Tesla Model S gets a 2021 facelift – ‘slowest’ model covers 0-60mph in 3.1sec
The Tesla Model S saloon has been given an update, with a brand new interior and an adjustment to the range
Following its latest earnings report, Tesla revealed its facelifted Model S complete with a brand new interior and minor tweaks to the exterior design. Prices now start at £83,980 for the entry-level Long Range, climbing to £130,980 for the triple-motor Plaid+.
Aside from its first major facelift back in 2016, the design of the Tesla Model S hasn’t changed an awful lot since its 2012 launch. The recent update appears to follow this theme at first glance, with only new wheels and minor changes to the front and rear bumpers setting it apart from the previous car on the outside.
> Tesla Model X Plaid revealed – 1006bhp SUV hits 60mph in 2.5sec
The cabin is where the firm has focussed its efforts though, with that large portrait touchscreen now swapped for a more refined, tilting, 17-inch landscape unit similar to the one found in the Model 3. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Model S now features two additional displays, one behind the steering wheel for the driver and another 8-inch unit for rear seat entertainment.
Prices and performance
The range now starts at the £83,980 Long Range, with an ‘estimated’ range of 412 miles, a very spritely 3.1sec 0-60mph time and a 155mph top speed. Its closest rival is the near identically priced Porsche Taycan 4S, a model with over 100 miles less claimed range and a 4sec 0-62mph time.
The long-awaited Plaid is the next model along, featuring a triple-motor setup for a 1006bhp output, a claimed 1.99sec 0-60mph time and a 200mph top speed – prices start at £110,980. For a £20,000 premium there’s the Model S Plaid+, boasting in excess of 1084bhp for a claimed sub-1.99sec 0-60mph time and an astonishing ¼-mile time of under 9sec, figures that would eclipse every other production car made to date. Likely through the use of a large battery, range on the Plaid+ is also estimated to come in at over 520 miles, significantly more than the 390 of the ordinary Plaid.
Despite the differences in price and performance, all three models feature identical exterior designs, with the only distinguishing feature being red brake callipers on Plaid models. Two wheel options (19 and 20-inch), five colours and three interior trims are available for all, only with the Plaid models swapping wood interior trim for carbon fibre. Though bolstering doesn’t appear to have received an upgrade, Plaid models do come with perforated seats, presumably for an increase in grip to hold occupants in place.
Tesla claims that the new Model S boasts processing power equivalent to that of the latest gaming consoles, allowing occupants to stay entertained during charging time by playing some of the latest AAA games. It’s also likely that this processing power will be utilised for more advanced versions of Tesla’s ‘autopilot’ autonomous driving tech in the coming years.
> Tesla Model S Plaid priced from £110,980 – 1006bhp saloon takes on Porsche Taycan Turbo
A number of new features have also been added to help the Model S match its luxury saloon rivals from Europe. Ambient lighting now comes as standard, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-phone wireless charging, a 960 watt, 22-speaker sound system and more all part of the package. Something not to be ignored is that controversial yoke-style steering wheel, a feature likely to be impractical for road use and one that you can’t opt out of at the time of writing...
Though available to purchase after the fact at a premium, the questionably-named 'Full Self-Driving Capability' can be optioned at £6800 for all models. US examples are set to hit the road in March 2021, but UK buyers will have to wait until 2022 for first deliveries.
