2023 Tesla Model S: Every Trim Compared

In 2008, Tesla made waves by revealing the Model S, and it took the automotive world by storm when it was officially presented in 2012. Like the first-generation Roadster, the Model S achieved remarkable success, marking a significant milestone for Tesla. Even though the Roadster changed people’s minds about what a powerful EV should be like, the Model S elevated Tesla to a new level of success in terms of performance and luxury.

The Model S has undergone continuous improvements over the years, enhancing every aspect, including aesthetics, power, range, and technological features, but 2021 was a game-changer. After receiving a much-needed refresh, the Model S received a slightly new look, a new performance-oriented Plaid trim, and an improved suspension.

The 2023 Tesla Model S received price cuts in the latter half of 2023, but it’s still over the $70,000 mark. Despite the premium pricing, the 2023 Tesla Model S is one of the best EVs you can consider buying today.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, Edmunds, and fueleconomy.gov.

2023 Tesla Model S Overview

Tesla Offers The Model S In Two Trims

Depending on how much power you want, this fully electric vehicle (EV) is available in two trims to pick from: the base trim and the Plaid. The base Model S is called just the Model S. The Long-Range and rear-wheel drive (RWD) trims are no longer there, unlike the Model 3 and the Model Y.

The Model S Will Cost Just Under $75,000

The Tesla Model S starts at $74,990, and the starting price climbs up to $89,990 if you choose the Plaid trim. Tesla also offers a host of interior and exterior customization options with both the trims of the Model S in the form of different packages, that can add up to this. Before Tesla cut down the prices for the Model S, it was $88,490 for the base trim and $108,490 for the Model S Plaid.

The Model S Plaid Is The More Powerful Trim

The Tesla Model S Plaid takes the meaning of power to the next level. Boasting a triple motor setup to produce a peak power output of 1,020 horsepower, and with a 0-60 miles-per-hour time of 1.99 seconds, the Model S Plaid is undoubtedly one of the fastest cars ever produced.

2023 Tesla Model S Dual-Motor

Starting At: $74,990

• Old Starting MSRP: $88,490
• New Starting MSRP: $74,990

The Tesla Model S is a luxury, full-size electric sedan. Serving as the base trim, the Tesla Model S Dual-Motor starts at a competitive $74,990, acting as a perfect alternative to the Lucid Air and the Porsche Taycan. The Model S boasts three display screens inside the cabin, each serving its own unique purpose. Additionally, you have the option to choose between a traditional steering wheel or a yoke steering, unlike the last generation.

2023 Tesla Model S Dual-Motor Specs And Performance

(Data sourced from Tesla and Car and Driver)

The base Tesla Model S boasts a dual motor setup that draws power from a 99.0 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack to power all four of its wheels. This configuration unlocks a combined power output of 670 powerful horses. Additionally, the Model S can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.

The Model S also features Adaptive Suspension, which, according to Tesla, responds to road conditions and driver inputs with hundreds of adjustments per second. The suspension system can also adjust the Model S’s height to enhance aerodynamics, contributing to extending the vehicle’s range.

The Model S Sacrifices Some Miles For Larger Wheels

The Tesla Model S can be had with one of the two sets of wheels: the standard 19-inch Tempest Wheels, or the available larger 21-inch Arachnid Wheels. On the standard 19-inch wheels, the Tesla Model S delivers a mileage of 124/ 115/ 120 MPGe on city/ highway/ combined metrics, respectively. The Model S Dual-Motor can travel an EPA-estimated range of up to 405 miles on a full charge, on the 19-inch wheels, and up to 382 miles on the larger 21-inch wheels.

2023 Tesla Model S Dual-Motor Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from Tesla and EPA)

The Tesla Model S Offers Up To 64.6 Cubic-Feet Of Cargo Space

In the storage department, the Model S offers 28.2 cubic-feet of storage space in the trunk, with the driver and four passengers inside the cabin. This can increase up to a maximum of 64.6 cubic-feet if you fold the rear seats flat. Also, due to the absence of an internal combustion engine (ICE), the Tesla Model S benefits from a frunk with a storage capacity of 3.1 cubic-feet.

2023 Tesla Model S Cargo Dimensions

(Data sourced from Tesla)

2023 Tesla Model S Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Tesla)

The Tesla Model S is a four-door, five-seater full-size electric sedan with plenty of space inside the cabin. The steering, the driver’s seat, and all the passenger seats come with heating and ventilation, whereas the driver’s seat offers adjustable lumbar support. An all-glass roof is up for grabs, which, according to Tesla, blocks all the infrared and UV light from the sun from entering the cabin.

2023 Tesla Model S Plaid

Starting At: $89,990

• Old Starting MSRP: $108,490
• New Starting MSRP: $89,990

Tesla has a renowned reputation for producing some of the most aerodynamic vehicles worldwide. And, in the case of the Model S, it’s no different. At the time of its launch, the Model S had the world’s lowest drag coefficient of 0.208.

2023 Tesla Model S Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Tesla)

After a reduction of $18,500 last year, the superior trim for the 2023 lineup, the Tesla Model S Plaid now starts at $89,990 featuring a triple motor setup. After receiving the first significant upgrade after being nine years in production, the Model S Plaid set a record as one of the fastest cars from 0-60 mph ever tested by MotorTrend.

2023 Tesla Model S Plaid Specs, Fuel Economy And Performance

(Data sourced from Tesla and Car and Driver)

Out of the three electric motors of the Model S Plaid, two of them power the rear wheels and the sole motor powers the front wheels. This motor configuration draws power from the same 99.0 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, and delivers an astounding power output of 1020 horsepower with 1050 pound-feet of torque.

What’s next? The Model S holds its place as one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds. When equipped with the standard, smaller 19-inch wheels, the Tesla Model S Plaid is capable of reaching an EPA-estimated range of up to 359 miles on a full charge. This number is lowered to 320 miles, if you opt for the larger, heavier 21-inch wheels.

The Tesla Model S Has Three Displays Inside The Cabin

The cabin technology in the Tesla Model S undoubtedly makes it one of the best interiors among electric vehicles. There is a screen for everyone: a 17-inch tilting center display, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and a nifty 9.4-inch second row display for rear passengers. Also, Tesla allows you to play console-grade games on the center-display of the Model S. The Model S can support up to two Bluetooth devices at a time; two controllers, or one phone and one controller.

The 2023 Tesla Model S Isn’t As Safe As You Might Think

Although the 2023 Tesla Model S hasn’t been rated by the IIHS yet, it still boasts some decent safety features. Here’s how the 2023 Tesla Model S performed in NHTSA’s testing:

NHTSA Evaluation Of The 2023 Tesla Model S

• Recalls: Six
• Investigations: Two
• Complaints: 21
• Overall Safety Rating: Not been rated

The Tesla Model S can be bought with a set of advanced driver-assistance and safety features. The standout feature is the Tesla Autopilot. Utilizing the Tesla Vision, the Autopilot empowers the car to autonomously manage steering, acceleration, and braking, all under the active supervision of the driver.

Enhanced Autopilot And Self-Driving Key Features

• Navigate on Autopilot
• Auto Lane Change
• Autopark
• Summon
• Smart Summon
• All functionality of Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot
• Autosteer on city streets
• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control

The Model S Supports Fast Charging Up To 250 kW

One of the many perks of owning a Tesla is the Supercharger, which has over 55,000 charging locations worldwide. Plugging into Tesla’s swift charging network, the Model S can add an impressive 147 miles of range in just 15 minutes. The Wall Connector is available for $475, and the Mobile Connector for $230, if you prefer home charging over public.

Charging your Tesla Model S At Home

• At home, using its 11.5-kilowatt onboard charger, it takes 10 hours for a full charge.
• A portable mobile charger provides three miles per hour on a standard outlet and 30 miles on a 240V outlet.
• Opting for a Universal Wall Connector can add up to 44 miles of range per hour.