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Tesla Model S

EV · Tesla

Tesla Model S: Tesla's executive sedan. Plaid trim makes 1,020 horsepower from three motors. The model that proved EVs could
Photo: Peteratkins / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tesla's executive sedan. Plaid trim makes 1,020 horsepower from three motors. The model that proved EVs could outrun gas supercars.

The Tesla Model S launched in 2012 as Tesla first ground-up electric vehicle. The Model S established Tesla credibility in the modern EV market and proved that electric vehicles could outperform gasoline counterparts. Multiple revisions have refined the platform across the production run; the Plaid variant (2021+) makes 1,020 horsepower from three motors and runs 0-60 in around 2.0 seconds. The Model S has been continuously updated. Original 2012 cars have been refreshed multiple times with various battery, motor, and interior updates. The current Model S Plaid is the focused performance variant with three motors (one front, two rear), tri-motor drivetrain, and aggressive launch control. Top speed up to 200 mph in some configurations. The Model S has been one of Tesla most successful products. Sales have been strong throughout the production run; the Plaid variant attracts customers who want the fastest acceleration available in a production car. The Model S Long Range (Dual Motor) provides similar driving character with more range and less aggressive performance. On WhipJury, Model S submissions are common, particularly Plaid variants. Modified Model S examples are increasingly visible. The community recognizes the Model S as the modern EV that established the segment.

Top Tesla Model S examples on WhipJury

2024 Tesla Model S
2024 Tesla Model S#1
Whip Score: 1196

Model S variants

Long Range Dual Motor. 405 horsepower combined, 405-mile range.

Plaid (2021+). 1,020 horsepower combined from tri-motor system. 200 mph top speed.

Plaid Plus (announced but cancelled). Was meant to exceed Plaid; cancelled due to Plaid performance.

Frequently asked questions about Tesla Model S

How fast is the Model S Plaid?
0-60 in around 1.99 seconds with rollout, 2.3 seconds without. Top speed up to 200 mph. Faster than essentially every production car ever made on a 0-60 test. The combination of tri-motor torque and traction control produces extraordinary launch capability.
Is the Model S reliable?
The drivetrain (motors, batteries, electronics) is generally durable. Common owner complaints include panel gaps, paint quality, occasional electronic glitches, and door handle failures. Reliability has improved over time as production processes mature.
How much does a Model S cost?
New 2024 Model S starts around $74,000. Plaid around $94,000. Used Model S: project cars $30,000-$50,000+, driver-quality $50,000-$80,000+, low-mile recent cars $70,000-$100,000+.
Is autopilot the same as full self-driving?
No. Autopilot is the standard suite of Tesla driver assistance features. Full Self-Driving (FSD) is the optional package. Despite the name, FSD does not deliver fully autonomous driving and requires driver supervision at all times.
Can the Model S be modified?
Limited. Tesla provides few opportunities for performance tuning. Aftermarket modifications include suspension, wheel/tire upgrades, and exterior cosmetic changes. The drivetrain is essentially sealed; significant performance modifications require ECU work that voids warranty.

More on the Tesla Model S

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