The Model S is Tesla's flagship sedan, the bigger and more expensive sibling to the Model 3. Though it was once peerless, competition is now plentiful from the likes of the Lucid Air, the BMW i7, and the Polestar 2.
2026 Tesla Model S Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Tesla Model S
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S gets some styling and performance updates for the 2026 model year. New wheel designs and a new Frost Blue paint option keep things fresh across the model lineup, while the Plaid version gets updated front and rear fasciae for aerodynamic improvements. The cabin benefits from an updated suspension and additional insulation, both of which improve ride comfort, as well as updated interior lighting. A new front camera and adaptive headlights improve the driver’s situational awareness. Finally, Tesla claims range for the base model increases from 402 to 410 miles.
Design
The Tesla Model S gets only subtle exterior changes this year, and most shoppers are unlikely to notice. The sleek sedan profile carries over unchanged, which is fine. It’s a classic look, though not as upscale-feeling as it once was. The Model S comes standard with 19-inch wheels and is available with 21-inch wheels.
Powertrain
Tesla calls the base Model S the All-Wheel Drive. It’s powered by two motors and a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, good for 670 horsepower. This year, Tesla claims aerodynamic improvements yield an increased range of 410 miles, up from 402. It’s good for a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.1 seconds. The Model S Plaid features a third motor, increasing output to 1,020 hp. Range checks in at up to 348 miles, though the optional 21-inch wheels cost about 36 miles per charge. This version can hit 60 mph in just under two seconds.
Interior
The Tesla Model S seats five rather comfortably, but overall, the cabin is a mixed bag. The interior design is simple yet dull, and the materials and build quality aren’t worthy of this Tesla’s price point. The big touchscreen is the focal point of the cockpit, since there are almost no physical controls. On the upside, however, Tesla includes heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. There’s also a ton of cargo space: 25 cubic feet behind the second row, or up to 61.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The frunk stows another 3.1 cubic feet.
Technology
The Tesla Model S features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 17-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen runs Tesla’s unique infotainment system, which will take some getting used to for new Tesla owners. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the touchscreen menus house nearly every single vehicle function, which can be overwhelming at first.
Safety
It’s not always the case, but as of this writing, Tesla includes the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system with both versions of the Model S. The price for this system has historically varied based on Tesla’s whims; most recently, it was an $8,000 upgrade. That means the Model S comes standard with every safety and driver-assistance feature in the brand’s arsenal, including limited hands-free driving. The 2026 Tesla Model S hasn’t yet been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Tesla Model S is available now. As of this writing, Tesla lists pricing starting at $94,990 for the All-Wheel Drive model and $109,990 for the Plaid model (prices do not include destination charges or order fees). Currently, these prices include the Luxe Package, which in turn includes the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature. The Luxe Package may also include credits for free Tesla Supercharging.
