2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Review: Flame-Proof Icarus
With a mind-bending 1,020 horsepower at its disposal by virtue of its revolutionary electric tri-motor powertrain, the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid can easily be seen as a hypercar presented at a third of the price in a humble sedan suit. Yet when you plant the accelerator pedal to the floor, the unassuming midsize 4-door sedan will launch from 0 to 60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it the fastest production car of all time. There aren't really any competitors to directly compare to the Model S Plaid, with only the Rimac Nevera coming close - but this is a hyper-coupe with a $2.4 million dollars starting price. The Porsche Taycan Turbo and the Audi RS e-tron GT are compelling alternatives that don't require such a substantial outlay as the Nevera, but neither can match the Tesla for both speed and all-electric range. Tesla has also significantly updated the Model S Plaid for the new model year, imbuing it with a new yoke-styled steering wheel, a fancier infotainment setup, and improved cabin quality and space, making it more attractive than ever before.
2021 Model S Plaid Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196.0 in | 116.5 in | 56.9 in | 77.3 in | 65.4 in | 66.9 in | 4,766.0 lbs |
2021 Model S Plaid Performance
2021 Model S Plaid Interior
2021 Model S Plaid Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 8 Years / Unlimited Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Rollover Rating |
|---|
| 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid A Good Sedan?
Most press will be highlighting the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid's genuinely insane performance specifications and while it is truly impressive in this regard, the Tesla is an electric sedan at its core. What's really mind-blowing is that not only is the Model S Plaid an absolutely bonkers electric hypercar masquerading as a sedan, but also a class-leading electric car with its 102/99/101 MPG fuel-economy equivalent returns and its 348-mile range. As with any Tesla, the Model S Plaid comes with a futuristic, distinct, and novel design from the outside in. The cabin is spacious and comfy and bears a modern and minimalistic aesthetic with plenty of the latest tech and features, too. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has subjected the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid to review for its crashworthiness, but with Tesla's extensive track record of near-consummate safety ratings awarded to all their cars, we're certain the Model S Plaid sedan upholds the same standards. Tesla really is pioneering the performance EV space and have spurred several other automakers to hunker down and focus their energy on developing competitive performance EVs. Still, the Model S Plaid doesn't come cheap, with an MSRP in excess of $130k, excluding options and destination fees.
What Tesla Model S Plaid Model Should I Buy?
The 2021 Model S Plaid is a specialty vehicle and is currently a one-model-only offering, as it was so impressive after launch that the one-up Plaid Plus derivative was no longer needed. It comes fully equipped without any options between trims and packages, other than the Full Self Driving package for $10,000. You can, however, choose which color you'd like your Plaid S to come in and we'd certainly suggest going for one of the more vibrant options. The price of the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid sedan will start at around $145,990 with all of these additions, but that is likely to change depending on the continuous updates.