Tesla Model S 2022

 2022 Tesla Model S

Almost a decade after its launch in 2012, the Tesla Model S is getting a much-needed refresh for the 2021.5 or 2022 model year (Tesla doesn't follow model years as closely as other automakers). Two new tri-motor variants are joining the lineup and both the exterior and interior designs have been meaningfully tweaked for the better. This may be exactly what Tesla needs to stay relevant alongside hot newcomers including the 1,080-hp Lucid Air Dream Edition and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

•             Updated exterior and interior styling

•             New Plaid tri-motor variant

•             Futuristic Star Wars-esque steering yoke

•             Two new wheel designs

 

No matter which Model S you choose, serious speed is a standard feature. The Long Range model—the dual-motor variant not even focused on performance—can reach 60 mph in a claimed 3.1 seconds and top out at 155 mph. That's properly quick, but the new Plaid versions, which employ three high-performance electric motors split across the front and rear axles, blows it out of the water.

The Model S Plaid develops a colossal 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. That makes it unsurprisingly insanely quick, but exactly how quick is a point of contention. In our first test procedures of the Model S Plaid, Tesla insisted that we measure its acceleration on a specially prepared drag strip, inconsistent with our standard testing methods. As part of our negotiations we agreed, and measured a 0-60 mph time of 1.98 seconds. The next day we took the car to our regular testing facility, where it laid down a 2.1-second 0-60 sprint. Either way it's the quickest vehicle we've ever tested, but Tesla's demands for preferential treatment somewhat mar the accolade.

 

Tesla had originally planned to make a variant of the Model S Plaid called the Plaid+. It was stated to have even quicker acceleration and longer range than the Plaid model. However, it appears that Tesla found the non-plus Plaid's capabilities to be sufficient, so cancelled it. Elon Musk declared via Tweet that there is "no need" for the Plaid+, "as Plaid is just so good."

Could the Plaid+ eventually make its debut? A theoretical quad-motor setup could make the Model S' performance even more astounding, and earn that elusive "+" designation.

 

The Model S has come a long way since its debut; the car that at launch maxed out at 265 miles of range might now be able to travel around double that. Newcomer Lucid estimates 517 miles of range (we saw 490 miles in a ride-along) for its Air sedan, but Tesla's estimates for the refreshed Model S conveniently beats it. Like with any EV, the Model S' range depends on a variety of specific factors.

 

2022 Tesla Model S Range

•             Model S Long Range: 412 miles (mfr est)

•             Model S Plaid: 390 miles (mfr est)

 

Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the Model S refresh is the updated interior, specifically the new steering wheel. In place of the old conventional steering wheel sits what looks like a yoke designed for piloting a spacecraft. The center touchscreen has been reconfigured in a landscape orientation like those in the Model 3 and Model Y, and the digital instrument cluster appears mostly unchanged. We're big fans of the new infotainment system. There's a secret hidden shifter in case the car doesn't correctly guess the direction you want to travel.  Additional wood and carbon-fiber trim lend an upscale feel, and there's a new display for rear seat passengers. A new seat design takes a tiny bit of space away from front passengers, and gives it to those in the rear.