Without the Tesla Model S, we wouldn’t have the increasing number of electric cars we own today, and it continues to be one of the most desirable and attractive options in this growing market sector.
The 2022 Tesla Model S can be used comfortably for extended travels, with an official driving range of 405 miles depending on the model. The 1020-horsepower Plaid version can provide Supercar Acceleration while carrying four people. With spacious rear cargo space and a separate front trunk that provides extra capacity, the Model S really comes in handy.
The Audi E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan are newcomers to the luxury electric sedan market, both of which rival the S Model in terms of comfort and performance, but the available semi-autonomous driving technology and its larger range continue to attract customers to this Tesla.
2022 Tesla Model S Review (Video)
Here’s an in-depth review of the 2022 Tesla Model S.
What’s New for 2022?
The Tesla Model S got an updated interior and exterior design last year, which included the addition of a special yoke-style steering wheel as well as a beastly 1020-horsepower Plaid performance model (a Tri-motor version) and two new wheel designs. We don’t expect many changes in 2022, although Tesla has announced a significant price hike for the base Long Range version.
2022 Tesla Model S Price
| Version | Base Price | Dest. Charge | Effective Price |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range 19′ | $94,990 | +$1,200 | $96,190 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range 21′ | $99,490 | +$1,200 | $100,690 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid 19′ | $129,990 | +$1,200 | $131,190 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid 21′ | $134,490 | +$1,200 | $135,690 |
We’d opt for the base Long Range version, which has a range of 405 miles on a single charge. The 1020-horsepower Plaid version looks great, but its 6-figure cost detracts from its value unless you just need a car that performs like a Top Fuel Dragster.
Is There a Model S Plaid+?
Tesla had initially planned to release a Plaid+ variant of the Model S Plaid. It was said to offer greater range and faster acceleration than the Plaid version. Tesla, on the other hand, appears to have decided that the non-plus Plaid’s capabilities were sufficient, and therefore canceled the project. Elon Musk stated via Twitter that the Plaid+ is unnecessary because Plaid is already so good. Is it possible for the Plaid+ to make its debut? A hypothetical quad-motor setup might boost the performance of the Model S even more, earning it the coveted “+” designation.
E-Motor, Transmission, and Performance
The Tesla Model S offers full-time all-wheel drive regardless of the version you pick, with a dedicated electric motor for both the front & back axles.
The different versions’ acceleration varies from excellent to ferocious.
The standard Tesla Model S has proven to be a responsive sports sedan with excellent body movements and direct steering. Drivers may pick between light and heavy steering effort in two separate settings, although neither of them allows for more road feedback. On the highways, the handling is precise, the driving comfort is superb, and it is almost calm and confident.
How Fast Is the New Model S?
Serious speed is a common feature on all Model S versions. The Long Range version, a dual-motor version that isn’t really focused on performance, can hit 60 mph in 3.1s and reach a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). That’s fast enough, but the latest Plaid version, which has 3 high-performance electric motors distributed between the front and rear axles, blows it away (Top Speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)).
The 2020 Model S test car was clocked 2.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and was immensely enjoyable thanks to its fast power delivery. The 2022 Model S Plaid generates a whopping 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. As a result, it’s unsurprisingly extraordinarily fast, but how fast it really is is the sticking point. Tesla hasn’t launched that beast yet but says it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds*. Well, We brought the car to our usual test facility, where it recorded 0-60 mph in 2.2 seconds. In any case, it’s really the fastest car we’ve ever tested.
Can really the Model S Plaid Go 200 mph?
Yes and no! In certain ways, sure. Even though the Model S Plaid is advertised as having a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h), Tesla has yet to achieve that goal. The issue isn’t with the hardware. The Plaid’s available 21-inch Arachnid wheels as well as the Model S’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires have been validated to achieve this speed. Actually, software is the major obstacle. The Plaid version is limited to 163 miles per hour until an update is released at an unknown date in the future. That’s amazingly fast, and the vehicle’s continuous acceleration up to that point is mind-boggling. Regardless, it’s again another case where Tesla makes a claim and then proves it later.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Since its debut, the Model S has gone a long way. The automobile, which had a maximum range of 265 miles upon launch, may now be able to go up to twice that distance. Newcomer Lucid Motors claims that their Air sedan can reach 517 miles on a single charge, but Tesla’s estimates for the updated Model S easily surpassed that.
A battery pack is placed under the floor of a Tesla car, which results in a low center of gravity and weight evenly distributed from front to rear. The Model S’ range, just like every other electric vehicle, is determined by a variety of factors.
2022 Tesla Model S Range
| Version | Drive | EPA Range |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range 19′ | AWD | 405 miles (652 km) |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range 21′ | AWD | 375 miles* (603 km) |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid 19′ | AWD | 396 miles (637 km) |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid 21′ | AWD | 348 miles (560 km) |
* means: estimated/unofficial value
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While electric cars like the Polestar 2 and Chevy Bolt have a serviceable driving range, the Tesla Model S is still a compelling long-distance alternative to gasoline-powered cars. At 124 cities and 115 highways, the base Long Range version gets the top MPGe ratings (Combined city/highway = 120).
In our real-world testing, the 2020 Tesla Model S we tested had a highway range of 231 miles, compared to the EPA’s estimated driving range of 326 miles.
Browse the EPA’s website for more details about the Tesla Model S’s fuel economy.
| Version | MPGe City/Highway | Combined City/Highway |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range | 124 / 115 | 120 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid (19in Wheels) | 119 / 112 | 116 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid (21in Wheels) | 102 / 99 | 101 |
2022 Tesla Model S Interior, Cargo, and Infotainment
With 2022 Tesla Model S costs starting at $95,000, it would be reasonable for customers to anticipate a certain level of luxury inside the vehicle. The new interior, and in particular the new steering wheel, is the most striking aspect of the refreshed Tesla Model S. A yoke that looks like it was made to control a spacecraft replaces the traditional steering wheel.
The central touch screen has now been redesigned in a landscape orientation similar to that on the Model 3 and Model Y, but the digital instrument cluster has remained mostly unchanged. We really like its new infotainment system a lot. If the car does not accurately predict the direction you want to go, there’s a hidden secret shifter. A new screen for rear-seat passengers, as well as additional wood & carbon-fiber trim, give the car an even more luxurious feel. The new seat design shifts a small space from the front seats to the back seats.
The cabin’s atmosphere is pleasant enough, but it lacks the plushness of our favorites like the Volvo S90 and the Mercedes-Benz E-class. The sloping roofline of the Tesla Model S smartly conceals a rear liftgate that opens to expose a massive 26-cubic-foot trunk. We were able to fit 8 small bags without having to fold down the back seats. The spacious underfloor trunk in the rear cargo space compensates for the lack of small-item cubby packaging throughout the interior, especially in the rear seat.
What’s Up With the Model S Steering Wheel?
Do not even refer to it as a wheel. The updated Tesla Model S’s steering yoke is much more similar to that seen in airplanes and sports cars than in regular vehicles. It’s now necessary on the Model S, which means you won’t be able to have the round wheel you’re used to. If you buy a Tesla Model S, you’ll probably get used to the steering yoke, but we’re still not persuaded that it’s a significant upgrade over the ancient steering wheels, which Tesla believes is just too cool for it.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The interior of the Model S, which comes as standard with a large infotainment screen that manages practically all the functions of the car, will appeal to fans of modern minimalism. Tech lovers will be overjoyed, but we’re not convinced yet. Due to the screen’s position on the dashboard, some drivers will have to bend forward in their seats to access certain icons, especially the ones near the top right corner of the screen. Unlike the 2022 Tesla Model 3, this Model S has an instrument cluster display as well as a tiny touchpad in the back seat.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Even though the Tesla Model S has prompted a nationwide debate about the safety of autonomous cars and has already been noted to catch fire after some types of high-speed impacts, its safety credibility is bolstered by good crash-test results from the IIHS and the knowledge that vehicle fires, whether gasoline-powered or electric, are not uncommon. Visit the websites of IIHS and NHTSA for more details on the Tesla Model S’s crash-test results.
The following are some important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking is standard.
- A standard lane-departure warning is provided.
- Adaptive cruise control is available with a semi-autonomous driving mode.
Can the 2022 Tesla Model S Drive Itself?
Every Model S comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance features known as Autopilot (Automatic Pilot), according to Tesla. Automatic emergency braking, Lane-keeping Assist, and Adaptive cruise control are all part of the Autopilot suite. Customers may upgrade to Full Self-Driving, which includes Automatic parking, Automatic lane change, and more hands-free driving capabilities.
We believe that while Full Self-Driving is amazing, it does not live up to its name and that it is still preferable to have your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
2022 Tesla Model S Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric (4-door Hatchback) |
| Class | Luxury Passenger Car |
| Engin | Motors, Dual Electric |
| Fuel | Electricity |
| Transmission | Automatic, Single-Speed |
| Seating Capacity | 5-Passenger |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) |
| Price (MSRP) | $94,990 to $134,490 |
| EPA Combined range | 405 miles / 375 miles / 396 miles / 348 miles |
| Combined Power (LR/Plaid) | 534 Hp / 1020 Hp |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion (Li-ion) |
| Battery Capacity | 100 kWh* |
| Voltage | 350V |
| Charging Time | 120V: N/A 240V: 12.0h 400V: 0.7h |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Standard MGP | 115 / 107 |
| Trim | Long Range Hatchback |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S |
| Suspension | multilink/multilink |
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Tesla Model S comes with a comprehensive warranty package that protects the hybrid components and powertrain, but it’s missing the Jaguar I-Pace‘s complimentary scheduled maintenance packages and long bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- The price includes a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty.
- The powertrain warranty lasts for eight years and covers an unlimited number of miles.
- There is no free scheduled maintenance.
2022 Tesla Model S Release Date
The Tesla Model S 2022 is still in production but can be booked on the company’s official website. You can get a new Tesla Model S within a few months if you order the dual-motor Long Range version. The Plaid version will likely take longer to deliver. This means that you’ll have to wait over a year to get your hands on the high-performance Model S.
2022 Tesla Model S Dimensions
| Parameter | Dimension (in/lb) | Dimension (cm/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.0 | 497.8 |
| Width | 77.3 | 196.3 |
| Height | 56.9 | 144.5 |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 | 295.9 |
| Cargo Capacity | 26.3 / 58.1 | 66.8 / 147.6 |
| Curb Weight | 4561.0 | 2068.8 |
2022 Tesla Model S Competitors
Lucid Air, Audi E-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and Mercedes EQS are the major competitors for the 2022 Tesla Model S, but:
2022 Tesla Model S Pricing ($94,990)
- 2022 Audi A7 ($69,200)
- 2022 Audi A6 ($55,900)
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ($54,950)
2022 Tesla Model S Power (1020 Hp)
- 2022 Audi E-Tron GT (522 Hp)
- 2022 Lucid Air (480 Hp)
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (429 Hp)
2022 Tesla Model S MPG (115 City / 107 Hwy)
- 2022 Audi A6 (23 City / 32 Hwy)
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (22 City / 31 Hwy)
- 2022 BMW 7-Series (22 City / 29 Hwy)
Specifications: 2020 Performance VS 2021 Plaid
| 2020 Tesla Model S Performance | 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid | |
| Vehicle Type | Front- and Mid-motor | Front- and Rear-motor |
| Price(Base) | $96,190 | $131,440 |
| Powertrain | Front: permanent-magnet synchronous AC Combined Power: 275 hp Combined Torque: 310 lb-ft Battery Pack: 98.0 kWh, lithium-ion | Front: 3 permanent-magnet synchronous AC Combined Power: 1020 hp Combined Torque: 1050 lb-ft Battery Pack: 99.3 kWh, lithium-ion |
| Dimensions | Length: 195.7 in Width: 77.3 in Height: 56.9 in Passenger volume: 95 ft3 Cargo volume: 26 ft3 Curb weight: 4998 lb | Length: 197.7 in Width: 78.2 in Height: 56.3 in Passenger Volume: 100 ft3 Cargo Volume: 28 ft3 Curb Weight: 4828 lb |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Combined/city/highway: 97/98/96 MPGe Range: 326 miles | Combined/City/Highway: 101/102/99 MPGe Range: 348 miles |
- You Can Also Read Our All Tesla Models and Prices Post.
