2025 Tesla Model S Review

2025 Tesla Model S – Overview

When the 2025 Tesla Model S debuted in 2012, it revolutionized the electric car market with its long range, rapid acceleration, and sleek design—at a time when EVs were mostly slow, short-range city cars. More than a decade later, the EV landscape has changed dramatically, with rivals catching up and even surpassing the once-untouchable Tesla.

Today, competitors like the Lucid Air deliver up to 512 miles of EPA-rated range, luxurious interiors, and similarly blistering speed. Models like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE offer richer cabin materials and advanced tech, though their range still falls short of the 402-mile standard Model S. Meanwhile, the Model S Plaid, with its 1,020 horsepower, delivers hypercar-level acceleration that few vehicles—EV or not—can match.

While the Model S no longer sits unchallenged atop the EV luxury sedan world, its forward-thinking design and continual updates have helped it stay competitive in a much more crowded field. It may not feel as groundbreaking as it once did, but it still offers a compelling mix of range, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

When Is the 2025 Tesla Model S Coming Out?

The 2025 Model S is already available for order on Tesla’s website, with first deliveries beginning in Q2 2025 across the U.S. and Europe. Most configurations are shipping within a few weeks, depending on selected options.

What’s New for 2025 Tesla Model S?

Tesla doesn’t follow the typical annual release cycle—upgrades and pricing shifts often happen rollingly throughout the year. As of now, there are no major changes or feature additions planned for the 2025 Model S. Instead, Tesla continues to fine-tune its lineup through software updates and subtle hardware adjustments as needed.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Tesla Model S starts at $81,630 for the Long Range model, while the high-performance Plaid variant comes in at around $96,630, depending on options and wheel choices.

Which One to Choose?

We recommend going with the standard Model S Long Range. It offers a best-in-class EPA-estimated 402 miles of range, more than enough for daily commutes, long-distance road trips, and everything in between. With 670 horsepower, it’s no slouch—launching from 0–60 mph in just over 3 seconds.

The Model S Plaid, on the other hand, delivers wild acceleration thanks to its tri-motor setup and 1,020 horsepower, but it comes at a steep premium and reduces range to 359 miles. Unless you’re chasing sub-2-second 0–60 times or plan to embarrass supercars at stoplights, the Long Range model offers more value for most drivers.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Every 2025 Tesla Model S comes standard with dual electric motors—one on each axle—delivering full-time all-wheel drive and seamless torque distribution regardless of road conditions.

Performance spans from blisteringly quick to downright ridiculous:

• The Long Range model produces 670 horsepower and rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds.

• The Plaid model cranks out a staggering 1,020 horsepower from its tri-motor setup, achieving a 0–60 mph sprint in 1.99 seconds—quicker than many exotic supercars.

While the Model S still delivers impressive speed and straight-line performance, it no longer sets the benchmark for ride and handling in the EV segment. Cars like the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan have caught up, offering better steering feel and road feedback.

Tesla offers two steering assist modes—Comfort and Sport—but neither improves communication from the front wheels. Also, the optional yoke-style steering remains controversial. While futuristic in appearance, it’s awkward for low-speed maneuvers and tight turns. Thankfully, Tesla now includes a conventional round steering wheel at no extra cost. We recommend sticking with it.

Despite its handling limitations, the Model S remains a smooth and quiet cruiser, with a cushioned ride and effortless passing power—making it a refined and capable daily driver.

0–60 MPH Times

The 2025 Tesla Model S continues to deliver jaw-dropping acceleration, even in its base form. While we haven’t run a current Long Range model through our full instrumented testing recently, a 2020 version achieved a 0–60 mph time of just 2.4 seconds—and performance has remained largely consistent since then.

The real headline grabber is the Model S Plaid. With 1,020 horsepower and three electric motors, it scorched to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds in our tests. That puts it firmly in hypercar territory, outpacing even some of the world’s most elite gas-powered exotics.

Whether you choose the base or Plaid version, the Model S offers acceleration that will leave passengers—and other drivers—stunned.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 2025 Tesla Model S houses its battery pack beneath the floor, which helps lower the car’s center of gravity and evenly distributes weight between the front and rear axles—benefiting both stability and handling.

Driving Range

• Model S Long Range: Up to 402 miles (EPA-estimated)

• Model S Plaid: Up to 359 miles (EPA-estimated)

This range remains among the best in the EV segment, trailing only the Lucid Air, which offers up to 512 miles in its most extended-range configuration.

Charging

• Compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, including new V4 fast chargers

• AC home charging via Tesla Wall Connector or standard J1772 adapter

• Estimated recharge times:

  • Supercharger (250 kW): Adds ~200 miles in 15 minutes

  • Level 2 home charger (240V): Full charge overnight (~12 hours)

Tesla’s expansive and reliable Supercharger infrastructure remains a significant advantage for road trip confidence and convenience.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

When it comes to efficiency and long-range cruising, the 2025 Tesla Model S continues to outshine many of its premium EV competitors. While performance EVs like the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan offer respectable range, the Model S stands out for drivers who value long-distance capability.

EPA-Estimated MPGe Ratings

• Model S Long Range: 127 MPGe city / 116 MPGe highway

• Model S Plaid: 111 MPGe city / 103 MPGe highway

In real-world testing, the Model S Plaid managed 280 miles on a single charge during a 75-mph highway test—below its official 348-mile estimate but still a solid result considering its performance focus.

Tesla’s combination of range and efficiency makes the Model S one of the top choices for EV buyers prioritizing long-haul travel without frequent charging stops.

🔗 For the latest official ratings, check the EPA’s fuel economy site.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With a starting price north of $80,000, the 2025 Tesla Model S should deliver a premium experience—and in some ways it does. But compared to newer rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Model S’s interior is beginning to show its age.

The cabin design is clean and modern, with a minimalist layout centered around a large touchscreen. While materials are generally upscale, they lack the richness and tactile appeal found in luxury-brand competitors. The seating is supportive, and rear legroom is generous, though rear headroom is slightly limited by the car’s sleek roofline.

Cargo and Storage

One of the Model S’s most practical features is its hatchback-style rear liftgate, which opens to reveal a spacious 26-cubic-foot trunk. We fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats without folding them down—impressive for a luxury sedan.

Small-item storage is limited, especially in the back seat, where Tesla’s minimalist design compromises practicality. However, a large underfloor storage bin in the trunk helps make up for the shortage of interior cubbies.

In short, while the Model S interior doesn’t quite match the opulence of some German rivals, it offers solid comfort, useful cargo space, and a high-tech vibe that will appeal to many buyers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Minimalism defines the interior of the 2025 Tesla Model S, and nowhere is that more evident than in its tech interface. At the center of the dashboard is a 17-inch horizontal touchscreen, which serves as the command hub for nearly all vehicle functions—from climate control and navigation to media and seat settings.

Tech Highlights

• Primary 17-inch center display

• Digital gauge cluster for the driver (unlike the Model 3/Y)

• Rear-seat entertainment screen with climate and media controls

• Integrated streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Twitch)

• In-car gaming capability via Tesla Arcade

For tech enthusiasts, the Model S is a dream: over-the-air updates, powerful processing, and a sleek UI. However, the touchscreen’s layout can be a bit awkward—especially for shorter drivers who may have to lean forward to reach icons near the upper corners.

Notable Omissions

• No Apple CarPlay

• No Android Auto

While Tesla’s proprietary system is slick and responsive, the absence of smartphone integration remains a frustration for many, especially given the car’s price point. Still, built-in streaming and gaming features help bridge the gap—especially for passengers on long road trips.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Tesla Model S includes a standard suite of driver-assistance features under its Autopilot system, which offers adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. While it might sound like a self-driving solution, in practice, Autopilot still requires full driver attention and frequent input.

For those seeking more convenience, the optional Enhanced Autopilot package adds features such as automatic lane changes, autopark, and Summon, which can move the vehicle in and out of tight spaces without anyone behind the wheel. Tesla also markets a “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) package, but despite years of development and public promotion, this system remains in beta testing and continues to require human oversight. In real-world use, FSD doesn’t yet deliver a truly autonomous experience.

As for safety credentials, the Model S has performed well in crash testing in the past. For the latest ratings and test results, consult the (NHTSA) and (IIHS) websites.

Key Safety Features:

• Standard automated emergency braking

• Standard lane-departure warning

• Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Tesla provides a solid warranty package for the Model S, particularly focusing on the powertrain, comparable to what you’ll find with competitors like the BMW i5. However, unlike BMW, Tesla does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of the ownership experience.

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first

• Powertrain warranty: 8 years with unlimited mileage coverage

• Maintenance: No complimentary scheduled maintenance included

2025 Tesla Model S Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Tesla Model S remains one of the most capable electric sedans you can buy. Its unmatched combination of range, performance, and futuristic tech makes it a standout, even as newer players like the Lucid Air and Mercedes EQS challenge its dominance. While it lacks the traditional luxury feel and services of German rivals, the Model S still delivers an experience that’s uniquely Tesla—and uniquely compelling.

2025 Tesla Model S Videos