Used 2023 Tesla Model S

Some cars are just, well, cars. The Model S has gone beyond such mundane matters to become a cultural reference, a benchmark for electric vehicles, and a symbol of driving’s future. That’s a lot of baggage to carry around, even if the Model S does have a lot of power and cargo space.

In September 2023, Tesla cut prices on some models. The new prices are reflected here.

The yoke is on Tesla — or buyers can choose a regular steering wheel at no extra cost. This half-rectangle thing looks like it would be better in an airplane. We can understand the “wouldn’t it be cool if…” discussion that went on in Tesla’s office. And once the whole self-driving functionality is fully ironed out, then maybe it would be cool. But for now, we’ll take the round steering wheel available as a no-charge option.

And stalks for the wipers and turn signals, instead of buttons on the yoke/wheel. Sorry if this sounds technophobic, and we know drivers can develop new habits, but it’s not that intuitive. This can be an issue when accelerating at the kind of speeds of which the Model S is capable.

Electric motors create instant torque, like flicking a switch — who would have thought? So the Model S can leap off the line as if struck by lightning, which it is, in a way. The dual-motor model of the Model S is fast and fun, and the Plaid is extraordinary.

Way back in the old days, when the first “Avatar” movie was still being made, a gasoline engine with more than 1,000 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time below 3 seconds would be the preserve of something like a Bugatti Veyron, costing many times more than the Model S Plaid does now. Then there were the gasoline bills.

That doesn’t exactly make the Model S Plaid a bargain, but it certainly puts automotive power into the hands of more people. The rest of the car is able to keep up. The Model S is controlled and comfortable, with an adaptive suspension as standard. If the driving experience is a major consideration, though, book a test drive in the Porsche Taycan as well.

We’ve spent more than a hundred hours driving and researching the current collection of electric luxury cars and SUVs.

The dashboard of the 2023 Model S is more of a glorified infotainment touchscreen mounting bracket than any source of design flair. But at least the driver has a dedicated instrument cluster.

The touchscreen itself is large, with crisp graphics and fast responses — it’s a video gamer’s delight for when there’s some time to kill while recharging. Or Tesla allows Netflix and Hulu streaming as well when parked.

At this price bracket, some will feel the cabin of the Model S should be plusher than it is, with a higher level of fit and finish. It’s competing with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, masters of luxury.

Occupant space is mostly fine, although 35.5 inches of rear legroom is not particularly generous. The Model S is also quite wide, so there’s plenty of leeway for hips and shoulders.

The body’s liftback design provides plenty of luggage space: 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to an accommodating 61.4 when they’re folded flat. Beneath the hood is another 3.1 cubic feet of storage space.

Range
For most of its existence, the Model S has been the benchmark for how many miles it can travel before needing a recharge — otherwise known as range. Many rivals still fall short.

Tesla Superchargers
Tesla has its own national network of fast-charging stations, so road trips are a distinct possibility. The company’s vehicles can also be topped up with other chargers.

Over-the air updates
Improvements in range and power, plus things like map updates, are all possible even once the Model S has been purchased.

Sentry Mode
An active camera system can send alerts to an owner’s smartphone if their parked Model S has some undesirable types loitering too close by.

Smart Summon
Part of the optional Enhanced Autopilot package, this feature gets the Model S to drive itself out of its parking space and make its way to where the driver is waiting. It’s a virtual valet.

Autopark
Another feature of the Enhanced Autopilot package, this is a self-parking function that works with both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

We’re all going have to get used to bigger electron-created horsepower numbers than those with old-school gasoline engines.

Two electric motors, one for each axle, gives the standard Model S all-wheel drive and a considerable 670 horsepower. Three electric motors (one up front, one for each rear wheel) propel the Plaid with a colossal 1,020 horsepower.

Dual electric motors (standard)
670 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 124/115 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 405 miles (Model S)

Three electric motors (Plaid)
1,020 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 119/112 MPGe (19-inch wheels), 102/99 MPGe (21-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range: 396 miles (19-inch wheels), 348 miles (21-inch wheels)

More Model S range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla’s new-vehicle warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The battery is covered for eight years or 150,000 miles.