2019 Tesla Model S Performance Review

Ludicrous speed, fantastic features, and maximum range of more than 300 miles make the 2019 Tesla Model S much more than just a used car.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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If you covet a Model S but can’t quite swing a new one, a 2019 Tesla Model S will deliver—big time—on speed, performance, and fuel savings. 
The market for electric cars is growing at a breathtaking pace, but there’s one name that remains a giant: Tesla. Arguably one of the most groundbreaking automobiles in history, Tesla’s Model S brings elegant design and fierce function to a never before seen level. 
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2019 Tesla Model S performance review

There are electric cars, and then there are Teslas. And the quintessential Tesla of them all? The Model S. 2019 saw some changes in the Model S’s lineup, with a trifecta of trim levels and amazing performance across the board. 
The 2019 Model S came in Standard ($76,200), Long Range ($81,190), and Performance ($100,200) versions. Buying a 2019 model today will make things slightly less expensive, but by no means cheap: a used 2019 Model S will range from around $70,000 to $93,000, depending on trim level, options, and condition. 
If you’re looking for the most affordable Tesla (or even an affordable electric car), then this is not the path. But if you want the undisputed rockstar of the electric car world? Meet the Model S. 

Powertrain options and handling

The 2019 Model S has a 259-horsepower electric motor paired to each axle and continuous all-wheel drive. It also produces a combined total of 518 horsepower and 387 ft-lb of torque with an automatic transmission. 
Thanks to impeccable engineering, the Tesla drives like a true sports car should. The acceleration is breathtaking, the handling is agile, and it’s an absolute blast to drive.
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Acceleration, 0 to 60, and top speed

Since we’ve brought up acceleration, let’s keep the pedal down and see what happens. Each version of the 2019 Model S has the same engine setup, but its capabilities will vary depending on which pre-programmed settings are activated. 
Gone are the days when having an electric car meant sacrificing speed. Car and Driver gleefully described the 2019 Model S’s acceleration range from outstanding to ferocious. Let’s take a look at the 0 to 60 times for each trim: 
  • Standard Range: 3.7 seconds
  • Long Range: 3.7 seconds
  • Performance: 3.0 seconds
An extra $15,000 unlocks Ludicrous Mode, which will get you from 0 to 60 mph in a cheek-flattening 2.4 seconds. The top speed with Ludicrous Mode engaged is 155 mph, which should be more than enough to get you where you need to go in record time. 
EV tech moves fast, and these stats have been improved upon since 2019. But for comparison, here are a few 0 to 60 times of other luxury electric cars from the same year: 
 
Like we said: there are eclectic cars, and then there’s Tesla. 

Fuel economy and range 

The Tesla Model S range varies depending on trim level. A Standard Model S will get you a range of 270 miles, while the Long Range will yield 335 miles. The Performance sacrifices some range for the sake of speed but still accomplishes a healthy 315 miles
You’ll be able to use Teslas’ network of chargers, but you can also charge at home for top-offs. Home charging time with a 120-volt outlet is exceedingly slow (think several days to full charge), but having a higher amp Tesla charger installed can cut that down to 10 hours or less. 
The efficiency is top notch as well: you’ll get around 111 MPGe with the Standard and Long Range trims, and 104 MPGe with the Performance

Tech

The insane tech is one of the reasons that Tesla has so many ardent fans, and each Tesla Model S is like a candy store for technophiles. 
The interior is perfectly spartan, dominated by a large touchscreen that controls just about everything. Heated and power-adjustable leatherette seats are standard, and every trim has dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel
There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but there are a host of safety and driver assistance features. Blind spot and lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system are standard, and an extra $6,000 would unlock the Enhanced Autopilot feature
One of the things that makes Tesla unique is that changes across trim levels manifest as unlocked capabilities in the system’s software rather than physical modifications. The engineers at Tesla love to pack in plenty of tech features and Easter eggs for drivers to discover, ranging from the mind-blowingly functional to the delightfully useless. 
 

How to save on Tesla Model S insurance

There’s no way of getting around it—new or used, getting
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