1. Overview

Today in this article we’re diving into the 2024 Tesla Model S, the electric giant’s flagship luxury car that’s been turning heads for quite some time. Now, the Model S Plaid version boasts an impressive maximum estimated range of 405 miles per charge, putting it at the top of the EV game. What’s really striking, though, is its combination of performance and sports-sedan agility, delivering a grin-inducing drive that’s hard to match.

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that’s quiet, comfortable, and undeniably upscale, meeting the high standards we expect from luxury cars. The hatchback’s practicality is a nice touch, offering surprisingly good cargo capacity, and of course, the access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network is a significant advantage for those long road trips.

But, as with any car, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Model S has its drawbacks, including a frustrating interface with that unconventional steering yoke and some letdowns in fit and finish. It’s worth noting that Tesla hasn’t officially announced any changes for the 2024 lineup, though, knowing Tesla’s tendency for updates throughout the year, we might see some surprises.

Despite the growing competition from the likes of Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT, and BMW i7, the Tesla Model S remains one of the most compelling EVs on the market today and continues to lead the pack in terms of all-electric capability, design, technical innovation, efficiency, and fast charging.

(Check out our articles on: Model X, Model Y, Model 3 )

2. Tesla Model S models

The 2024 Tesla Model S takes the concept of luxury electric cars to a whole new level. It’s actually like the shining star in the galaxy of electric sedans, providing accommodation for just five passengers. And as always with Tesla, it keeps things interesting by offering the car with two trim options: You’ve got the standard Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, catering to the practical luxury seekers, and then there’s the Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Model S Plaid for those who crave that extra dose of acceleration-induced thrill. So, whether you’re after the sleek sophistication of the standard version or the adrenaline-pumping performance of the Plaid, the 2024 Model S has you covered.

3. Electric Motor, Power, and Performance

Now, let’s dive into Performance of the Tesla Model S, but like we mentioned in the previous paragraph Tesla Model S comes with two drivetrain options: We’ve got the standard Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive and the beastly Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Model S Plaid. The standard Dual Motor version is no slouch, boasting a top speed of 130 mph and a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a brisk 3.1 seconds. It’s got that perfect blend of performance and practicality. But hold onto your hats because the Plaid version takes things to a whole new level. This bad boy can hit a top speed of 200 mph, making it feel like a warp-speed journey, and it’ll catapult you from 0 to 60 mph in an eye-watering 1.99 seconds. I mean, it’s practically like blinking and, bam, you’re at 60 mph.
So to sum it up:

Model S
– Drivetrain: Dual motor – AWD
– Top Speed: 130 mph
– Acceleration 0-60: 3.1 seconds

Model S Plaid
– Drivetrain: Tri motor – AWD
– Top Speed: 200 mph
– Acceleration 0-60: 1.99 seconds

4. Range, Charging, and Battery

Once again, we need to break down the vital stats for each version of the Tesla Model S, covering the range, charging, and battery capacity. Starting with the standard Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, this bad boy has the highest range as it can travel up to 405 miles on a single charge, thanks to its robust 100 kWh battery. Now, that’s the kind of range that gives you the freedom to hit the open road without constantly eyeing the charging stations. On the Plaid side of things, the Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Model S Plaid version offers an estimated driving range of up to 359 miles, delivering a solid balance of performance and distance. But the big advantage as with all Tesla Models is access to Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network. Picture this: a quick pit stop at a Supercharger, and you’re adding a whopping 200 miles of range to your car in just 15 minutes. Compare that to the home charger’s 44 miles per hour, and you can see why the Supercharger is a game-changer.
So to sum it up:

Model S
– Range: 405 miles
– Battery size: 100 kWh
– Charging time: Up to 200 miles of range in a Tesla Supercharger in just 15 min

Model S Plaid
– Range: 359 miles
– Battery size: 100 kWh
– Charging time: Up to 200 miles of range in a Tesla Supercharger in just 15 min

5. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Now, let’s talk a little bit about interior design. The Tesla Model S, a car that’s been slowly evolving its styling over more than a decade, maintaining that sleek low-slung profile that’s become its trademark. Now, what really catches the eye inside is that massive 17-inch touchscreen, not only boasting a resolution of 2200 x 1300 for vibrant visuals but also offering a left-right tilt for optimal gaming, movie-watching and more.

But it’s not just about the flashy screen; Tesla’s bold new approach to the driving experience is evident. Imagine tapping the brake, and the Model S, with its improved steering feel, intuitively selects the correct direction to kick off your journey. Now, that’s a connection to your car like never before. Inside, the cabin is a haven with hidden air vents, tri-zone temperature controls, ventilated seats, and HEPA filtration for the perfect driving environment.

Bringing comfort to the forefront, the Model S accommodates three adults with extra legroom, headroom, and a stowable armrest with integrated storage and wireless charging. And for the gamers out there, buckle up because the Model S unleashes up to 10 teraflops of processing power, offering in-car gaming on par with today’s newest consoles. Connectivity is a breeze with multi-device Bluetooth, and fast-charging devices with wireless and 36-watt USB-C charging.

Tesla doesn’t stop there; they’ve tuned up the audio experience with a phenomenal 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system featuring Active Road Noise Reduction for an immersive and studio-grade sound quality. And practicality isn’t forgotten – with front and rear trunks and fold-flat seats, you can easily fit your bike without disassembling it, and there’s still room for your luggage. While it may lack Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Model S compensates with advanced driver aids like the renowned Autopilot feature, making it a compelling package for tech and electric car enthusiasts.

6. Other features:

Tesla Model S comes with other features, some of which come standard and others that might require a little extra dough. Let’s break it down to keep you in the know:

Over-the-air updates:

• Regular wireless software updates mean your Model S gets better over time. Improvements in range, performance, and navigation are just a download away, bringing in new features and entertainment to keep things fresh.

Sentry Mode:

• Consider it your car’s security guard. When you leave your Tesla unattended, Sentry Mode kicks in, providing continuous 360° monitoring. It’s like having a virtual home alarm system using external cameras to detect and protect against potential threats.

All-new Live Camera (Premium Connectivity required):

• This feature lets you remotely view your car’s surroundings while parked. Not only that, you can honk, flash, and even talk through the car’s speaker. The Live Camera is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your privacy and cannot be accessed by Tesla.

Basic Autopilot:

• The Model S comes equipped with basic Autopilot functionality. This means the car can handle steering, acceleration, and braking automatically for vehicles and pedestrians within its lane. It’s got your back with emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and nifty features like Autopark and smart summon to make your driving experience a breeze.

7. Pros and Cons

The Tesla Model S is more than just your average sedan – it’s practically a cultural icon in the automotive world. And like any technology there are certain benefits and drawbacks. So Let’s unpack the nuances, the good and the not-so-good aspects of this electric marvel:

Pros:

• A good electric range up to 405 miles
• Mind-Blowing Acceleration, especially from the Model S Plaid version. 0 to 60 in 1.99 seconds. It’s not just fast; it’s instantaneous response on another level.
• For those long-haul journeys, the Supercharger network is a game-changer
• Great software and tech

Cons:

• No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

8. How much will it cost?

The baseline kicks in with the standard Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, and you’re looking at a starting point of $74,990. But, if you’re itching for that extra oomph and speed demons are calling your name, the Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Model S Plaid is up for grabs. However, its starting price is $89,990. And of course, these prices are just the beginning, and depending on your wishlist of additional features, that figure might see some friendly competition from your pocket.
So to sum it up:

The standard Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive

• Price: Starting at $74,990

Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Model S Plaid

• Price: Starting at $89,990

9. Conclusion

Let’s wrap up the thoughts on the Tesla Model S. When this electric powerhouse hit the scene, it wasn’t just a game-changer; it was our 2013 Car of the Year, a no-brainer given its groundbreaking features in all-electric capability, design, and technical innovation. Now, more than a decade later, it’s still setting the pace. If you’re getting curious about the Model S, renting one might just be the perfect way to dip your toes in. It’s a solid approach, giving you the chance to experience the car firsthand before committing to a purchase. But let’s not forget, with its track record and evolution, the Model S is definitely a contender worth considering in the Tesla lineup.