Tesla Model S Review: Best Tesla to Buy?

Tesla Model S Review: Best Tesla to Buy?

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Elon Musk’s Tesla builds electric vehicles that are efficient, safe, and futuristic.

Whether you want the utility of an SUV, a luxury sports sedan, or something with a lower cost of entry, Tesla makes an electric car that fits your needs.

The Tesla Model 3 is the company's entry-level vehicle yet still delivers excellent driving performance and the high-tech touches their cars are known for.

The Tesla Model X crossover SUV adds utility and cargo space, with unique falcon-wing doors that swing upward and look straight from the future.

And the Tesla Model S luxury sedan stands as the brand's premier model, with top-level power, acceleration, range, and interior features.

Here's our Tesla Model S review with all of the details on what makes it such an excellent choice.

Tesla Model S price

For 2022, there are two variations for the Tesla Model S:

  • Model S — $101,440 MSRP
  • Model S Plaid — $137,940 MSRP

Either model offers excellent specs for acceleration and range. But if you're after the ultimate driving performance, the Plaid edition delivers extra flair and accommodation with its three electric motors. 

When you're in the market for a used electric car like a Tesla, finding one in great shape can be a hassle. Driving around town and looking at different vehicles is time-consuming and may not be productive. And how can you know a pre-owned electric car isn't hiding mechanical issues?

And stressful negotiating can take the fun out of purchasing a new car. But when you buy an electric vehicle from Shift, you don't have to worry about any of that. You can buy any of Shift's cars directly online from the comfort of your home, know it has no hidden issues (from our 150-point inspection) and get a fair, up-front price. 

Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected cars located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. And if you need to finance, we have that covered too. Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Applying for financing with Shift is quick and easy, with no cost or obligation. Many applicants receive an offer within minutes instead of days. If you have poor credit, don't worry because we welcome cosigners.

Tesla Model S performance

Either trim level of the Model S features excellent horsepower, acceleration, and driving range.

The Model S Long Range uses two electric motors — one on each axle — producing 670 horsepower. That translates to a brisk 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, matching many supercars.

The Tesla Model S Plaid takes electric vehicle performance to new levels with its three electric motors that make 1,020 horsepower and all-wheel drive that propel it to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds. 

Both the standard Model S and Plaid offer precise, comfortable handling whether you're on a spirited drive or a highway cruise. Tesla allows drivers to choose between two steering settings for a light or heavy feel.

Tesla Model S safety features

The Tesla Model S offers excellent driver-assistance features and crash-test ratings for safety and security while driving.

Autopilot, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking (AEB) come standard, with optional adaptive cruise control (ACC).

2016 Tesla Model S (from $61,950)

2016 Tesla Model S (from $61,950)
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Tesla Model S range and charging

Both versions of the Model S offer excellent range and convenient charging times.

The Model S's battery pack lasts for 412 miles, while the Plaid model is good for 390 miles of range. That translates into an EPA-rated fuel economy of 120 MPGe combined for the Model S and 116 MPGe for the Plaid. 

The charging time for a Tesla Model S depends on the system used.

With a standard NEMA 5-15 household outlet, each hour of charging time yields three miles of driving. The more powerful NEMA 14-50 outlets take 17-18 hours to charge a Tesla Model S.

Tesla also offers professionally installed wall connectors that recharge your Model S in about nine hours for the fastest home charging. But when you connect to the many Tesla Supercharger locations across the country, you can receive a full charge in only 30 minutes.

2015 Tesla Model S (from $42,950)

2015 Tesla Model S (from $42,950)
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2015 Tesla Model S (from $42,950)
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Tesla Model S interior

The Tesla Model S has a sleek and modern interior, with styling unlike anything else.

The infotainment system uses a 17-inch touchscreen, and the instruments are fully digital. A yoke-style steering wheel looks equal parts racecar and spaceship, adding to the futuristic vibe.

In 2022, Tesla updated the touchscreen with higher resolution for vivid images and colors. Also, a new user interface features adjustable settings for many systems like steering, suspension, pedals, climate control, lighting, and charging.  

Four wireless charging slots ensure you and your passengers' phones remain fully charged. And with its built-in Wi-Fi, you're always connected when driving the Model S. 

The Tesla Model S features a 22-speaker sound system that transforms the interior into a mini-concert hall so that you can hear every note of your favorite songs. 

Trims made of wood and carbon fiber have an elegant, refined appearance, and passengers now have their own display. 

The Tesla Model S has 26 cubic feet of trunk space, with plenty of room for a grocery run or luggage for a weekend getaway.

2017 Tesla Model S (from $54,950)

2017 Tesla Model S (from $54,950)
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Tesla Model S review in summary

A longtime market leader in electric vehicles, Tesla continues that tradition with the 2022 Model S.

The Model S leads the pack for upscale electric sedans with groundbreaking style and technology. 

The base dual-motor Model S model has plenty of power. But for those in search of ultimate performance, the Plaid edition's tri-motor powertrain offers impressive horsepower, acceleration, and a top speed that bests many sports cars. 

Either trim’s range is good for just about any trip, with the Model S lasting 412 miles and the Plaid 390 miles. 

And when you own a Tesla, you have an array of charging options like a home outlet, wall connector, or the company's excellent Supercharger network located across the country. 

The interior of the Tesla Model S is sophisticated and comfortable, with digital gauges, a sizable center-mounted touchscreen, a yoke-style steering wheel, and elegant trim materials.

The Model S also offers utility to go along with its style, featuring a generously sized trunk with 26 cubic feet of cargo space. 

When you want to buy a new-to-you electric or hybrid car, whether that’s a Tesla, a Toyota Prius, an Audi e-tron, or a Volkswagen e-Golf, you’ll probably want to sell or trade in your old vehicle. But that can be a time-consuming hassle, and how can you know if you receive fair value? But when selling your car to Shift, there's no need to worry. All you'll have to do is enter the make, model, year, and mileage on Shift's easy-to-use website, and you'll instantly receive a purchase offer that's valid for seven days. You can get a fair offer, better than at the dealership, driven by powerful machine learning algorithms and tons of data.

And with Shift, there’s no need to spend the extra time waxing and washing the car. A little dirt won’t affect the quote, as we fully detail the cars ourselves before listing them for sale.

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Author
Shift Editorial Team