Tesla Model S: Meaning, Price, Specifications and Reviews 2022

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric five-door liftback produced by Tesla, Inc. It was introduced on June 22, 2012. It received a major refresh in June 2021. Tesla positions the Model S as its flagship.
In 2013, the Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3.

In an early review of the Model S, Consumer Reports declared, “This car performs better than anything we’ve ever tested before. Let me repeat that: Not just the best electric car, but the best car. It does just about everything really, really well.” In their Owner Satisfaction survey owners have consistently rated Teslas at, or near, the top rankings. In 2019, Motor Trend named the 2013 Tesla Model S the ultimate “Car of the Year” over the magazine’s entire 70-year history.
Without it we wouldn’t have the growing selection of electric vehicles we have today, yet the 2022 Tesla Model S remains one of the most compelling and desirable options in that growing market segment. With up to 412-miles of estimated driving range—depending upon model—the S can easily be used for long drives, and the 1020-hp Plaid version can deliver supercar acceleration while seating four adults. The Model S is also practical, with a large rear cargo area and a secondary front-trunk for extra space. New entrants in the luxury EV sedan category includes the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT, both of which challenge the Model S in terms of performance and comfort, but its superior range and available semi-autonomous driving technology continue to draw consumers to this Tesla.

What’s Present in 2022?

Last year, the Model S received a styling refresh for the exterior and interior that resulted in the addition of a unique yoke-style steering wheel and a beastly 1020-hp Plaid performance model. For 2022, we are expecting few changes, but Tesla has announced a large price increase for the base Long Range trim.
Pricing and Which One to Buy

Long Range $96,440
Plaid $131,440

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Under the Tesla’s floor lies a battery pack that yields a low center of gravity and evenly distributed weight from front to rear. Driving range and acceleration performance varies from model to model, with the Long Range version’s battery providing up to a 412-mile range while the Plaid model offers up to 390. Upstart Lucid Motors says its Air luxury sedan is rated for up to 517 miles per charge.

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While EVs such as the Chevy Bolt and Polestar 2 deliver serviceable driving range the Model S remains an impressive alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles when it comes to long-distance usability. The base Long Range model receives the highest MPGe ratings at 121 city and 112 highway. In our real-world, 75-mph highway fuel economy test, a 2020 Model S we tested posted a 222-mile highway range number against its 326-mile EPA estimated driving range; the Plaid managed 280 miles of its claimed 390 miles of range. For more information about the Model S’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With Model S prices starting at over $90,000, buyers would be reasonable to expect a certain amount of luxury inside the car. The cabin’s atmosphere is nice enough, but it’s not nearly as plush as those of our favorites such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Volvo S90. The Model S’s sloped roofline cleverly hides a rear liftgate that opens up to reveal a huge 26-cubic-foot trunk. We managed to stash eight of our carry-on-size cases without folding down the rear seats. Paltry small-item cubby stowage throughout the interior—especially in the back seat—is offset by a large underfloor bin in the rear cargo area.