranging from one to three motors
• Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (varies by year)
• One-speed transmission
• Available air suspension with adaptive damping

Trims

Older Teslas came with the 85D, P85, and P85D designations, referring to performance and battery capacity (there are other alphanumeric trim names). Newer editions are simplified; buyers can choose from the Model S (dual motors, all-wheel drive) or the Model S Plaid (three motors, all-wheel drive).

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The minimalist cabin keeps drivers focused on the road or the massive touchscreen. Vegan leather seats coddle all passengers, with the available third-row seats expanding capacity to seven across three rows. The hatchback body style also provides substantial cargo room. Technology for the Model S is about as cutting-edge as it gets, from a camera-monitoring system to Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

How It Drives

The ultra-low center of gravity delivers sports car-like handling with instant electric torque thrusting performance to supercar levels in the Model S Plaid. Even the standard Tesla Model S 0-60 times of three to four seconds is better than most sports cars. Tesla Model S range is typically 350-400 miles, depending on the version and charging capacity.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t tested recent Tesla Model S editions. However, earlier model years received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

Reviews

Tesla Model S reviews via Kelley Blue Book are solid. Owners rate their EVs 4.7 out of 5.0, with performance and styling being the most favored features of the Model S. Reliability, quality, and comfort also rank highly.

Learn More: Here's what the most popular electric vehicles cost the average driver to own

FAQs

Is the Tesla Model S and 3 the same?

Beyond both being all-electric sedans, the larger Model S differs from the compact Model 3 in its hatchback body style, available third-row seating, front “frunk” storage, more powerful powertrain options, and higher pricing.

Is the Model S the fastest car?

Top-line Model S Plaid trim can hit 60 mph in under two seconds, cementing its status among the quickest-accelerating production cars ever made.

How long does a Tesla battery last?

The Tesla Model S battery has a warranty lasting eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty period gives a general idea of the minimum expected lifespan of the battery. This factory coverage reflects the battery cells retaining at least 70% of their original capacity over the warranty period.

Is the Tesla Model S faster than the 3?

Yes. While Model 3 performance versions snap to 60 mph in about four seconds, the ultra-performance Model S Plaid currently achieves the same feat in under two seconds.

What is the Tesla Model S price?

A new Tesla Model S starts at $75,000. According to CoPilot’s nationwide listings, used Tesla Model S prices range from $14,000 to $95,000, depending on age, condition, mileage, and equipment.

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