A lot comes with the Tesla Model S including sizzling acceleration, improved balanced handling, state-of-the-art technology, and an impressive electric range. This all-electric car places among the best in our luxury hybrid and electric car rankings.
The Tesla Model S is a phenomenal car and one of the best vehicles in our luxury hybrid and electric car rankings. It’s brisk, athletic, and poised, making it enjoyable whether you’re enthusiastically carving corners or relaxing on a road trip. No compromises in performance are necessary to drive this electric vehicle, and its standard 370-mile range is extraordinary for an all-electric car.
Pros
- Robust acceleration and nimble handling
- Astounding all-electric range
- Abundant cutting-edge technology
- Roomy seating and cargo areas
Cons
- The infotainment system can be distracting
- Lacks advanced smartphone integration
Should I Buy the Tesla Model S
The all-electric Model S is not just an attractive choice for early adopters or EV enthusiasts. This Tesla’s performance chops give sporty rivals like the Audi A7 a run for its money. A long-range battery pack and speedy supercharging access give you the option between plugging in your EV every night and charging only as needed. Tesla loyalists may also want to consider the less-expensive Tesla Model 3 or the Tesla Model X SUV.
Converting from a gasoline-powered car to an EV means slightly shifting your routine, and this adjustment is a bit daunting for some. One option is to consider an EV with a back-up gasoline engine, such as the BMW i3with Range Extender. For sporty performance from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, take a spin in the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid.
How Much Does the Tesla Model S Cost
For 2019, Tesla Model S prices start at $79,990. That is one of the highest base prices in our luxury hybrid and electric car rankings. Note that this price tag doesn’t take any tax incentives or gasoline savings into account, but Tesla often includes discounts such as these in its price quotes. For more information on pricing and features, see our section below on which Model S is right for you.
Car Interior Features
The tesla model s features such are listed below.
Seat Capacity
The Model S is a four-door car with seating for five people. Previous build years were capable of seating up to seven with an optional rear-facing seat, but this is not available for 2019. The front seats have 12-way power adjustments and offer a great view of the road. All passengers are pampered with spacious, heated seats, but opulent upgrades are notably lacking. The uplevel Model S Performance comes with ventilated seats, but options such as massaging seats or upscale interior trimmings are not on the menu.
Car Seats
On each outboard rear seat, the tesla model S has a full set of LATCH connectors, which includes two lower anchors and an upper tether anchor. The middle seat has an additional tether anchor.
Interior Quality
The Model S’ attractive interior boasts lots of first-class materials and a striking infotainment screen. Most professional reviewers say the interior is well-constructed, though a few notes some build-quality inconsistencies.
Cargo Space
The hatchback body style of the tesla model S grants more cargo space (it has around 26.3 cubic feet) than most luxury hybrid and electric cars. With no gasoline engine under the front hood, a separate storage area takes its place. This 5.3-cubic-foot “frunk,” as Tesla labels it, is roomy enough for a medium suitcase.
Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The Model S boasts plenty of cutting-edge technology, starting with the 17-inch touch screen that dominates the cockpit. The interface is responsive, and smartphone and tablet users will find it mostly intuitive to use. A navigation system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and voice-activated controls come standard. Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s sense of humor also comes through in the myriad Easter eggs hidden throughout the system, with “Spinal Tap” and James Bond references among the surprises.
The Model S’ system isn’t perfect, however. It lacks advanced smartphone integration options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Professional reviewers say features such as navigation aren’t dependable and that using the system can be overly distracting while you are driving.
Model S Performance
Model S Engine: More Than Enough
The acceleration rates of the all-electric Model S are exhilarating whether you’re merging onto the highway or overtaking slower traffic. The electric motors grant instant torque – while gasoline engines slowly build power when launching from a stop, an EV can blast off the moment the accelerator pedal hits the floor. The base Model S can spring to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds. Model S Performance editions can get there in a mere 2.4 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 155 mph and come with a 100-kilowatt-hours lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors.
Model S Gas Mileage: Excellent for Long-Distance Travel
The Model S has one of the longest ranges among EVs. You can drive the base model up to 370 miles on a single charge. Range for the Model S Performance drops slightly, to an estimated 345 miles. Compare that with the maximum range of mass-market rivals such as the Nissan Leaf (estimated at 226 miles), Jaguar I-Pace (234 miles), and Chevrolet Bolt EV (238 miles). The Model S has a 111 MPGe rating from the EPA (learn more about mpg equivalent here).
All Model S trims are capable of charging with Tesla’s network of superchargers on a pay-per-use basis. Supercharging can add about 170 miles of range in half an hour. At home, it takes between 4 3/4 and 12 hours to fully recharge the 100-kWh battery at 240 volts, depending on the type of charger you are using.
Model S Ride and Handling: Well-Balanced
The Model S comes alive when you push it through a twisty canyon, but it’s just as enjoyable during a laid-back Sunday drive. Its lithium-ion battery adds weight, but it also increases stability, partly by lowering the center of gravity. Add in the car’s precise steering and composed ride quality, and handling becomes effortless and enjoyable. Furthermore, the EV’s regenerative brakes feel natural and responsive. Every model now comes standard with Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Model S Reliability
The 2019 Model S does not have a predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power.
Tesla Model S Warranty
The Model S comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and an eight-year/unlimited-mile battery and powertrain warranty.
Model S Safety
In limited testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2019 Model S received five out of five stars in the rollover test.
Model S Safety Features
In addition to a rearview camera, all Model S cars come standard with Autopilot. This collection of advanced safety systems includes automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, and side collision warning. It does not give the EV any self-driving capabilities. You’ll need Enhanced Autopilot, a $5,000 option available in all trims, to enable semiautonomous actions. It incorporates features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring to do things like change lanes and manage the vehicle’s speed in traffic. It also receives frequent over-the-air updates from Tesla.
Which Tesla Model S Model Is Right for Me?
Tesla slims down it is Model S choices for 2019, offering only two trim levels and single interior setup. As of this writing, trim levels include the Model S (previously called the Model S 100D) and the Model S Performance (formerly known as the Model S P100D). The base Model S starts at $79,990 (applicable tax credits may lower your final cost). Only a couple upgrades are available, including Enhanced Autopilot. For $5,000, this self-driving system can steer the car, accelerate, brake, and change lanes.
Between its 370-mile range and its list of upscale amenities, the base Model S is an alluring pick. We recommend this trim unless you want the scorching acceleration rates associated with Ludicrous Mode.
Tesla Model S
The base Model S, previously known as the Model S 100D, has a 100-kWh battery, a 370-mile range, and dual-motor all-wheel drive. Standard features include a 17-inch touch screen, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, heated front, and rear seats, and ambient lighting. The standard Autopilot isn’t the self-driving Enhanced Autopilot (an additional $6,000), but a collection of advanced safety systems that include automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, and side collision warning. Prices for the Model S start at $79,990, and production time is estimated to be one to eight weeks.
Tesla Model S Performance
The Tesla P100D is now called the Model S Performance. Like the base model, it features a 100-kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive, but it accelerates faster than the base Model S. It has a range of 345 miles, and it features a Ludicrous Mode that cuts zero-to-60 sprint times from 3.7 to 2.4 seconds. Carbon fiber trimmings and ventilated seats are among the few interior upgrades. Prices start at $99,990.
