2019 Tesla Model S Review: Continued Refinement
The Tesla Model S could be considered the pioneer of the current all-electric vehicle boom, leading the industry in EV capabilities from its introduction in 2012. Since then, the Model S has undergone an array of upgrades keeping it ahead of the game, with the 2019 Model S Long Range now offering uncontested electric-only ranges of up to 373 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, despite Tesla's laser-beam focus on performance, and unlike many of the Model S' rival EV players, it still manages to deliver a high level of value in feature specification, overall comfort, and daily practicality. However, as a relatively new manufacturer, Tesla still has a long way to go in terms of build quality, as some may feel that the Model S isn't as premium as one would expect at its price. The all-new Porsche Taycan is also a worthy adversary to the Model S overall, especially when it comes to levels of craftsmanship and driving dynamics.
What's the Price of the 2019 Tesla Model S?
The 2019 Tesla Model S Long Range is slapped with a sticker price of $79,990. Tesla also asks an order fee of $100 upfront, as well as a destination and documentation fee of $1,200. The price is also excluding any tax, registration, and licensing fees. Unfortunately, the federal EV rebate of up to $1,875 that the Model S is eligible for will expire at the end of 2019. For those in the state of California, there's the Clean Air rebate of up to $2,500, however, as well as the HOV lane permissions as an added bonus.
2019 Model S Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196.0 in | 116.5 in | 56.5 in | 77.3 in | 65.4 in | 66.9 in | 4,883.0 lbs |
2019 Model S Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Tesla upgraded the Model S' adaptive air suspension for the 2019 model year, granting the already capable and comfortable commuter with even greater handling prowess and further improved ride comfort. The suspension feels masterfully tuned, while it's firm enough for amusing sporting antics, it's still soft enough to keep the ride comfy on almost any road surface. With the 19-inch wheels, most moderate road imperfections and typical day-to-day undulations are dealt with aptly, the optional 21-inch wheels do, however, reduce ride quality to a small degree.
While the Model S' penchant for straight-line performance dominates, it also manages to deliver reasonably decent handling dynamics. It shouldn't be thrown around any corners with unbound verve, but fares well in casual-to-slightly spirited driving styles, it inspires driver-confidence by always remaining impressively stable through bends, and manages to mitigate body roll to a suitable degree. The chassis remains composed and no lean is exhibited with hasty lane changes at speed. Despite the Model S' hefty curb weight, it feels much lighter than it really is.
Unfortunately, this semi-sporty sedan is let down by its non-communicative steering, very little road or tire feedback is provided; however, responses are direct and there are two weighting effort settings provided. The brakes provide suitable levels of stopping power and the regenerative function is favorably imperceptible, augmenting the Model S' overall ride comfort.
2019 Model S Interior
2019 Model S 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 2019 Tesla Model S A Good car?
The first Tesla Model S arguably initiated the current electric-vehicle boom and instantaneously set an industry-level benchmark for every manufacturer looking to jump into the premium EV segment. The 2019 Model S remains a forerunner in the segment, especially in terms of performance, range, and value. Tesla has managed to develop a vehicle that is not only exhilaratingly fast with proficient handling, but a car that is also comfortable and class-leading in terms of all-electric range. Beyond performance, the Model S is also a comprehensively specced and contemporary package, from its favorable selection of general comfort and convenience features to safety and advanced driver assists and infotainment. It's also an incredibly practical vehicle, with a commodious cabin to accommodate passengers and an uncompromised cargo bay with jaw-dropping capacity. If there really is anything that could be improved upon in the Model S, it would be in its slightly overly firm seat bottoms and iffy in-cabin build quality. For some, the 17-inch infotainment touchscreen can also be somewhat out of the way, with the driver having to lean forward to reach the far right of the screen, something Tesla could perhaps address with future updates.
What Tesla Model S Model Should I Buy?
The Long Range is the standard Tesla Model S available for 2019, with the Performance variant reviewed separately. For the Long Range model, we suggest optioning on either of the 19-inch alloy wheel options - leave the 21-inch alloys as they slightly diminish ride comfort. We also recommend ticking the box for the optional Autopilot Full Self-Driving Capability Update for the forthcoming automated functions that it will add on, ultimately improving overall safety and convenience.
2019 Tesla Model S Comparisons
2019 Tesla Model S vs Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X costs around $5,000 more than the Model S. Though the Model X offers three-row seating for seven, a maximum towing capability of 5,000 lbs, and awesome rear gullwing doors,it's slightly slower, a lot less comfortable on the road, and offers notably poorer all-electric range. While the Model X is as much of an impressive all-electric vehicle as the Model S is, it doesn't quite fit its mold as an SUV as well as the Model S does its role as a practical family commuter. The Model X doesn't really offer any level of off-road capability either, something generally expected of an SUV - its only real advantages over the Model S are in its towing capability and three-row seating. The cars are otherwise identical in the way of feature specification and safety. If the towing capability and seven-passenger seating isn't required, then the Model S is certainly the better vehicle in performance, comfort, and daily practicality.
2019 Tesla Model S vs Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is planned to arrive for the 2020 model year at an MSRP approximately $20,000 more than the Model S. The Taycan was designed to compete directly with the Model S and achieves this to a rather impressive degree. In terms of straight-line performance, the Model S is slightly quicker off the line, though the Taycan will build up momentum and take the win in a quarter-mile drag. Though the Taycan's all-electric range hasn't been provided yet, it's expected to be significantly lower than that of the Model S' by at least 100 miles. In terms of handling, the Taycan is certainly the more capable car, providing the driver with better engagement through all the controls based on a history of wonderful fun-to-drive vehicles. The Taycan is bound to top the Model S in terms of cabin quality, but the Model S still offers a more commodious cabin throughout and five-passenger seating - the rear seats in the Taycan has space for only two, with much less space to move about. The Model S is also more practical, with a larger cargo bay and split-folding rear seats, which the Taycan does without. The Taycan is certainly the more driver-focused vehicle of the two and appeals to those who want to have immense driving fun with the bragging rights of owning an eco-friendly vehicle (truly the best of both worlds), while the Model S is the more practical everyday EV, better suited to a family-centric lifestyle.