Introduced in 2012, the Model S is an all-electric five-door sedan of the liftback variation and is manufactured by Tesla, Inc. The latest 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus boasts an EPA range of 647 km, higher than not only the 2018 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S but also that of any other battery electric cars.
The electric car companies’ Model S sedan proved that electric cars can be fun-to-drive, eco-friendly, usable for everyday transportation, as well as for long trips. The latest version of 2018 Tesla Model S does all that even better for 2021. Boosting 390 and 520 miles on just one charge and delivering blistering acceleration performance, it rivals the electric cars from the world’s best electric car companies.
Some of them include Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I PACE, TATA Nexon and even Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model X. Because while the more practical and more affordable tags apply to Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model X and the Model 3 sedan, the Model S still remains the flagship of the brand.
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW OF FEATURES
The interior of the 2018 Tesla Model S was already spacious enough for four adults and it’s even more so for the latest update. It also offers the trademarks of the Tesla electric car companies that includes an athletic chassis, outstanding driving mode, and exceptional range. These features give a tough competition to rivals such as the Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I PACE and TATA Nexon and prove that the Model S can hold its own in the market.
2018 Tesla Model S cars come with a feature called Autopilot, an advanced assistance system that allows the car to self-operate. Assistance from the driver isn’t necessary except for constant supervision and they can take control if there is an issue. The more advanced version, Autopilot 2.0 includes “Enhanced Summon”, that drives the car through a parking lot to its owner. We also have the Sentry mode which senses and records any suspicious activity around the car.
The 2021 Tesla Model S recently set a new record when it covered 1,078km on a single charge. This new record breaks the one that was set previously, when a 100D variant of the 2018 Tesla Model S managed to run 901km on a single charge.
Known for its already incredible high speed performance, the 2021 Tesla Model S is now set to go even faster. It comes with a newly unveiled Plaid update that has new features and a redesigned cabin. With a serious increase in performance and range and a few changes to the design, the new Plaid+ version of the 2021 Model S and the 2020 Model S will surely blow your mind.
DESIGN
The 2018 Tesla Model S is notable for being designed with an electric powertrain in mind, from the ground up. This is unlike other electric vehicles where the electric vehicle companies would simply swap out or replace an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Due to this, the 2018 Tesla Model S is able to offer features such as a front trunk, or better known as a “frunk”, in addition to a large space for rear trunk. There is also an enlarged crumple zone at the front of the 2018 Tesla Model S compared to the typical combustion engine powered vehicle.
The Model S comes in several versions, varying in energy capacity or battery size, range of power and equipment.
POWERTRAIN
The powertrain offers regenerative braking power of more than 60 kW that results in a reduced energy consumption and an improved brake lifetime.
The 2018 Model S P90D has a top speed of 249 km/h and it can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in 2.8 seconds due to the improved traction of the all-wheel drive powertrain. On the other hand, the 2018 Tesla Model S P85D has a top speed of 249 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 97 km/h in 3.2 seconds, under “Insane Mode”.
The latest version of this 2018 Tesla Model S comes with an optional hardware package called “Ludicrous Mode”. It is available with the 90 kWh battery upgrade that improves the 0 to 97 km/h acceleration to 2.8 seconds. While the P100D variant of the 2018 Tesla Model S reached 60 mph in Motor Trend tests with 2.28 seconds in ludicrous mode.
After the introduction of the 2018 Model S and the Tesla Model X Performance and Long Range Plus cars, the “Raven” powertrain came into effect. The front motor of the 2018 Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X comes in the form of the permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor that was previously in the Tesla Model Y. This motor is both more powerful and more efficient than the previous one in the 2018 Tesla Model S. A new adaptive air suspension is also additionally included in the Raven powertrain.
TRI-MOTOR VERSION OR THE”PLAID”
The Plaid was the most recent upgrade to go on the market. This tri-motor version of the 2018 Tesla Model S has one motor on the front axle and a motor on each of the rear wheels. The 2020 Tesla Model S will have 840 km of EPA range, a top speed of 320 km/h and can go from 0 to 97 km/h in less than 2 seconds.
The latest version, called Plaid+, for both the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S replaces the previous Plaid and a low Model S price will now be introduced for the Plaid. It will have 630 km of range, a top speed of 320 km/h and can go from 97 km/h in 1.99 seconds. We will discuss the 2021 Tesla Model S price and the 2020 Tesla Model S price later in this article.
2021 TESLA MODEL S
The two top-spec models, Plaid and Plaid+ version, of both 2021 Tesla Model S and 2020 Model S are capable of delivering a range of up to 837 km which sets a new world record for a production EV. Additionally, the 0-96 kmph time is now reduced to only under 2 seconds. This comes from the impressive 1020 horsepower from three onboard electric motors.
There are other minor updates to the exterior as well, like the bumpers, glass roof, and new alloy wheels. The interiors have also undergone some changes, with the new horizontal screen being one of the biggest one. The refreshed exterior styling and the upgraded interior is completed with a yoke-type steering wheel which seems to be inspired by F1 racing cars.
EXTERIOR
There has been some revision on the exterior of the 2020 Model S. The front bumper has been resculpted subtly and the chrome elements are replaced with a gloss black finish. Tesla is also offering new 19 inch and 21 inch alloy wheels along with a standard large glass roof. Aside from the design and shape, there are several other interesting aspects like the lack of headlamp, wiper, indicator, and gear selector stalks found in the 2018 Tesla Model S.
Instead the 2021 Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S come equipped with the standard LED headlights, an automatic opening and closing rear liftgate, power folding heated side mirror and windshield.
The radical F1 inspired steering wheel also comes with a whole set of options that includes buttons for indicators, horn, wiper and other functions on the steering wheel around the twin scrollers. As for the gear selector, the car predicts the drive direction based on what obstacles it detects, the context and the navigation map. However, you have the option to override it on the touchscreen, if necessary.
INTERIOR
The interior in this new version sees yet another upgrade. Along with the unique U-shaped steering wheel, the control stalks have also been removed for a hassle free experience. There are buttons on the steering wheel now taking care of their job.
It also features a touchscreen that is horizontally laid out, instead of the previous vertically placed unit. Passengers at the back will have their own 8 inch touchscreen, which is supported by the 10 TB of computing power from the main screen. According to Elon Musk, the computing power of this system can be compared to a modern-day gaming console. You can not only play your heavy-duty games on this Tesla screen but you can also hook up a wireless controller to get a more immersive experience.
You can now additionally enjoy your music through a 22-speaker 960 watt premium audio system. The rear seats have been upgraded as well for a more luxurious feel. The centre console also comes with two large wireless smartphone charging pads. And for your aesthetic options, you can have your pick of cabin colours that include white, beige and black.
The sloped roofline hides a rear liftgate very cleverly that lifts up to reveal a large 26-cubic-foot trunk. You can easily stash eight of your carry-on-size cases without even folding down the rear seats. The paltry small-item cubby storage that runs throughout the interior, especially in the back seat, is balanced by a large underfloor bin in the rear cargo area.
With its pricing, the luxury and the atmosphere inside the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Model S is pretty satisfactory in their own rights, even if it’s not nearly as plush as those of the Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I PACE or TATA Nexon. But it’s still nice enough.
PERFORMANCE
The cool new features and the major cabin revamp are not the only changes in the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S upgrade. There are two also different settings that allow drivers to choose steering effort, heavy or light.
However, the biggest surprise that the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S are offering with the Plaid version is the performance numbers. The Model S can now propel itself from 0 to 96 kmph in under 2 seconds through its powertrain with reconfigured batteries and motors. On top of that, the earlier top speed of 250 kmph is now upgraded up to a staggering 320 kmph. And we have the 1020 PS output of the Plaid’s electric motors to thank that for.
To achieve this top speed, the 2021 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S come packed with new wheels and tyres. While the Plaid version has a range of 627 km, the Plaid+ version will have a range of 837 km and has an output in excess of 1100 PS. This sets a new world record for the longest range and the quickest acceleration from any electric cars or vehicles in production.
The 2021 Model S features an electric motor that is dedicated to each of the front and rear axles, so you get a full-time all-wheel drive no matter which version you choose. Not only that, but the acceleration ranges from outstanding to ferocious for each of the various models. The 2020 Model S test vehicle delivers a mindblowing 2.4 second time for zero-to-60-mph and proves to be quite an adrenaline filled ride, thanks to its immediate power delivery.
Other than this mind blowing specs, the standard 2020 Tesla Model S comes with well-controlled body motions and direct steering which helps it prove itself as an agile sports sedan. The comfort level of the ride is good, along with a crisp handling that feels pretty confident and almost tranquil on the highway.
RANGE | CHARGING | BATTERY LIFE
For the battery pack, we have a dynamic one lying under the 2020 Tesla Model S’s floor that gives in a low center of gravity and an evenly distributed weight from the front to rear. The range of driving and acceleration performance varies among each model of this Tesla upgrade. While the battery of the Long Range version provides up to a range of 412 miles, the Plaid model offers a range up to 390 miles.
If you want a range that extends even further, then you may find the new Plaid+ model of the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S interesting. Because Tesla reports that they are capable of a range up to 520 miles of driving between charges.
These numbers easily beat the likes of Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I PACE and TATA Nexon in the electric cars market. While electric cars such as the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model X deliver serviceable driving range, the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S remain an excellent alternative to fuel powered vehicles when it comes to long distance usability.
INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
In case you are looking for modern minimalism in your cabin space, you will absolutely adore the 2021 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S. It is one of its key highlights that comes standard with a huge multipurpose infotainment screen. Essentially a technophile haven, this screen controls almost all of the vehicle’s functions for a hassle free experience.
However, you should take note of the positioning of the screen on the dashboard. Because of its gigantic size, it would require the driver to lean forward in their seat to reach certain icons, especially the ones near the top right of the display. Unlike the Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y, the 2021 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S provide a secondary display for the gauge cluster along with a small touchpad in the rear seat as well.
SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES
There were a few controversies surrounding the 2018 Tesla Model S about the safety of partially autonomous vehicles. But the safety credibility of not only the 2018 Tesla Model S but the 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S has been guaranteed by satisfactory crash-test results obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There is also the knowledge that car fires for either electric- or gasoline-powered vehicles are not that uncommon.
Important key safety features for 2020 Tesla Model S and also for 2021 Tesla Model S include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard warning for lane departure
- Semi-autonomous driving mode, accompanied by adaptive cruise control
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The company also offers a comprehensive warranty package to protect the powertrain and the hybrid components of the 2020 Tesla Model S. Unfortunately, it lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance packages and the lengthy bumper-to-bumper coverage that other electric car companies offer like Jaguar I Pace, Mercedes Benz EQC or the TATA Nexon.
- Only four years or 50,000 miles covered by limited warranty
- Powertrain and hybrid components warranty covers eight years and unlimited miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance are not available
TESLA MODEL S PRICE
Both the 2020 Tesla Model S price and the 2021 Tesla Model S price varies according to the model, Plaid or the Plaid+. The 2020 Tesla Model S price and the 2021 Tesla Model S price for Plaid starts at Rs 88 lakh. While the 2020 Tesla Model S price and the 2021 Tesla Model S price for Plaid+ version is available at around Rs 1 crore. Like many electric car companies, Tesla has also recently begun setting up operations in India, so it’s not long before we see their models on our roads.
However, it looks like the 2021 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model S will not be their first model to enter the country’s space. And even when it arrives, you can expect the aforementioned 2020 Tesla Model S prices and the 2021 Tesla Model S price to go even higher due to import duties.
CONCLUSION
The fact of the matter is that electric cars are quickly taking over the automobile industry and they will slowly replace everything with an internal combustion engine. There are many established electric car companies working to hone and capitalize on this technology and make it perfect enough for it to fit in today’s world. We also have several new electric car companies that are also finding their respective niches in the hunt for electrical vehicles.
In short, the 2018 Tesla Model S, 2020 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model S are just the tip of the booming market. If you are interested in learning more about the hottest electric cars in the market right now, you can read up on our other blogs:
Mercedes Benz EQC
Jaguar I Pace
TATA Nexon
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model Y
We hope that you have liked reading our blog!
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