It’s really the car the started it all. Okay, technically, it’s the second car that started it all. But the first Tesla, the Roadster, was more like a first draft of a vehicle and was based on the Lotus Elise. The Model S is all Tesla from top to bottom. It showed the world and other automakers that drivers really did want an electric vehicle as long as it was cool.
Introduced in 2012, the Tesla Model S underwent a recent refresh with more range, an updated interior, and a rather polarizing yoke steering control.
How Much is a Tesla Model S?
The Model S is currently available in two flavors. As of this writing, the Long Range variant starts at $94,990. It sports a dual-motor setup with standard all-wheel drive. The more powerful Plaid version starts at $129,990. It’s outfitted with three motors — two in the back and one in the front. Both vehicles are subject to a $1,200 delivery charge.
Unfortunately, Tesla vehicles are no longer eligible for federal tax incentives. However, there may be incentives at the state and local levels for the vehicle. Some quick research should help you determine if you can save some cash on a new Model S.
How Does a Tesla Model S Hold up After Five Years?
Here comes bad news for those interested in the Model S. Tesla doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to manufacturing. The current Model S hasn’t been on the market long enough to be adequately judged, but it has not received favorable reliability reviews. How that plays out with the latest Model S is unknown.
What’s the Fastest Tesla Model S Model?
If you’re looking for speed, consider the pricey Model S Plaid. It puts its tri-motor powertrain to work propelling the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds according to Tesla with rollout subtracted. In other words, they start the timer after the vehicle’s first 12 inches of movement.
Is the Tesla Model S Worth its Price?
With an updated interior, 400-mile range, cutting-edge tech, and the largest charging network available, the Model S as an entire package makes it worth its roughly $95,000 price tag.
What’s the Real Range on a Tesla Model S?
During a drive with the previous version of the Model S, I was able to eke out 422 miles while driving 65 mph using the vehicle’s Autopilot system to keep the speed consistent. Like other EVs, the range is dependent on driving style and weather. Cold days tend to decimate range.
What is it Like to Own a Tesla Model S?
The latest Tesla Model S with its updated interior makes it more livable and brings it closer to matching the interior aesthetic of the luxury vehicles its price tag has it butting up against. That said, the new yoke steering situation creates a driving experience that may turn off many potential owners. At issue is the lack of something to grab at the top of the yoke while impeding hand-over-hand turning, which around sharp corners on the road and in parking lots could be potentially dangerous.
That said, the vehicle’s long range and Tesla’s robust Supercharger network give the Model S a leg up on other high-end EVs currently on the market.
How Are Used Tesla Model S Cars?
Tesla is a newer car company, relatively speaking, and the Model S is its first true mass-production vehicle. With those caveats, long-term issues with the vehicle — especially those manufactured before 2017 — have reared their ugly head, including corroded bolts that hold the power steering system in place snapping and issues with passenger-side airbags and seat belts. The infotainment screens have also run into problems, so keep an eye out for any wonkiness with the touchscreens.
It’s also important to note that just because a used Tesla has Autopilot or FSD (full self-driving) software installed and running during a test drive doesn’t mean that the system will transfer to the new owner. These systems have been removed from vehicles once the title changes hands.
Without the legacy of having built millions of vehicles over decades, issues with hardware and software are to be expected from Tesla. As for removing features, that can be cause for alarm and Tesla tends to change its mind regularly on a whole host of issues, including what can be transferred from owner to owner. In other words, don’t pay the premium for Autopilot or FSD, because it might disappear once the car is in your hands. See Tesla Model S models for sale near you
