2024 Tesla Model S Review: Still The Same S

When you think of electric cars, you think of Tesla - or at least that's the way it has been for the past decade. The 2024 Tesla Model S is a continuation of one of the brand's oldest models, but it has kept up with the times quite well. With 670 horsepower and a blisteringly quick 0-60 mph time, it is still a performance beast, and it boasts good levels of practicality for a midsize sedan. However, the brand has been plagued with recalls and controversy around its self-driving technology. There have also been numerous complaints about build quality. All of this suggests the car is in need of an update, and now that more and more premium automakers are putting skin in the game via the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, Tesla may finally feel motivated to address these shortcomings, though these changes will be coming no sooner than next year.

New for 2024

There are no announced changes for the new Tesla Model S for 2024, but the automaker is rumored to be updating the S next year. That's not to say there may not be updates to the current model sometime during the year, as Tesla has a habit of dropping new features without any fanfare.

2024 Tesla Model S Price: Which One to Buy

Having simplified its range, the price of the 2024 Tesla Model S now starts at $74,990 MSRP. This gets you the long-range version of the electric sedan, but it does not account for the destination charge, tax credits, or other incentives.

Since there are no other trims to choose from (and we review the Model S Plaid separately), we have to look at the packages when deciding on a purchase. Here, you are offered two different levels of autonomous driving. The first is the Enhanced Autopilot, which we would recommend. This offers auto lane change, auto parking, and the ability to summon your car to your location. It costs $6,000. The more expensive Full Self-Driving Capability package is a little more controversial, as it empowers your car to drive itself with very little driver intervention. It is worth noting that this technology is still in its fledgling state, and there have been numerous reports of accidents resulting from poor AI decision-making. We wouldn't tick that box, just yet.

Interior and Features

Capitalizing on the minimalist trend of EVs, the Tesla Model S is almost too clean and simple inside. The controversial yoke-style steering wheel is now replaced with a regular item, although you can still opt for the yoke if you want to.

Tesla has love-or-hate-it interior styling. The overall design is clean and minimalist, but that doesn't mean a lack of features, as the Model S remains one of the more technologically advanced cars in the USA. The centerpiece of this is the large touchscreen dominating the otherwise spotless dashboard. Almost everything is controlled through this interface. Sustainable materials are also very important to the automaker, but we do wish it would put the same degree of dedication toward the build quality. On the plus side, the contentious yoke steering wheel is now just an option, while a more traditional version is the new standard.

Space

The flat base of the car helps to create a spacious cabin, particularly with regard to legroom. However, the majority of this is given to front-seat passengers, leaving just enough room in the back for average or slightly smaller adults. The focus on sexy sportback-like styling also hurts here, as headroom isn't great, with even the front row offering just enough for taller folks.

The power-adjustable front seats make it easy to find a comfortable driving position, and while the enormous front windshield gives you a good view of the road, rearward visibility is hampered by the sloping roof and small rear window. Getting inside is generally easy, but again, the low roof means taller passengers may have to crouch down a bit.

Cargo

Gone are the days when electric cars had to sacrifice loads of cargo space to make room for batteries and such. Now, new platforms and advanced technologies allow you to have your cake and eat it. In the trunk of the Tesla Model S, you'll find an impressive 26.3 cubic feet to work with. This is more than sufficient for your monthly grocery shopping, and you can even take the whole family on a vacation with so much room for luggage. The trunk lid is power-operated for ease of access, and you can fold down the rear seats to more than double the capacity to 58.1 cu-ft. As if that weren't enough, there is even a small 2.1-cu-ft storage space in the frunk.

In-cabin storage is not quite as spectacular, with small door pockets and a mediocre center armrest cubby. The front cupholders are located under a sliding panel, and there is also a vertically slanted tray for your smartphone just below the touchscreen. The back seats also get a pair of cupholders.

Materials and Colors

Tesla doesn't overburden you with choices when it comes to the interior of the sedan, offering just plain black as the standard color, paired with Ebony trim. You can spend an extra $2,000 if you want one of the lighter themes, which can make the interior space feel a bit roomier. These include bright White with Black accents with Walnut decor or a softer Cream with Walnut accents. No matter the scheme you choose, synthetic leatherette is the only material on offer. This is not a problem in and of itself, but the panels around the cabin are not as well put together as we'd like in a car this expensive, and it's not uncommon to hear a rattle or two at higher speeds.

Features and Infotainment

Few cars come packed with as many standard features as a Tesla, and even its entry-level sedan has a lot of stuff that other automakers would make you pay extra for. Tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a tinted glass roof, 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver-information display, and another 17-inch touchscreen for the infotainment are all par for the course. Wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth streaming, and 22 speakers comprise the infotainment suite, and you get a pair of wireless phone chargers in the front. For those in the back, there is an entertainment system that includes wireless controllers for when the kids get bored of watching movies. The few extra options all center around Tesla's autonomous driving systems and include automated parking or vehicle summoning, and even fully hands-free driving in certain situations.

Performance

Few sedans can make the 0-60 mph spring in three seconds, but with its instant torque and impressive horsepower, the Tesla Model S is one of those few.

There is no such thing as a slow Tesla, and even its cheapest model could be called a performance vehicle. Two motors send 670 horsepower to the all-wheel drivetrain and launch the Tesla Model S from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. A single-speed automatic transmission modulates power delivery, and the car can hit a top speed of 130 mph.

Like other EVs, the Model S has instantaneous torque delivery that makes it feel even more athletic than its specs would suggest. What is even more impressive is that you don't have to wait for a gear shift or turbo to get extra power on demand when overtaking on the highway. Combined with responsive steering, this makes the Tesla even more compelling than some of the most premium speedsters on the road, so long as you don't care about roaring engines or overdramatic flair. Some buyers have reported that brakes don't feel strong enough for a car that goes this fast, which doesn't inspire confidence. While the AWD setup is grippy, the chassis doesn't respond as well as the likes of a Taycan, which is a true luxury sports car. The ride is comfortable enough in a Model S, but it doesn't do enough to warrant being listed alongside luxury rivals from Germany, in our books.

Fuel Efficiency

Tesla dominated the market for the longest time due to exceptional range, but it's no longer a clear-cut victory. Still, the Model S gets excellent MPGe figures. Across the city/highway/combined cycles, these stand at 124/115/120 MPGe, carried over from the EPA's rating for 2023. Since the sedan is equipped with a 100-kWh battery, this means the Tesla can travel for up to 405 miles on a full charge.

Using Tesla's recommended wall charger, it takes around 7.5 hrs to fully charge this battery, while a DC fast charging station can get it from 10-80% in just 30 min. The automaker says you can add up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger.

Safety

With a long list of standard features, the Tesla Model S is regarded as quite safe despite lacking any official ratings from authorities.

There have been no comprehensive safety reviews of the Tesla Model S, so you can't look to the NHTSA or IIHS to put your mind at ease. Instead, you need to peruse the list of standard safety features and decide for yourself. These include forward collision avoidance with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. This is on top of the obligatory ABS, EBD, and rear-view camera. A total of eight airbags are included. Through the options, you can add automated parking and auto lane change.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Reliability

Though not traditionally known for great reliability, the Tesla Model S scores relatively well, according to JD Power, with 75 out of 100 allocated to reliability. However, eight recalls in 2023 show that there are still some serious quality control issues. Reasons for these recalls included doors unlocking randomly during a crash, an incorrect front driver airbag, and crashes caused by the full self-driving software. The previous year saw a total of 15 recalls.

Every 2024 Tesla Model S gets a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an eight-year/150,000-mile warranty for the battery and drive components.

Warranty

Design

Tesla has stuck with the same design philosophy for years now, and the 2024 Model S continues this trend with plenty of sleek curves that speak of aerodynamic efficiency. The windshield is deeply slanted, and the roof curves down at the back almost like a coupe. It sports aggressive haunches that house 19-inch low-drag wheels as standard, though 21s are available. You also get a tinted glass roof and a power-operated trunk lid. The front end lacks any sort of grille, and the LED headlights curve aggressively with daytime strips running along the outer edges.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Tesla Model S A Good car?

Tesla has been the EV King for many years now, and when it comes to electric sedans, the Model S is still near the top of the class. This is true for its performance, range, and tech offering at least. In terms of quality and comfort, other premium brands already outperform it. With its mastery of the format, Tesla has managed to offer greater practicality than its rivals, both for people and stuff. No matter how quick the vehicle is, however, the lack of genuine driver engagement holds it back a bit when the Porsche Taycan exists, and new premium sedans like the Genesis Electrified G80 offer far better build quality and properly premium interiors at a similar price. The Tesla Model S remains a very quick car and a top choice among EV enthusiasts, but that doesn't mean it is the best choice anymore. With competitors nipping at its heels, Tesla needs to step up its game if it wants to hang onto its crown.