2014 Tesla Model S Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For 2014, Tesla expands the international markets for its Model S 4-door sport sedan, now offering the electric vehicle for sale in China as well as the U.S., Canada and a few European countries, but the cutting-edge Model S itself remains unchanged. In many ways, that's a good thing. Credit automotive designer Franz von Holzhausen, formerly of Mazda but currently working in-house at Tesla, for creating an exterior look for the Model S that perfectly balances sportiness and sophistication, resulting in one of the more attractive luxury sedans on the market today. Not minimalist in styling but far from over the top, the 2014 Tesla Model S's exterior design strikes all the right notes with its subtle open-mouthed grille, cat-like headlights, clean sidelines, sloping rear roofline and short rear deck.
But the Model S has a lot more to offer than its eye-catching design. The automaker's first 4-door sedan hatchback, the Model S represents Tesla's move toward more affordable and functional electric vehicles. Thanks to available rear-facing seats in the cargo area, the Model S can carry up to 7 passengers, making it a viable family hauler. It can achieve distances of up to 265 miles on a single charge, depending on the size of the battery. It emits zero emissions, establishing its green cred. And it backs up all that with some impressive sports car stats, including a 0-60 time of up to 4.2 seconds and a top speed of up to 130 mph.
The Model S also delivers well-balanced handling and a comfortable ride, thanks in part to its 50/50 weight distribution and its low center of gravity due to the location of its powertrain and battery. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, the Model S has no internal combustion engine under the hood. In fact, the Model S devotes its front "engine" compartment to storage space. Instead, the Model S's electric powertrain sits between the rear wheels, where it can send torque to the wheels with maximum efficiency, and consists of a single moving part, the rotor. Other components of the liquid-cooled powertrain also include a motor, drive inverter and gearbox. The setup results in instantaneous acceleration when the driver steps on the pedal and a smooth, steady delivery of power.
Tesla offers the Model S with a choice of 2 batteries and 3 performance levels. The entry-level Base trim comes equipped with a 60kWh battery, which generates 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of peak torque in a wide range from 0-5,000 rpm. The Base has a cruising range of 208 miles on a single charge. When equipped with the 60kWh battery, the Model S jaunts from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph. The battery comes with a warranty for 8 years or 125,000 miles. Owners can add a supercharging system, which reduces charge time, as an option.
Owners seeking more power and driving range can opt for an 85kWh battery, which increases hp to 362 and torque to 325 lb-ft delivered from 0-5,800 rpm. Driving range increases to 265 miles on a single charge, while the 0-60 time drops to 5.4 seconds, and top speed rises to 125 mph. The 8-year battery warranty still applies, with unlimited mileage. The supercharging system is included with the larger battery.
The automaker also offers a Performance version of the Model S with the 85kWh battery and a high-performance drive inverter, which boosts horsepower to 416 and torque to 443 lb-ft over a range from 0-5,100 rpm. The run to 60 mph drops to 4.2 seconds and top speed rises to 130 mph.
In all trims, the battery integrates with the chassis and runs the full length under the passenger cabin, from front to rear wheels, resulting in a low center of gravity. Owners can recharge the battery using a 240- or 120-volt outlet or at a public charging station with a Mobile Connector, which comes standard. Owners can also install a High Power Wall Connector in the home, which helps reduce charge time. The battery charges at a rate of 29 miles of range per hour with a 240-volt outlet, and up to 58 miles of range per hour with the home charging system and twin chargers. Using the supercharging system, the battery will achieve a 50-percent charge in about 20 minutes. Tesla disguises the on-board charge port by hiding it behind the taillight on the driver's side.
The chassis features a Smart Air Suspension system, which lowers the ride height of the Model S at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. Owners can also raise and lower the ride height manually using a touchscreen in the cabin. The suspension includes a double-wishbone setup in the front and an independent multi-link coil spring rear configuration, adding to the vehicle's agility and ride comfort. Variable-ratio speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion electric power steering comes standard, providing precise control and good feedback. The Model S rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires.
Exterior features include automatic on/off HID headlights, backlit side turn signals and LED taillights. The Performance trim also includes Tesla Red brake calipers and a carbon fiber spoiler. In an effort to reduce drag in all areas of the exterior design, the door handles retract into the body when not needed and slide out when the driver approaches the vehicle with the key. An aluminum roof comes standard, although owners can opt for a panoramic glass roof which blocks 98 percent of visible light and 81 percent of heat when closed, and opens wide to provide a convertible-like driving experience. The rear liftgate opens and closes manually.
Inside, a 17-inch touchscreen, mounted in the center stack, dominates the driver-oriented cabin. Vertically oriented like an oversize tablet, the touchscreen provides access to all the Model S's mechanical systems, settings, navigation system, cabin controls and entertainment systems. It's truly a cutting-edge system and fits well with the high-tech nature of the Model S. Synthetic leather upholstery and microfiber trim give the cabin an upscale look, along with piano black accents, metal interior door handles and a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The heated front seats feature 12-way power adjustment, while the rear seatback splits 60/40 and folds down. For entertainment, the Model S comes equipped with a 7-speaker 200-watt audio system with HD radio and dual USB ports. Other standard interior features include a power tilt/telescopic steering column, a backup camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and keyless entry.
Eight airbags, including head, knee and side-curtain airbags, come standard on the Model S, along with electronic stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with ventilated rotors. The NHTSA recently awarded the Model S a top safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
User reviews for 2014 Tesla Model S
Write a review2014 Tesla Model S Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
EV battery capacity: 60 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 302 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 310 · Electric Motor Torque: 317 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 10 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 208
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
EV battery capacity: 70 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 315 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 235 · Electric Motor Torque: 325 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 10 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 234
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: connection only
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: infrared-reflecting · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
EV battery capacity: 85 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 362 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 310 · Electric Motor Torque: 325 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 265
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
EV battery capacity: 85 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 416 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 310 · Electric Motor Torque: 443 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 253
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.73
Engine
EV battery capacity: 85 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 691 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 515 · Electric Motor Torque: 687 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 242
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: connection only
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
