About the Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sports sedan. Following the Tesla Roadster, the Model S went into production in 2012 as the second vehicle added to the Tesla lineup. Notably, the Model S is largely considered the de facto “game-changer” in making electric vehicles mainstream and setting off the global interest in mass-production EVs.

What are the advantages of the Tesla Model S?

Before the Model S, there was no EV market. At least, there was not one directed toward everyday consumers. While the Tesla Roadster had the battery technology, as a two-seater, it wasn’t practical. Enter the Model S, which can seat up to 7 passengers and offers an impressive range of more than 400 miles, high-performance variants, advanced technology, and a sleek hatchback-like design. Another advantage of the Model S is access to the automaker’s extensive Supercharger network, which provides fast-charging stations worldwide.

What is the best Tesla Model S model year?

Because EV technology changes so rapidly, later model-year Teslas are generally the best choice to purchase used. The 2021 Model S receives good grades thanks to a significant refresh that introduced exterior and interior design restyling, upgraded driver technology, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an ultra-performance Plaid model.

What are the disadvantages of the Tesla Model S?

The faults of the Model S mostly pertain to build quality and the inconsistency of EV technology in harsh climates. Unlike legacy automakers with decades upon decades of vehicle production experience, Tesla was founded in 2003 and continues to face growing pains in manufacturing. Complaints have included mismatched interior parts, paint defects, real-world mileage not matching estimated figures, technology issues, and overall build quality not matching the high Model S price.

Comparison: Is the Tesla Model S better than the Tesla Model 3?

The Model S and Model 3 are both sedans capable of long-range travel, have instant-torque performance, and a gaggle of in-car technologies. The Model S is superior in performance, particularly with the 1,020-horsepower Model S Plaid. The Model S range can also top 400 miles on a single charge, and being larger than the Model 3, offers more interior space. But the Model S is getting long in the tooth and costs twice as much as a Model 3. The Model 3 offers a competitive EV range of 315 miles as well as similar utility and technology. The Model 3 is the better choice for consumers who want the full Tesla experience but without the six-figure price tag.

Is the Tesla Model S a reliable car?

The jury is still out on Tesla's reliability. The initial build quality of the Model S is a sore point for many buyers. For every cosmetic-related quirk are vehicle-operation issues, like inoperable technology. For now, the Model S is rated average regarding predicted long-term reliability.

How fast is the Tesla Model S?

According to Tesla, the Model S Plaid can go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. The standard Model S takes 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and a 149-mph top speed.