2025 Tesla Model S

It’s hard to believe the Tesla Model S has been around for 13 years. It’s still one of the leaders in range, often by 100 miles or so. And the technology remains relevant, even if Tesla doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone integration. We have a great number of owner reviews, virtually all positive. They like the speed, comfort, Supercharger network, equipment, and hatchback practicality. These pros tend to mitigate the occasional cons, like build quality issues.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric cars, including the Tesla Model S.

Tesla offers free use of its Supercharger network to all buyers of a new Model S. This is not transferable to another owner or another vehicle, while drivers are still liable for idle and congestion fees. Other than that, there are no big changes to the Model S for 2025, although Tesla doesn’t usually adhere to the model year system followed by other vehicle manufacturers and will quite often make changes whenever it wants.

Unless the intention is to go really, really fast, we recommend the more mainstream and popular entry-level version with all-wheel drive (AWD). It’s still speedy enough for most people.

The Lucid Air’s base model outdoes its Model S counterpart in range (420 miles) while undercutting its price. The breathtakingly quick Lucid Air Sapphire competes with the Plaid’s performance, but costs more than twice as much. We also suggest looking at offerings from more established marques like the Audi A6 e-tron, BMW i5, and Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan — all beginning slightly below the Model S. The Genesis Electrified G80 is in that same bracket.

Before buying a new Model S electric car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Tesla Model 3 resale values are higher than the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The entry-level 2025 Model S has two electric motors generating a hefty 670 horsepower, and all four wheels receive drive. Electric motors create instant torque, like flicking a switch — who would have thought? So the Model S can leap off the line as if struck by lightning, which it is, in a way. The regular Model S is fast and fun, zipping from a standstill to 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds.

The Plaid is even more extraordinary, developing a mighty 1,020 hp to hit 60 mph in a claimed 1.99 seconds, then capable of reaching a top speed of 200 mph. Back when the Model S was ground-breaking, a gasoline engine with more than 1,000 hp and a zero-to-60 mph time below three seconds would have been the preserve of something like a Bugatti Veyron, costing many times more than the Model S Plaid does now. Then there were the gasoline bills.

That doesn’t make the Model S Plaid a bargain, but it certainly puts automotive power into the hands of more people. The rest of the car can keep up. The Model S is controlled and comfortable, with a standard adaptive suspension contributing to easygoing daily driving duties and lively dynamics whenever the driver demands them. We’d describe the Porsche Taycan as sportier and the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan as smoother, with the Tesla Model S in between.

The dashboard of the Model S is more of a glorified infotainment touchscreen mounting bracket than any source of design flair. But at least the driver has a dedicated instrument cluster. The touchscreen is large (17 inches on the diagonal), with crisp graphics and fast responses — it’s a video gamer’s delight for when there’s some time to kill while recharging. Tesla allows Netflix and Hulu streaming as well.

A yoke-style steering wheel is standard, which is frankly a bit awkward (although it got the thumbs-up in a couple of our owner reviews). We recommend ordering the conventional round alternative at no extra cost.

At this price bracket, we feel the cabin of the Model S should be plusher than it is, with a higher level of fit and finish. After all, it competes with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, masters of luxury.

Occupant space is mostly fine, although 35.5 inches of rear legroom is not much more than the compact Model 3. The Model S is quite wide, so there’s plenty of leeway for hips and shoulders.

The body’s hatchback design provides plenty of luggage space: 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.4 when folded flat. We also appreciate the wide aperture, which makes loading and unloading easy. Beneath the hood is another 3.1 cubic feet of storage space.

The Model S established Tesla’s design language back in 2012. Its sharp lighting signature, aerodynamic body, and wheel designs remain distinct today.

We’d be remiss, however, if we didn’t mention the notorious build quality issues plaguing Tesla models over the years. Owners have reported uneven panel gaps, paint flaws, and loose weather strips while the cars are still relatively new. At the very least, buyers should inspect any Tesla thoroughly before signing for delivery.

Impressive range
For most of its existence, the Model S has been the benchmark for how many miles it can travel before needing a recharge — otherwise known as range. Many rivals are still falling short, while the Model S is one of the few that can break the 400-mile mark.

Partial self-driving tech
The standard Autopilot system bundles common features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane changing, automated parking, and Smart Summon. Full Self-Driving Capability (which requires an alert driver, despite the name) adds Autosteer on city streets, plus automatic stop/go at traffic lights and stop signs.

Tesla Superchargers
Tesla has its national network of fast-charging stations, so road trips are a distinct possibility. The company’s vehicles can also be replenished by other chargers using an adaptor.

Large screen
The Model S interior’s centerpiece is a 17-inch touchscreen. It controls almost every function of the car and can even stream and play games, so the time will fly by when charging.

Over-the-air updates
Improvements in range and power, plus things like map updates, are all possible after the Model S has been purchased.

Sentry mode
An active camera system can send alerts to an owner’s smartphone if their parked Model S senses someone loitering too close, for example.

The maximum range of the most affordable new Model S, the All-Wheel Drive version, is an impressive 402 miles. That beats just about everything else except for the Lucid Air, whose remarkable top figure is 512 miles. The high-powered Model S Plaid is still capable of a completely respectable 348 miles.

At a Tesla Supercharger ,or other DC fast charging station with a 250-kW supply, the Model S can replenish 80% of its capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Most rivals also have DC fast charging capabilities with similar times. Remember that the Model S has an above-average range, so its 80% represents more miles than most of the competition. The well-established Tesla Supercharger network also goes a long way in easing range anxiety.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla’s basic new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This arrangement is common among luxury cars. The batteries and drive units have warranties of eight years or 120,000 miles.

Based on what we read and hear from owners, experiences with the reliability and maintenance costs of Tesla models have been mixed. Some have reported long wait times at service centers and poor parts availability. If you live in an area with many Tesla EVs on the road but only a few service centers, there could be some frustrations when your Model S needs attention.

Safety Ratings

The Tesla Model S hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) since 2016, but it received a maximum 5-Star overall rating back then. More recent testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earned the top score of Good in every crashworthiness category except the small overlap front impact scenario, where the Model S received an Acceptable rating.