Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Tesla Model S hatchback review

"The Model S is fast, well-equipped and practical with an impressive range, but it can feel cheap inside"

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Astonishingly quick
  • Impressive technology
  • 400+ mile range

Cons

  • Not the best to drive
  • Build quality is lacking
  • Limited choice

Verdict - Is the Tesla Model S a good car?

Sitting as the flagship of its saloon range, the Tesla Model S showcases the very best and worst of the American all-electric car brand. With full access to the Tesla Supercharger network and a Long Range model that offers over 400 miles of range, the Model S is an EV that can be used as a cross-country cruiser. However, build quality has long been an issue for Tesla and even Model S is not immune to this – despite prices that can easily stray into six figures. There are now several rivals that will offer a more luxurious electric car experience.

Tesla Model S range

Sitting alongside the Model X SUV in Tesla’s lineup, the original Model S went on sale all the way back in 2012, mostly to critical acclaim, and has since received several substantial updates to keep it at the cutting edge of the electric car world.

Longest range electric carsThe longest-range electric cars in 2025

While even early examples still hold up well today in terms of technology and performance, the Model S underwent a significant facelift in 2021. This introduced a jet fighter-style ‘yoke’ steering wheel as well as a new 17-inch landscape central touchscreen. As before, buyers can specify ‘autopilot’ semi-autonomous driving features for an additional cost, which can accelerate, brake and steer for you on the motorway.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

More reviews

The Tesla Model S has no trim levels per se, however, there are two models buyers can choose from: the standard Model S and the high-performance Plaid variant. The limited driving range of electric vehicles is one factor that has thus far curbed their popularity against conventional petrol and diesel cars, but the Tesla Model S has one of the longest range figures of any pure-electric car; the base Model S has an impressive electric range of 405 miles, while the Plaid is only slightly behind at 390 miles.

While the Model S Plaid can reach 0-62mph in just two seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating production car ever, we’d recommend sticking with the standard model as this still offers great performance, without the Plaid’s excessively high price tag. All Model S examples also get full access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network; plugging in at one of these can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

While reliability isn’t typically a concern with EVs, over 40% of Tesla owners reported a fault with their car within their first year of ownership in our 2022 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Partner this with rather sub-par build quality (think large panel gaps, cheaper materials and the potential for loose trim) and the otherwise-impressive Model S seems to fall apart slightly when compared to rivals such as the Porsche Taycan or Mercedes EQS.

Another issue is actually getting your hands on a Model S, because during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesla stopped taking orders for its flagship saloon for the UK. It still remains on Tesla’s website and production has resumed for the European market, however, so it’s only a matter of time until we see the top-of-the-range Tesla return to UK roads.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 cars with the biggest boots
The cars with the biggest boots
Best cars
12 Apr 2024

Top 10 cars with the biggest boots

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration
Peugeot 208 GTi render front quarter
News
10 Mar 2025

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table
Renault Clio render front quarter
News
5 Mar 2025

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal
BMW iX3 prototype front quarter
News
11 Mar 2025

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025