2021 Tesla Model S review
Tesla Model S highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Very fast acceleration across all trims
- Cutting-edge technology and driver assistance features
- Stylish design with practical hatchback functionality
Cons
- The unusual steering wheel takes time to adjust to
- Fit and finish are often lacking
- Limited choices for paint colors
334 - 405 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Futuristic, electric high-performance
The Tesla Model S has been the all-electric car maker's flagship model since it was first introduced in 2012. The 2021 Model S features various changes and upgrades over previous model years, but it has kept all the characteristics it's known for—the futuristic, minimalistic design, the speed, and the fantastic range. This luxury sedan offers a great riding experience for all passengers, in a spacious and comfortable cabin with lots of connectivity and entertainment features, and it's fun to drive, thanks to the quick acceleration, smooth handling, and the many driver-assist features that make it that much easier to control. On top of all that, the 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range trim offers unparalleled range, reaching an EPA-estimated 405 miles on a single charge. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates when vehicles sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov for details. While we currently do not have many 2021 Tesla Model S on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior/other model years of the Tesla Model S with similar features.
All Tesla Model S years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Tesla Model S generation from 2012 to 2024
What is new for the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- The Model S is available in a variety of new trims, including the Plaid and Plaid +.
- The Long Range trim now comes with A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The Long Range Plus trim now comes with Skylight(s) as standard equipment.
2021 Tesla Model S trims
Long Range:
Comes standard with 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, 22-speaker sound system, all-wheel drive, and more.
Plaid:
Includes all of the standard features from the Long Range, and adds a third electric motor for higher power output.
Tesla Model S photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Tesla Model S
1. Amazing range
When it comes to electric cars, range is one of the factors that can easily set them apart from the competition. The 2021 Model S Long Range trim, which comes with a 100 kWh battery and two motors for a total output of 670 hp, is able to cover up to an EPA-estimated 405 miles on a full charge.
2. Exciting performance
Performance is another strong suit of the Model S. Just like older models, the 2021 Tesla Model S boasts excellent performance, which in many aspects is similar to a typical sports car. It's available in two trims and both are capable of providing an exciting ride. The base Long Range trim is powered by two motors generating 670 hp and can reach a top speed of 155 mph, with a 3.1-seconds zero-to-60 mph time (when new). And if that's not fast enough for you, you can go with the performance-oriented Plaid trim, which gets a third motor for 1,020 hp and a maximum speed of 200 mph, while going from zero to 60 in 1.99 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new)
3. Spacious interior
As far as comfort is concerned, the 2021 Tesla Model S delivers. The cabin is spacious and can seat five people comfortably. This is thanks to the absence of buttons and controls for various vehicle systems, which are all encompassed in the large touchscreen in the center console. This minimalistic approach makes for more room for passengers, with 38.8 and 38.1 inches of front and rear headroom, respectively. Legroom measures 42.4 inches in the front, and 35.5 inches in the back.
4. Generous cargo capacity
If you want your next car to have a lot of room for cargo, the 2021 Tesla Model S will not disappoint you. It has 26 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats, and 58 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. That's enough space to fit a couple of large suitcases, your kids' sporting equipment, golf bags, pool or beach gear, or even a stroller. Plus, there is a small trunk up front as well, which you can use to store smaller items such as grocery bags or backpacks.
5. The latest tech
The 2021 Tesla Model S offers a great driving experience. It's equipped with plenty of tech features that make every ride as pleasant as possible for passengers, in addition to features that are designed to make driving simpler, less stressful, and more enjoyable. For starters, it comes with an infotainment system featuring a 17-inch touchscreen, through which you can control all of the vehicle's functions. On top of that, the infotainment system allows content streaming and Internet surfing while the car is parked. Standard driver-assist features include forward and side collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, to name a few.
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model S features and specs
Long Range 4WD/AWD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Suspension
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Automated Parking
Battery details Size
100.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
405 miles
Estimated range today
359 - 401 miles
Est. range in 3 years
352 - 395 miles
Is this battery range helpful?Other specifications Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
116.5"
Overall length
196"
Width
78.2"
Height
56.3"
Leg room
F 42.4"/R 35.5"
Head room
F 38.8"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P245/45WR19
Rear tires
P285/40WR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Tesla Model S FAQ
The 2021 Tesla Model S doesn't have Apple CarPlay connectivity. There is a way to connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system though. It comes standard with Bluetooth® connectivity, so you can use it to connect your phone to the car's audio system, for instance, or access other functions through the large 17-inch touchscreen.
The zero-to-60 mph time for the base, Long Range trim of the 2021 Tesla Model S is 3.9 seconds (when new). The Plaid trim delivers even better zero-to-60 mph times, at just 1.99 seconds. That's largely thanks to a third motor that makes for a total output of 1,020 hp.
The Tesla Model S has one of the fastest charging times. When using a fast charger at one of Tesla's Supercharger stations, you can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Or, if you have more time, you can charge it up to 80 percent in just an hour.
More about the 2021 Tesla Model S
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Blue Metallic
Midnight Silver Metallic
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red Multi-Coat
Solid Black
Interior colors:
Black
Black/White
Cream
Interior details
The 2021 Tesla Model S has a refined and spacious cabin that can seat five. It comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. The interior is dominated by the slick touchscreen that features satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and more—it also acts as your control center for all the vehicle's functions.
Overall cargo capacity is 58 cu-ft with the rear seats folded, with 26 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats.
Child seat details
The 2021 Tesla Model S has two sets of lower anchors and a tether anchor. You can install a rear- and a forward-facing convertible, a booster seat, and an infant seat. The door openings are pretty wide, so you can easily get a child seat inside the car, but the anchors are a little difficult to reach, so you will need to put in an extra effort to install them.
Performance
The Long Range trim of the 2021 Tesla Model S goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of 155 mph, when powered by two electric motors with an output of 670 hp (when new). It gets an EPA-estimated 120 MPGe combined.
Year comparisons
2012-2016 Tesla Model S (first generation)
The first-generation Tesla Model S was launched in 2012 and was offered in three variants: 60, 60D, and P85. The Model S 60 had a 60 kWh battery capacity and was powered by a 362 hp and 325 ft-lb motor. The 60D and the performance-oriented P85 had an 85 kWh battery. The range varied between an EPA-estimated 160 miles and 300 miles, depending on the trim and the battery (when fully charged).
2016-2021 Tesla Model S (Second Generation)
In 2016, the Tesla Model S underwent an overhaul that mostly impacted its exterior design, in addition to significant upgrades to the Autopilot system. The entire front end was redesigned, with what used to resemble a front grille being replaced by a flat, uniform nose that looks like an extension of the bumper, only featuring a small opening with Tesla's logo in the center. The Autopilot was upgraded with eight cameras mounted on all sides of the car, and the popular "Ludicrous" mode was added to the high-performance P100D model, delivering a 2.5-second zero-to-60 time, when new.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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