by Aiden Eksteen
The 2021 Tesla Model S is to the electric vehicle industry what the Ford Model T was to the combustion engine . With Tesla's concerted focus on EV technology and its now established experience, not only is the Model S sedan one of the longest-standing mainstream electric vehicles but it's also one of the fastest and most capable EVs on the market today. It's powered by an advanced EV system comprising two electric motors and a battery pack mounted on a skateboard platform that generate a combined 670 horsepower. On top of leading performance, the 2021 Model S also boasts a futuristic and high-end aesthetic paired with a spacious, modern, and minimalistic cabin. That's not even to mention its extensive list of advanced features and technologies. Though technically still in its first generation, the 2021 Tesla Model S is always under review for enhancement and improvements from Tesla, and this year, the sedan receives its most extensive update yet. As new impressive EV sedans like the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and Audi RS e-tron GT enter the market, will the Model S maintain its appeal or will it just become more of a classic novelty?
The 2021 model year upgrades are substantial. There are three trims to choose from, with the new Tesla Model S Long Range slotting in below the Plaid. The latter is so savage in terms of performance that we decided to review it separately. The standard Long Range received a noticeable facelift, along with some interior upgrades that will undoubtedly be at the center of many internet debates. The latest Long Range now gets to 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds and has a 412-mile range; these are some phenomenal specs.
We'll start with the least controversial and work our way up. First, the rear passengers now get a screen mounted to the back of the center armrest. Rear passengers can use it to watch movies and series, or even play games. In the front, you'll still find Tesla's minimalist dash design, but the large tablet infotainment system is now mounted horizontally. This opens up space beneath for two smartphones that can be wirelessly connected. The old digital instrument cluster has been ditched in favor of a sleeker interface. In terms of design, the new interior looks like it was though up by the person with the thinnest spectacles at Ikea. Finally, and most controversially, is the new steering wheel. Tesla though a steering square with the top half removed would be cool. This particular feature was either designed by a massive Knight Rider fan or somebody who wanted to incorporate some Formula One into the cockpit.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range Plus |
Electric
|
Single Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$69,420 |
| Long Range |
Electric
|
Single Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$94,990 |
When it comes to EV performance, the Tesla Model S sedan remains the unprecedented leader in speed and range with its 3.1 second 0 to 60 mph sprint time and 412 miles of successive driving range. It looks, feels, and truly seems like a car from the future with its eye-catching, novel design aesthetic and high-tech minimalistic interior. Its intelligent design has also earned it some of the best safety reviews in America, and its pioneering skateboard infrastructure has bestowed it with once unimaginable qualities that benefit both its performance and its passenger comfort. The Tesla Model S is a special car, but the new yoke steering wheel looks a bit pretentious and gimmicky, though no fanboy will admit this. Tesla's second-rate build quality is evident in the Model S, too, as it is in all of the company's vehicles. But as time goes by, the Model S, in particular, has been maintaining a fairly decent reliability record. Tesla offers the 2021 Model S sedan at a price of $79,990, which is quite a lot for a 4-door sedan. Even so, it's the best EV money can buy in the USA and still a little more affordable than its ankle biting rivals.
You don't get much choice with the latest iteration of the 2021 Tesla Model S, being that it's presented as a standalone model. There aren't many options or packages available for the Model S either. It looks striking in any of the five exterior colors it's offered in, but we'd stick with the Black and White cabin, as it complements the futuristic aesthetic. We'd certainly opt-in the Full Self-Driving Capability for the bragging rights and significant increase in convenience and safety. If you'd like to get behind the wheel of the fastest electric vehicle in the world, the Model S Plaid will teleport you from 0 to 60 mph in around just 1.99 seconds, according to Tesla, and up to a top speed of 200mph.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Tesla Model S:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo