Tesla Model S hatchback review

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.

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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.

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.

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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.