✍ By Automotive Research Team 🕐 Last Updated: March 2026 ⚡ Data Current March 2026

Tesla · Full-Size Performance Sedan · 2026

Tesla Model S

The flagship sedan that proved electric cars could dominate performance.

March 2026 Update: The Model S Long Range AWD is rated at 405 mi EPA — the longest range of any Tesla. The Plaid tri-motor produces 1,020 hp with a 0–60 of 1.99 seconds. Yoke steering standard (round wheel available). Prices start at $74,990 for Long Range, down from prior pricing. Does not qualify for federal EV tax credit (exceeds $55K sedan price cap).

$74,990

Starting MSRP · Dual Motor AWD

As of Mar 2026 — verify at tesla.com

405 mi (Long Range AWD)

EPA Range

★★★★☆

Good (2021+ refresh)

670 hp (LR AWD) · 1,020 hp (Plaid)

Horsepower

2026 Updates Overview Trims & Pricing Specs Recalls Used Market Buying Guides FAQ Sources

⚡ What Changed

Plaid: 0–60 in ~1.99 sec

Tri-motor Plaid remains among the fastest production cars ever built — quarter mile in ~9.23 sec

405 mi EPA Long Range

Among the longest EPA-certified ranges of any production vehicle available

Yoke Steering Wheel Standard

Replaced traditional round wheel — controversial among buyers; affects resale preference

CCS Adapter Available

Model S now supports CCS charging via adapter, expanding non-Supercharger network access

ⓘ All updates are editorial observations as of March 2026. Verify current specs and features at Verify at tesla.com/models ↗

March 2026

Data Status

Current

Research

Editorial

Editorial disclaimer ↗

Ownership Overview

Strengths & Considerations

✅ STRENGTHS

✓ 405-mile EPA range (LR) — longest range of any production Tesla
✓ Plaid: 1,020 hp, 0–60 in 1.99s — fastest production sedan ever made
✓ Premium interior with 17" display, rear touchscreen, HEPA air filter
✓ Supercharger up to 250 kW — add ~200 miles in ~15 minutes
✓ Over-the-air updates continuously add features
✓ Strong long-term battery degradation performance

⚠ CONSIDERATIONS

⚠ No federal EV tax credit (MSRP exceeds $55K sedan price cap)
⚠ Yoke steering wheel is polarizing — round wheel available but controversial
⚠ Starting price $74,990 — luxury segment pricing
⚠ Repair costs for Plaid can be very high (aluminum structure + proprietary parts)
⚠ No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Quick Specs: Built Fremont, CA · ~120 MPGe (LR) · Plaid: 0–60 1.99s · Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) · NHTSA Recalls ↗

Model Lineup · March 2026

Tesla Model S — Trims & Pricing

ℹ As of March 2026 — verify at tesla.com ↗. Prices include estimated destination fee (~$1,390) where noted. Subject to change without notice.

Trim	MSRP (est.)	w/ Est. Fees	Key Specs
Long Range AWDBEST RANGE	$74,990	~$76,380 w/ fees	670 hp · 405 mi EPA · dual motor · longest-range Tesla
Plaid1,020 HP	$89,990	~$91,380 w/ fees	1,020 hp · 0–60 in 1.99s · 396 mi EPA · tri-motor · drag-strip capable

ⓘ MSRP editorial estimates as of March 2026. Not affiliated with Tesla. Verify at tesla.com before ordering.

Technical Data

Specs vs Real-World

Specification	Long Range AWD	Plaid
Base MSRP (est.)	$74,990	$89,990
Powertrain	Dual Motor AWD	Tri-Motor AWD
Charging (DC Fast)	Up to 250 kW (Tesla Supercharger V3)
Supercharger Network	✓ Tesla Supercharger — Largest Network in North America

Source: Tesla.com (editorially observed March 2026). Verify at tesla.com.

Safety Record · NHTSA

Model S Recalls & Safety

ⓘ Recall data sourced from NHTSA.gov editorially. Always check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗. Not affiliated with Tesla or NHTSA.

Pre-Owned · Used Market

Buying a Used Model S

💰 USED PRICING (EST. MARCH 2026)

2021–2022 Model S: ~$55,000–$75,000. Pre-Plaid Long Range: ~$45,000–$60,000. Depreciation is higher than other Tesla models due to frequent software/price changes.

Verify at Edmunds / Carfax before purchase.

🔍 USED BUYING CHECKLIST

Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — verify all recalls resolved
Request Tesla service history via app or ask for screenshots
Check battery health — ask for remaining range at 100% charge
Confirm OTA software version is current (Settings → Software)
Inspect paint and trim — Tesla QC varies by production year

🔋 BATTERY DEGRADATION

Typical 2020–2022 Model S: 5–12% range loss by 50,000–80,000 miles
Avoid routine 100% SOC overnight charging to preserve long-term health
Tesla battery warranty: 8-year/100,000–150,000 mi (varies by trim) covering >70% retention
No large-sample independent study exists yet — individual results vary

Source: Aggregated owner reports, Tesla Motors Club, March 2026

FAQ · Schema Marked Up

Tesla Model S — Common Questions

As of March 2026, the Model S Long Range AWD starts at approximately $74,990 (~$76,380 est. with destination). The Plaid tri-motor is ~$89,990 (~$91,380 with fees). Verify current pricing at tesla.com/models ↗. Neither trim qualifies for the federal EV tax credit (MSRP exceeds the $55,000 sedan cap under current IRA rules).

The Long Range AWD is EPA-rated at 405 miles — the longest range of any Tesla. Real-world highway range at 70–75 mph is typically 340–370 miles. The Plaid is rated ~396 miles EPA. Cold weather reduces range ~20–30%.

The Model S Plaid uses three electric motors producing 1,020 hp and achieves 0–60 mph in approximately 1.99 seconds (with rollout) — making it among the quickest production cars ever. Top speed is 200 mph (with performance package). It uses a carbon-fiber reinforced structure and track-focused brakes.

Tesla's Model S uses a "Yoke" — a rectangular flat-top steering wheel inspired by aircraft and race cars. It eliminates the top half of a traditional wheel, providing forward visibility and a futuristic feel. Many buyers find it takes adjustment, particularly for tight U-turns. A round steering wheel option is available for those who prefer conventional driving ergonomics.

The 2021+ refreshed Model S has generally good reliability per aggregated owner data. The Plaid's complexity (3 motors, carbon structure) means repair costs can be very high. Powertrain reliability is strong. Verify any active recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗.

ⓘ Independent editorial research — not affiliated with Tesla. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls and tesla.com.