Tesla Model S review

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric executive saloon that combines amazing performance with zero tailpipe emissions, a luxurious, high-tech cabin and tremendous refinement.

Compared with the likes of the petrol- and diesel-powered Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the futuristic Tesla Model S is like a Fender Stratocaster with a massive amplifier in the company of acoustic guitars. Sure the electric Model S might not produce any discernible engine sound, but its supercar-like performance is more like a searing rock solo than the German cars’ humble rhythm section.

You wouldn’t guess that this Tesla electric car has the pace to put sportscars to shame just by looking at it, though. Next to the aggressive grilles you get on a BMW or Audi, the Model S’ front end looks a bit blank, while its subtle, slinky body is perhaps a bit forgettable.

Things take a turn for the unusual when you step inside, though. This is mostly down to the huge 17-inch touch-screen display that dominates the cabin, and controls pretty much all of the Model S’s functions. On earlier models this was mounted in portrait, but for the 2021 model (which will land in the UK in 2022), this is now landscape orientated. That odd Y-shaped steering ‘yoke’ is a new addition too, though you will be able to choose a regular wheel if you want.

There’s plenty of space for you, and a few passengers, to get comfy, and the Tesla’s boot is large and easy to load thanks to its handy hatchback-style boot lid.

Driving the Tesla Model S is just simple. It’s ready to go when you get in and moving away is as simple as putting your foot on the brake, moving the transmission stalk to Drive, and driving away. There isn’t even a starter button or hand brake.

Despite being an EV, you don’t get a great deal of choice when it comes to picking your Tesla Model S’ motor and battery options – every Model S comes with a 100kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors. You can, however, pick from a Long Range model – that Tesla claims can manage 379 miles between charges – and a Performance version that loses out on a few miles of range but is significantly faster.

Engage Ludicrous Plus mode in these P100D models (yes, that’s really what it’s called), and this practical electric car will get from 0-60mph in a scarcely believable 2.4 seconds. The mid-range performance is just as incredible and little else on the road can match its overtaking punch. The power delivery is beautifully smooth, too, so you can drive it as quickly or in as relaxed a manner as you like.

People use the word game-changer too readily these days, but with the Model S, it’s fair enough. It will make even the most die-hard petrolheads sit up and take notice

Equally rapid is how quickly you can charge the electric Tesla Model S using one of Tesla’s ‘Supercharger’ public charging points – which you’ll find on our electric car charging point map. These 75kW and 120kW units will charge the Model S’ batteries from 0-80% in 65 and 42 minutes respectively. If you use a wall-mounted home charger, however, you can expect a full charge to take around 14 hours while using a conventional three-pin household plug will take almost a day and a half.

For the 2021 model year, Tesla has shaken the Model S line-up up a bit. Those established cars will be replaced at the entry level by a Model S Long Range, followed by the sportier Plaid and Plaid+ variants. Tesla claims the Long Range model will travel up to 412 miles on a charge, while the Plaid and Plaid+ versions will manage 390 miles and more than 520 miles respectively.

That ultra long range Model S Plaid+ will be seriously quick too: Tesla claims a 200mph top speed, and a 0-60mph time of less than 2 seconds. As mentioned earlier, however, these cars won’t arrive in the UK until next year. We’ll let you know what they’re like as soon as we drive them.

Despite the weight of all its batteries, the Tesla Model S EV handles surprisingly well. Sure, the steering doesn’t inspire the same confidence you get in a BMW 5 Series on a twisty road, but the electric Model S is a superb way of wafting from place to place. Whether on a B-road or a motorway, the low-set battery packs provide a low centre of gravity, meaning the car always feels stable.

The other benefit of an electric car is that charging it costs significantly less than filling up a petrol or diesel car. Charge your Tesla Model S at home and it’ll set you back in the region of £20 – less than a third of what it’ll cost to brim the tank in a comparable BMW, Mercedes or Audi. On top of that, it’s exempt from the London congestion charge and incurs BIK tax at the lowest possible rate.

That said, you certainly get what you pay for, especially in terms of safety. Euro NCAP awarded the Model S the maximum five stars for safety, and among the array of safety functions is the Autopilot system. Using cameras and radar tech, the Model S can follow lanes in motorway traffic while keeping a safe distance from the car ahead, braking, accelerating and steering for you – providing you keep your hands on the wheel, that is.

So, it isn’t just the Tesla Model S’ electric credentials that make it a tempting upmarket saloon; its raft of driver assistance and infotainment systems really set it apart from the likes of the BMW, Mercedes and Audi norm.

Why not check out our latest Tesla deals to see how much you can save on your next new car?

Watch Mat race a Tesla Model S across the UK with the RS e-tron GT