The Tesla Model S, first delivered in June 2012, changed the car industry. It was the first electric car to combine long range, high performance, a large touchscreen interior and over-the-air software updates in a desirable luxury sedan. It won Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2013, pushed established luxury brands to accelerate their electric programs, and in Plaid form became one of the quickest-accelerating production cars ever made.

At a glance
Deliveries began June 2012
Built Fremont, California
Notable versions P85D, P100D, Long Range, Plaid (2021)
Firsts Mainstream over-the-air updates; large central touchscreen

Before the Model S

Tesla’s first car, the Roadster (2008), was a low-volume sports car based on a Lotus chassis. The Model S was Tesla’s first car designed from scratch, led by chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, and built in a former GM–Toyota factory in Fremont.

What made it different

  • Range: hundreds of miles on a charge when most EVs managed around 100.
  • Performance: instant torque and later dual-motor “Ludicrous” acceleration.
  • Software: a 17-inch touchscreen and over-the-air updates that added features after purchase.
  • Charging: Tesla’s own Supercharger network, which made long trips practical.
  • Packaging: a flat battery floor, front trunk and optional rear-facing child seats in early cars.

Plaid

The 2021 refresh brought a new interior and the tri-motor Plaid, with more than 1,000 horsepower and extraordinary acceleration.

Its influence

The Model S forced the luxury industry to respond: the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, Audi e-tron GT and Lucid Air all followed. Read the Lucid Air, the Mercedes EQS and electric vs gas luxury cars.

Model S as a rear-seat car

The Model S is spacious for its size, but its low roof and sporty tuning make it less suited to chauffeured service than traditional limousine-style sedans. See the best cars for rear-seat passengers.