Tesla · Model S
Model S (2021)
The redesigned Model S with a landscape touchscreen, rear passenger screen and permanent-magnet powertrains, including the three-motor Plaid. This left-hand-drive generation reached UK buyers as imported stock; the configurations below identify later European specifications.
Model history · 2 models, 2019–2021
- 2019Model S (2019)Compare
- 2021Model S (2021)
- Body
- Saloon
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Power
- 676–1,019 bhp
- Range
- 373–403 mi
- Boot
- 709 l
What reviewers say
Both road tests praised exceptional acceleration and a more refined cabin. Car and Driver’s 2021 Plaid test criticised the yoke, brake fade and high-speed stability. Auto Express’s 2023 UK left-hand-drive car had a round wheel and strong grip, but weak seat support and some uneven panel gaps. Its motorway ride was comfortable, although quieter rivals remained.
From caranddriver.com and autoexpress.co.uk
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specPerformance
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Power
- 676–1,019 bhp
- 0–62 mph
- 3.2 s
- Top speed
- 155–175 mph
- Engine or motors
- Tesla’s 2021+ owner guide specifies permanent-magnet synchronous motors at both axles, with two carbon-fibre-wrapped rear motors on Plaid. The listed later European EV Database versions have 504 kW and 760 kW, converted to 676 and 1,019 bhp; these are not asserted as every launch-market specification.
- Gearbox
- Single-speed fixed gear; front 7.56:1, rear 9.04:1 (Plaid 7.56:1)
- Drive
- All-wheel drive
Range and charging
- Zero-emission range (WLTP)
- 373–403 miles
- Fastest charging
- 250 kW
- Range detail
- WLTP combined ratings for EV Database’s European 2024–2025 versions: 394–403 miles Dual Motor, depending on wheels, and 373 miles Plaid. Plaid’s maker-reported 2.1-second 0–62 mph claim excludes rollout; the database’s adjusted 2.4-second figure is estimated and omitted from the main field.
- Charging
- EV Database lists 11 kW AC for the specified European versions. Car and Driver’s actual 2021 Plaid charging test reached 250 kW for about five minutes. Dual Motor’s database DC limit and both usable battery capacities are marked estimates and omitted. Tesla’s owner guide specifies 407 V nominal voltage.
- Efficiency
- WLTP rated 282 Wh/mile (Dual Motor), 301 Wh/mile (Plaid) (EV Database)
- CO2 emissions
- 0 g/km
Practicality
- Body
- Saloon
- Seats
- 5
- Boot
- 709 litres
- Length
- 5,021 mm
- Width
- 1,987 mm
- Boot
- Tesla’s GB 2021+ guide: 709 litres behind the rear seats, 1,739 litres with them folded, and a separate 89-litre front boot. The 1,828-litre combined maximum includes the front boot.
- Size
- 5,021 mm long, 1,987 mm wide (2,189 mm with mirrors), 1,431 mm high with the air suspension at medium; 2,960 mm wheelbase; 12.3 m turning circle (Tesla owner's manual)
- Release and generation details
- Tesla confirms redesigned Model S deliveries began in Q2 2021; contemporaneous Reuters reporting confirms June customer handovers. Tesla’s January 2021 update explicitly says the Performance versions of Model S and Model X were replaced by tri-motor Plaid, supporting the link to the preceding 2019 generation without suggesting all versions immediately ceased sale. Auto Express tested UK left-hand-drive stock offered in 2023. Later configurations here precede the separate 2025 physical refresh.
Tech and safety
- Infotainment
- Centre touchscreen, driver display and a rear touchscreen; yoke or steering wheel; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Safety rating
- Euro NCAP 5 stars (2022): adult occupant 94%, child occupant 91%, vulnerable road users 85%, safety assist 98%
Pros and cons
Pros
- Five seats, a 709-litre rear boot and separate front boot
- Up to 403 miles WLTP in the listed European Dual Motor version
- Plaid adds three motors and carbon-fibre-wrapped rotors
Cons
- Left-hand drive only, including UK stock
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Early cars use a yoke rather than a round steering wheel
Closest rivals
Model | Body | Powertrain | Power | Range | Boot | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | Electric | 576–912 bhp | 361–385 mi | 405 l | 2021 | |
| Saloon | Electric | 429–1,019 bhp | 347–434 mi | 407 l | Dec 2019 | |
| Saloon | Electric | 362–577 bhp | 490–542 mi | 610 l | Aug 2021 |
Previous model: Model S (2019). Newer model: Model S (2025).
Sources
- tesla.com/ownersmanual/models/en_gb/GUID-91E5877F-3CD2-4B3B-B2B8-B5DB4A6C0A05.h…
- tesla.com/ownersmanual/models/en_gb/GUID-E414862C-CFA1-4A0B-9548-BE21C32CAA58.h…
- digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/IR/TSLA-Q4-2020-Update
- digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/IR/TSLA-Q2-2021-Update
- yahoo.com/news/tesla-launch-high-end-model-040842108.html
- ev-database.org/uk/car/1404/Tesla-Model-S-Dual-Motor
- ev-database.org/uk/car/1405/Tesla-Model-S-Plaid
- euroncap.com/en/results/tesla/model+s/47760
- caranddriver.com/news/a38451158/tesla-model-s-plaid-charging-test-ev-quickest
- autoexpress.co.uk/tesla/model-s/360618/new-tesla-model-s-plaid-2023-review
Photo: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.