The 2020 Tesla Model S and On: How Do They Compare?
The Tesla Model S is 10 years old but over the years there have been significant changes. So how do recent models compare?
Written by Andrew Kidd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
Tesla
Model S has been around for quite a while. Tesla first rolled out its Model S luxury electric sedan a decade ago in June 2012—a move considered a milestone for Silicon Valley. In retrospect, it was; at a time when electric vehicles were considered second-thought compliance cars used by major automakers to raise fuel economy averages for the rest of the lineup, launching one as a mainstream entry was unheard of up until that point.
While we can't say for certain that the
Model S is the best electric car
currently on the market, the impact it had on the automotive market is certainly undeniable. Jerry
takes a look at a few previous iterations of the Tesla Model S to see what's changed over the past few years.2020 Tesla Model S
The 2020 Tesla Model S produced 417 horsepower and 485 lb.-ft. of torque with a 0-to-60 time of around 3.7 seconds for the Long Range Plus model and a blistering 2.4 seconds for its Performance model.
As Car and Driver notes, its interior left a little to be desired given its $80,000 price tag; poor fit and finish have plagued Tesla vehicles since time immemorial.
The all-wheel-drive 2020 Tesla Model S had an EPA-estimated range of around 402 miles on a charge in its Long Range Plus model, with 348 miles of range in its Performance trim.
Car and Driver
lauded its great range and its quickness while knocking it for the lack of a dedicated dealer network, a limited-service network and its faltering appeal as more competitors were on their way to market with their own EVs at the time.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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2021 Tesla Model S
The 2021 Tesla Model S boasts a slightly improved range of up to 412 miles for the Long Range model.
This model year saw the introduction of the Tesla Model S Plaid, which produces 1,020 horsepower from three electric motors and a ludicrous 0-to-60 time of 2.0 seconds while still delivering an EPA-estimated range of 390 miles.
It also saw the addition of a yoke-style steering wheel as well as an exterior and interior styling refresh.
Car and Driver
again praised the 2021 Model S for its excellent range and fast acceleration but noted once more that despite its refresh, the interior isn't as great as it should be for its $81,190 starting price. They also stated that the range estimates are tough to reach in real-world driving scenarios. All that being said, the publication's verdict was that it's still a great luxury EV that's facing
serious competition
as other automakers bring their EV entries to the market.2022 Tesla Model S
Despite how many electric vehicles have been introduced to the market, Car and Driver notes that the 2022 Tesla Model S is still one of the most desirable of the bunch.
The biggest change for the Model S for the 2022 model year was the
huge price increase
for the base Long Range trim, which now starts at $91,190.While range and performance figures remain practically identical to the previous model year, Car and Driver still hypes the quickness and range of the 2022 Model S, while again knocking the quality of its cabin and infotainment screen.
But if Tesla stopped building vehicles, the publication adds, the Model S would still guarantee that Tesla has secured its place in automotive history.
Save on insurance for your Tesla
If you're planning to purchase a Tesla Model S, make sure you're getting the best deal on insuring it. Because of their high repair costs, Tesla vehicles can be notoriously expensive to insure.
Luckily, we're here to help! Car insurance comparison shopping and broker app
Jerry
can find you affordable Tesla car insurance. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year to insure their vehicle—and we can also save you some time by doing the grueling quote-finding work for you. The Jerry app sources quotes from insurance companies like Nationwide, Safeco, and Travelers to find you the best deal.
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