Since 2012
Model S
Range up to 410 miles.
Generations
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2012–2016 Original
Pre-facelift cars with the black nose-cone grille panel. Dual-motor AWD arrived in 2014.
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2016–2021 Facelift
Body-colored nose and full-LED adaptive headlights; the P100D introduced Ludicrous+ acceleration.
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2021–present Refresh (Palladium)
Horizontal center screen, optional yoke steering wheel, and the tri-motor Plaid variant.
Specs
| Year | Trim | Drive | Range | MPGe (comb.) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Model S | Rear-Wheel Drive | 265 mi | 89 | EPA |
| 2016 | Model S AWD - 75D | All-Wheel Drive | 259 mi | 103 | EPA |
| 2021 | Model S Long Range | All-Wheel Drive | 405 mi | 120 | EPA |
| 2025 | Model S | All-Wheel Drive | 410 mi | 124 | EPA |
| 2025 | Model S Plaid (19in wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | 348 mi | 104 | EPA |
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
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What changed
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2016 Nose cone redesign
The front fascia lost its black grille panel in favor of a body-colored fascia with just a thin slot for the Tesla badge, alongside new full-LED adaptive headlights.
How to recognize it: A smooth, grille-less nose instead of the earlier black grille panel marks a 2016+ car.
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2021 Interior overhaul and yoke steering wheel
A major refresh replaced most interior components, switched the center touchscreen to a horizontal orientation, and offered a yoke-style steering wheel instead of a traditional round wheel.
How to recognize it: A cut-off, oval steering wheel and a horizontal center screen mark a 2021+ car; earlier cars have a round wheel and vertical screen.
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2021 Plaid tri-motor variant introduced
A three-motor Plaid variant joined the lineup with a manufacturer-quoted 1.98 second 0-60 time.
How to recognize it: Plaid badging on the trunk lid distinguishes it from Long Range cars.
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2025 Front bumper camera and chassis update
A later update added a front bumper-mounted camera and chassis revisions, along with an updated rear diffuser on Plaid models.
How to recognize it: Look for a small camera lens integrated into the front bumper, not present on earlier cars.
Source
Trivia
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The front trunk gave the world the word "frunk" -- a portmanteau of front and trunk that stuck as industry slang.
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The 2021 refresh reached a 0.208 drag coefficient, the lowest of any production car at the time.
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It won Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 2013, in its first full year on sale.
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Early cars could unlock extra range with an over-the-air software upgrade from a 60 kWh to a 75 kWh battery -- no hardware changes.
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In 2015 it was the world's best-selling plug-in electric vehicle, with 50,366 units sold.
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The body is built mostly of aluminum, chosen so the non-battery structure could weigh less than a comparable gasoline car.
Source
Recommended Tesla gear
Popular Model S accessories, handpicked.
- All-weather floor mats Custom-fit trays that trap water, mud, and snow.
- Screen protector Anti-glare film that keeps the display scratch-free.
- Trunk & frunk liners Protects the cargo areas from spills and scuffs.
- Center console organizer Tames the deep console bin.
- Home charging Faster overnight charging at home.
- Roof sunshade Blocks heat and glare through the glass roof.
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