Tesla remains the leading EV manufacturer globally, and its crown jewel is the Model S. This full-size sedan/hatchback chimera, along with its smaller sibling, the Model 3, is one of the most popular EVs on American roads and continues to make believers of hardened gearheads with ludicrous levels of acceleration, massive range, and luxury. It's hard to believe that the Model S has been around for over a decade; this EV continues to push the boundaries of what we previously thought EVs were capable of, and with constant minor tweaks and updates, it feels as fresh as ever. With over 400 miles of range, and a 0-60 mph time of just over three seconds, the base model is more than capable of taking on competitors such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. Stepping up to the 1,000-horsepower-plus Model S Plaid should come with a health and safety warning , but we review that Tesla Model S separately. IS the EV giant's most loved model still the champion of the electric car world?
Unlike other rational carmakers who annually update their cars, Tesla likes to throw new features at the Model S as and when it feels like it, making it a bit of a task to keep up with the latest changes. For 2023, Tesla has added a swivel function to its infotainment display so that it can tilt toward the driver or passenger. The base Model S carries over the 2022 Model S Long Range.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Model S |
Electric
|
Single Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$104,990 |
The Tesla Model S revolutionized how we think about cars back when it first came out in 2012, and it continues to astound with every passing year. The driving experience ranges from refined all the way to spill-your-lunch insane and everything in between. The Model S is truly a special thing to drive - if you like going fast. Acceleration is mind-blowing; put this car in its most hardcore setting, flatten the accelerator, and hold on. The 2023 Model S will reach 60 mph in just over two seconds if you nail the perfect launch. This coming from a 4,500-pound luxury hatchback. Keep your foot in it, and Tesla claims a top speed of 149 mph. Unfortunately, the Model S' ability to accelerate is really its party trick. There isn't all that much more to write home about. We found that its brakes tend to fade after a few spirited stops, and the steering is overly light and doesn't offer much in the way of feedback. All-wheel grip is impressive, but this is no sports car. When the dust settles, this is still a supremely comfortable daily driver and highway bomber, but the Model S has typecast itself as a sprinter, and that's how we like to remember it.
With a career spanning over a decade, the Model S might just be the most famous electric vehicle out there. Thousands of YouTube videos showing buxom young ladies trying to snatch $100 bills off the Model S' dashboard helped to make this car famous, but is it more than just a one-trick pony? Sure, it's redefined what the electric vehicle can be and continues to deliver excellent performance, massive range, and good luxury. The hatchback-style liftgate makes it practical, too, and it's comfortable to drive around daily. Safety levels are high, thanks to a vast array of driver assistance tech - but it has a number of shortcomings. For one, we're not fans of the hard-to-use steering yoke, and it's frustrating not to have access to basic tech such as Apple CarPlay. The fit and finish are still not up to scratch after years of complaints, and Euro competitors such as the BMW i7 feel more accomplished. You'd also enjoy throwing a Porsche Taycan around much more. The Model S might be brutally quick, but you're left with a sub-par luxury car once the excitement wears off.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Tesla Model S: