2021 Tesla Model S Performance Review

With a maximum power output of 1020 horses and a two-second zero-to-60 time, the 2021 Tesla Model S is one of the best-performing models on the market.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2021 Tesla Model S offers mind-blowing performance for all 412 miles of its all-electric driving. The top-tier Plaid trim is particularly enticing thanks to its 1020-hp tri-motor powertrain. 
With a six-figure price tag, we expect nothing less than the best from the Model S if it wants to keep its place at the top of the luxury electric vehicle (EV) food chain. Thankfully, Tesla delivers and the Model S remains one of the most desirable and ground-breaking vehicles in its segment even ten years after its initial release.
Want to know what else sets aside this Tesla from its competition?
Jerry
, the licensed insurance broker and
car insurance
app, is here with our official 2021 Tesla Model S performance review to answer all your questions. Stick around till the end for a power-packed tip to reduce your
Tesla Model S insurance cost
!

2021 Tesla Model S performance review

The Tesla Model S is practically a work of art in the automotive electrical engineering world, and as such, Tesla keeps things pretty simple with only two
trim levels
to choose from. Both are incredibly satisfying on almost every front when it comes to power, speed, efficiency, and technology.
The 2021 Model S starts at a whopping $106,440, but the Plaid trim brings that starting price up to $137,440. The Plaid trim is where it’s at if you’re interested in the most power possible, although the base model is already more than satisfactory. 
While it’s not the most affordable Tesla—the 2022
Model 3
starts at $48,440—it paved the way for the rest of the Tesla line-up, including the
Model X
crossover and the
Model Y
SUV. Its 10+ years of production exhibit a steadfast dedication to the innovation and enhancement of power-packed electric vehicles.

Powertrain options and handling

The Model S is available with two powertrain configurations, each built upon the electric power of a 100-kWh 407V lithium-ion battery.
The base Model S starts things off strong with two electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined power output of 670
horsepower
. However, the Model S Plaid is the true Tesla champion. Three electric motors send power to all four wheels for a maximum output of 1020 horsepower.  
Either of the exceptionally agile Model S powertrain configurations is complimented with crisp handling and a smooth road. Driver’s can even toggle the responsiveness of the steering wheel for heavy or light effort to optimize their ride as they see fit.

Acceleration, 0 to 60, and top speed

With so much power coming from its electric motors, you can bet that the Model S is an absolute speed demon—proving that EVs can fly down the track just as fast as the next guy. 
The entry-level Model S can zip from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds and taps out the speedometer at 155 mph. Naturally, the Model S Plaid kicks things up a notch with a head-whipping 2.0-second zero-to-60 time and a rocketing top speed of 200 mph
It’s hard to imagine the Model S Plaid losing any races, but let’s take a look at how some of the
Model S top competitors
compare:
 
  • 2022
    Porsche
    Taycan: zero-to-60 time of 5.1 seconds; top speed of 143 mph
  • 2022
    Audi e-tron
    GT: zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds; top speed of 152 mph
  • 2022 Lucid Air: zero-to-60 time of 2.6 seconds; top speed of 217 mph
The breakout star of Lucid’s electric cars, the 2022 Lucid Air, is one of the newest kids on the block and proves to be quite the competition for the veteran Model S. With an MSRP starting almost $20,000 cheaper than the luxury Tesla, it may be time to pay attention to this brand-new California startup.
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Fuel economy and range 

The maximum Tesla Model S driving range
is up to a record-breaking 412 miles for the 2021 standard model. The Model S Plaid hardly suffers for efficiency with 390 miles of range on a single charge—not a bad payoff for 350 extra horses in the engine.
Install a Tesla charging station at home or use one of the many Tesla Superchargers to get your 2021 Model S back to 100% in the fastest time possible. Thanks to its onboard adapter, you can also charge your Tesla—from least to most efficient—with a 120-volt outlet, a 240-volt outlet, or a standard DC public fast-charging station
At the end of the day, all this driving range gives the 2021 Model S an EPA rating of120 MPGe combined standard or 116 MPGe for the Model S Plaid. Considering comparable combustion engine sports cars tend to guzzle gas like there’s no tomorrow, you’re getting a pretty great deal.

Tech

The Tesla Model S is a techie’s dream, but it may seem a little underwhelming to the rest of us. A single 17-inch display screen controls almost every single feature in the Model 3. This includes maps and navigation with real-time traffic and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an optional web browser, music streaming, and video streaming services.
In addition to this tech-centric display, the Model S interior features luxurious 12-way power adjustable ventilated front bucket seats with custom driver profile settings. Back row passengers can entertain themselves with an 8-inch gaming computer built into the back of the center console. Music streams through a 22-speaker
sound system
with multi-device connectivity and active noise cancellation. 
As if its unique luxury features weren’t enough, the Tesla Model S has also sparked a bit of controversy due to its use of semi-autonomous driving technology. The feature is optional, as is adaptive cruise control, so you don’t even have to equip it if it makes you uneasy—though many would jump at the opportunity. Other driver-assistance features in the Tesla Model S include: 
  • Forward collision mitigation with automated emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear collision warning
  • An aerial view camera system

How to save on Tesla Model S insurance

The stunning performance behind the Tesla Model S comes at a price—both in upfront costs and higher-than-average insurance premiums.
Electric powertrains are much more expensive to repair, so EVs already get more expensive insurance rates— especially on basics like
collision
and
comprehensive coverage
. Add on the Tesla Model S’s luxury price tag and you could be looking at some seriously high quotes.
Luckily,
Jerry
knows where to look to find the most affordable
Tesla insurance cost
available for you. Download the app today to see if you’re overpaying on your current policy and compare competitive options sourced from a pool of over 55 insurance providers.
Jerry
saved me $80 a month! I have a Tesla Model Y and really wanted to lower my rates. And they did! I really recommend you give this a shot!” —Nick M.
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