Tesla Model S (2019) vs Tesla Model S (2021)

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Model S (2019) compared with Model S (2021)

	TeslaModel S (2019)	TeslaModel S (2021)
Overview
Released
Released	2019	June 2021
Performance
Powertrain
Powertrain	Electric	Electric
Power
Power	534–778 bhp	676–1,019 bhp (better)
0–62 mph
0–62 mph	3.8–4.2 s	3.2 s (better)
Top speed
Top speed	155–162 mph	155–175 mph (better)
Engine or motors
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.	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
Gearbox	Single-speed fixed gear	Single-speed fixed gear; front 7.56:1, rear 9.04:1 (Plaid 7.56:1)
Drive
Drive	Dual-motor all-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Range and charging
Zero-emission range (WLTP)
Zero-emission range (WLTP)	283–405 miles (better)	373–403 miles
Fastest charging
Fastest charging	100–200 kW	250 kW (better)
Range detail
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.	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
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.	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
Efficiency	–	WLTP rated 282 Wh/mile (Dual Motor), 301 Wh/mile (Plaid) (EV Database)
CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions	–	0 g/km
Practicality
Body
Body	Saloon	Saloon
Seats
Seats	5	5
Boot
Boot	–	709 litres
Length
Length	4,970 mm	5,021 mm
Width
Width	1,964 mm	1,987 mm
Boot
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
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.	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
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
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.	Centre touchscreen, driver display and a rear touchscreen; yoke or steering wheel; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Safety rating
Safety rating	–	Euro NCAP 5 stars (2022): adult occupant 94%, child occupant 91%, vulnerable road users 85%, safety assist 98%