Model S (2019)

Released 2019

The Model S drivetrain and adaptive-damping update, often called Raven, with a permanent-magnet front motor and the original portrait-screen interior.

Body: Saloon
Powertrain: Electric
Power: 534–778 bhp
Range: 283–405 mi
Boot: –

Electric

What reviewers say

Both tests praise the strong acceleration and more comfortable ride after the suspension update, but find little steering feel. Auto Express sees the cheaper Model 3 as strong competition. Car and Driver values the roomy cabin, while criticising panel fit and finding repeated maximum-performance launches and heavy braking less consistent than in the Taycan.

From autoexpress.co.uk and caranddriver.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric
Power: 534–778 bhp
0–62 mph: 3.8–4.2 s
Top speed: 155–162 mph
Engine or motors: Tesla’s Q1 2019 investor update confirms a new powertrain without increasing the existing packs’ capacity. The original Tesla announcement reproduced by Electrek describes a permanent-magnet synchronous-reluctance front motor, induction rear motor and silicon-carbide power electronics. Configuration power is from EV Database: 398 kW (Standard Range and Long Range), 580 kW (2019–20 Performance), converted to bhp; explicitly estimated later power and usable battery capacities are omitted.
Gearbox: Single-speed fixed gear
Drive: Dual-motor all-wheel drive

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 283–405 miles
Fastest charging: 100–200 kW
Range detail: Configuration WLTP combined ranges are from EV Database. Auto Express reported 375 miles WLTP for its August 2019 Long Range test car; EV Database lists 388 miles for the 2019–20 configuration, so these are not treated as one immutable launch rating. Tesla’s original 370-mile US Long Range claim is EPA, not WLTP. EV Database reports a claimed Performance acceleration figure of 2.5 seconds with one-foot rollout subtracted and estimates 2.8 seconds without it; neither estimated correction nor a mixed-test figure is used as a main 0–62 field.
Charging: The original Tesla announcement, reproduced by Electrek, specifies up to 200 kW on V3 and 145 kW on V2 for the upgraded range. EV Database specifically lists the software-limited Standard Range at 100 kW. Later Long Range Plus and Performance 250 kW entries are explicitly estimates in those database records and are omitted.

Practicality

Body: Saloon
Seats: 5
Length: 4,970 mm
Width: 1,964 mm
Size: Tesla’s historical 2012–2020 North American manual gives 4,970 mm length, 1,964 mm width without mirrors, 2,189 mm with mirrors and 2,960 mm wheelbase. Its software documentation is updated, so features must be checked against the vehicle’s build date and options.

Tech and safety

Infotainment: 17-inch portrait touchscreen with separate driver display. The 2019 hardware update adds fully adaptive air-suspension damping; this is distinct from earlier height-adjustable air suspension. Software and driver-assistance options vary by build date and purchased package.

Pros and cons

Pros

New front motor and adaptive damping
Five-seat cabin with hatchback access
Long Range and Performance variants

Cons

Same portrait-screen cabin layout as the earlier facelift
Specifications vary between 2019 and later Long Range Plus cars
Driver-assistance features require supervision

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
PorscheTaycan	Saloon	Electric	429–1,019 bhp	347–434 mi	407 l	Dec 2019
Audie-tron GT	Saloon	Electric	576–912 bhp	361–385 mi	405 l	2021
TeslaModel 3 (2020 refresh)	Saloon	Electric	–	278–396 mi	561 l	Nov 2020

Newer model: Model S (2021).

Sources

Photo: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

2019 Model S Long Range right-hand-drive dashboard and portrait touchscreen: Auto Express
2019 Model S Long Range rear seats: Auto Express
2019 Model S Long Range open rear boot: Auto Express

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