The Tesla Model S is one of the most rewarding all-electric experiences around – especially if you pay company car tax. And perhaps surprisingly, while it’s loaded with digital technology and has a futuristic feel, the Model S is roomy and practical too.
Autopilot ‘self-driving’ features are among the Tesla talking points, but the Model S has proved itself as far more than a geeky toy for early adopters. It offers a luxurious, serene and relaxing experience for drivers and passengers, with a roomy cabin and wide-opening tailgate helping to make it easy to live with. It’s not a hugely involving drive in the traditional sense though, and the Tesla also can’t quite match luxury rivals for perceived build quality.
About the Tesla Model S
A combination of searing performance, slippery looks, and a cool, high-tech minimalist cabin dominated by a big central touchscreen has proved highly attractive to buyers around the world for the best part of a decade, making the Tesla Model S the undisputed leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) luxury.
At least it did, until the mainstream auto industry started to catch up, and now buyers have the choice of tantalising EV rivals that include great driving sports saloons like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, as well as more practical choices such as the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC SUVs.
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The new Mercedes EQS luxury saloon may pose even more of a challenge to the Model S, with its full dash-wide infotainment screen, superb battery range and autonomous driving tech suggesting the once novel Tesla may be rapidly running out of ways to demonstrate its leadership credentials.
That said, the Tesla Model S is the car that helped to make EV ownership desirable, and for the moment at least it still leads the pack when it comes to superb range and its roomy cabin. In terms of size, the Model S falls into the executive sector, but while the five-door hatchback body is fairly conventional, it has lots more space than many rivals thanks to the compact packaging of the electric drive system. There’s also extra luggage space under the bonnet where an engine would normally reside.
Constant updates to the Model S mean the current range is quite different compared to when the car was launched. There was a facelift in 2016 that saw the nose lose its fake grille, which brought the S into line with the Model X SUV, and another update for 2021 which has brought more significant changes – although UK cars won’t beginning arriving until 2022.
Tesla used to give different versions of the Model S a number to identify them. In the past this has included 60, 60D, 70, 70D, 75, 75D, 85, 85D, P85+, P85D, 90, 90D, P90, 100D and P100D versions. The numbers signified the kWh (kilowatt-hour) rating of the lithium ion battery pack, with a larger number signifying more power and greater range. The D identifier meant dual-motor, so was applied to the four-wheel drive variants.
The line-up has been simplified with the 2021 update, and there are now just two versions available to order via the Tesla website: the Model S Dual Motor has a claimed 405-mile range and is no slouch with a 3.1 second 0-60mph time and 155mph top speed, while the Plaid variant uses a new triple-motor drivetrain with a claimed 1,006bhp output for a 1.99 second 0-60mph time and 200mph top speed. The maximum range is equally formidable, with up to 396 miles available.
You can spot the 2021 Model S Dual Motor version by its updated front bumper, while the Plaid gets extra aero tweaks with a lower front splitter, revised rear diffuser and a neat ducktail spoiler on the boot lid. The more obvious changes are inside where there’s a new and even more minimalist design featuring a rectangular steering ‘wheel’ that looks like something from an aeroplane. The old portrait-orientated touchscreen has been replaced by a 17-inch landscape unit, and the digital instrument pack sits on a pod atop the dash. There’s an extra screen for rear passengers too, who also benefit from extra space thanks to a redesigned rear bench.
Probably the most controversial feature on the Model S is Tesla’s Autopilot. It’s at the cutting edge of autonomous driving technology, but the name is a little misleading, because the driver cannot hand over complete control of the car to the electronics. However, it does allow for an element of ‘hands-free’ driving, on the motorway especially, although the driver does need to maintain concentration on the road ahead in case the electronics do miss something. Latest Autopilot versions include the ‘Summon’ feature which allows owners to direct their car short distances to their location using Tesla’s app, and the self-parking feature has been upgraded.
For an alternative review of the latest Tesla Model S, visit our sister site drivingelectric.com…
