Introduction: The Evolution of the 2025 Tesla Model S
The 2025 Tesla Model S continues to remain a key player in the electric luxury sedan market, even as the EV industry has drastically evolved since the Model S first debuted in 2012. Back then, options were limited, charging infrastructure was sparse, and range anxiety was a real concern. Tesla disrupted the status quo with a stylish, high-performance EV that delivered more than double the driving range of its competitors. Today, while rivals like the Lucid Air, BMW i5, and Mercedes-Benz EQE have caught up in range and interior quality, the Model S still holds strong, especially with its impressive 402-mile range and the astonishing 1020-hp Model S Plaid.
2025 Tesla Model S: Updates for the 2025 Model Year
Unlike traditional automakers, Tesla doesn’t adhere to a strict model-year refresh cycle. Instead, updates are rolled out intermittently throughout the year. As of now, no major revisions have been confirmed for the 2025 Tesla electric sedan, but any changes will be reflected in future updates to this guide.
Pricing and Which Model to Choose
Tesla continues to offer two main trims for the 2025 Tesla Model S—the base model and the high-performance Plaid version. The base model strikes a solid balance between performance and practicality, while the Plaid caters to those seeking track-level speed.
2025 Tesla Model S Pricing
Recommended Trim:
For most buyers, the standard Tesla luxury EV provides ample power and superior range for daily driving. Unless you demand lightning-fast acceleration, the Plaid’s higher price and reduced range offer diminishing returns.
2025 Tesla Model S: Performance and Driving Experience
All versions of the 2025 Tesla Model S come with dual electric motors for standard all-wheel drive, delivering instant torque and seamless acceleration. While the base model offers an exhilarating ride, the Model S Plaid pushes performance boundaries with its tri-motor setup and unbelievable speed. However, some of that magic is lost due to the lack of steering feedback and the controversial yoke-style steering wheel—though Tesla now offers a traditional wheel as a no-cost option.
2025 Tesla Model S: Acceleration and Speed
Tesla continues to lead in EV performance benchmarks. The base 2025 Tesla Model S reaches 60 mph in approximately 2.4 seconds, while the Model S Plaid accelerates to 60 mph in a stunning 2.1 seconds. These times are on par with supercars, making the Model S one of the fastest sedans in the world.
Range and Battery Efficiency
The battery pack, strategically located under the floor, gives the Model S a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution—key ingredients for confident handling. Range varies by trim:
- Model S: 402 miles
- Model S Plaid: 359 miles
While newer rivals like the Lucid Air offer up to 512 miles of range, the 2025 Tesla Model S remains a strong contender in long-distance electric travel.
Energy Consumption and MPGe Ratings
When it comes to efficiency, the Model S continues to impress. It outperforms many of its competitors in MPGe ratings, especially for urban driving. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Model S: 127 MPGe city / 116 MPGe highway
- Model S Plaid: 111 MPGe city / 103 MPGe highway
In real-world highway testing at 75 mph, the Model S Plaid managed to cover 280 miles, close to its EPA rating.
2025 Tesla Model S: A Premium Electric Sedan with Blazing Performance
The 2025 Tesla Model S continues to set benchmarks in the world of electric performance cars. Starting at over $75,000, this luxury EV combines blistering acceleration, a spacious hatchback design, and advanced tech features. However, compared to newer rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Model S’s interior is starting to feel slightly dated. While minimalist in design, some functionality and material quality fall short of the expectations set by its premium price tag.
Interior Design and Cargo Space: Minimalist but Not Quite Luxurious
Inside, the 2025 Model S impresses fans of modern, clean aesthetics with its minimalist cabin dominated by a massive central infotainment screen. However, this sleek look comes with compromises. The sloped roofline cleverly disguises a rear liftgate that reveals a generous 26 cubic feet of cargo space, allowing easy accommodation of eight carry-on suitcases without folding the rear seats.
Still, small-item storage is limited, especially in the rear seats. That said, a large underfloor bin in the rear helps offset this shortfall, offering additional space for hidden storage.
Tech Features: Cutting-Edge Yet Slightly Inconvenient
The cabin’s focal point is the huge central touchscreen that manages almost all vehicle functions. While the layout appeals to technophiles, some drivers may find its positioning inconvenient—especially when reaching icons in the top corners. Thankfully, unlike the more affordable Model 3, the Tesla Model S also includes a digital gauge cluster and a small rear-seat touchpad. One major omission is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which remain unsupported.
Autopilot and Safety: Helpful Assistance, Not Full Autonomy
Tesla’s Autopilot system, standard on the 2025 Model S, functions as an adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. For more advanced features, buyers can opt for the Enhanced Autopilot package, which adds automatic lane changes, parking assist, and more.
Despite years of marketing its so-called “Full Self-Driving” system, Tesla’s software still requires active driver engagement and supervision.
2025 Tesla Model S: Key Safety Features:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Optional adaptive cruise control with hands-free mode
For official crash-test ratings, consult the NHTSA and IIHS websites.
Warranty and Maintenance: Competitive Coverage, But No Free Service
Tesla offers strong warranty coverage for the Model S, comparable to that of the BMW i5. However, it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which some competitors offer.
| Warranty Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | 4 years or 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 8 years and unlimited miles |
| Scheduled Maintenance | Not included |
Performance Specs: 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid vs. 2020 Performance Model
Below is a comparison of the top-tier trims of the Model S from recent years:
🔥 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
- Powertrain: 3 electric motors (AWD)
- Horsepower: 1020 hp
- Torque: 1050 lb-ft
- Battery: 99.3 kWh
- 0–60 mph: 2.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 162 mph
- Range (EPA): 348 miles
- Observed Efficiency: 71 MPGe
- Cargo Volume: 28 cu ft
- Curb Weight: 4828 lb
⚡ 2020 Tesla Model S Performance
- Powertrain: Dual-motor (AWD)
- Horsepower: 778 hp combined
- Battery: 98.0 kWh
- 0–60 mph: 2.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 163 mph
- Range (EPA): 326 miles
- Observed Efficiency: 97 MPGe combined
- Cargo Volume: 26 cu ft
- Curb Weight: 4998 lb
Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Tesla Model S Still Worth It?
The 2025 Tesla Model S remains one of the fastest and most technologically advanced electric sedans on the market. Its jaw-dropping acceleration, spacious cargo area, and long range make it a compelling choice for EV enthusiasts. However, buyers seeking high-end interior refinement or hands-free driving may find better satisfaction in luxury rivals like the Mercedes EQE or BMW i5. Still, for those prioritizing performance and software innovation, the Model S Plaid is a remarkable offering.
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