2026 Tesla Model S Review

2026 Tesla Model S – Overview

Fourteen years is a long time in the fast-moving electric vehicle market, and while the Tesla Model S no longer holds the uncontested crown it earned at its 2012 launch, it remains a formidable contender. Thanks to its seriously strong range and robust performance, the Model S continues to hold its own against the latest crop of EVs. This year’s facelift helps smooth over some of the Model S’s aging design elements and refocuses on what made it a breakthrough in the first place: range and speed. The standard 2026 Tesla Model S now boasts an EPA-estimated range of 410 miles, a figure only bested by the Lucid Air, making it one of the longest-range EVs available.

Though it may not quite meet the luxury standards set by newer rivals like the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz EQE in terms of interior refinement and ride comfort, the Model S’s acceleration capabilities remain impressive. The base model delivers a potent 670 horsepower, while the top-tier Model S Plaid ramps that up to a staggering 1020 horsepower. Both versions offer blistering speed and quickness that keep the Model S competitive in the high-performance electric sedan segment. Between the impressive range and near-sports-car acceleration, the aging Model S still proves it has plenty of fight left in it — especially when the light turns green.

When Is the 2026 Tesla Model S Coming Out?

Tesla has already opened up its online configurator, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2025, making the 2026 Tesla Model S one of the first flagship EV sedans to hit driveways in the new model year. Availability may vary depending on trim and production volume.

What’s New for 2026 Tesla Model S?

For 2026, Tesla has given the Model S a subtle yet thoughtful refresh. The update introduces a striking new Frost Blue paint option, alongside enhanced sound deadening to create a quieter cabin experience. A redesigned, more aerodynamic wheel set contributes not only to improved efficiency but also to a sleeker look. Tesla has also added a front-facing camera, boosting the vehicle’s safety and driver-assistance capabilities.

Inside, the Model S features updated adaptive headlights and dynamic ambient lighting that extends along the dashboard and door panels, automatically illuminating when you enter the car. Suspension tweaks have been made to improve ride comfort, smoothing out the driving experience.

Thanks to these refinements, the EPA-rated range for the standard Model S nudges up slightly to 410 miles, compared to 402 miles last year. The Model S Plaid benefits from exterior styling updates as well, with Tesla emphasizing improvements designed to enhance high-speed stability and overall aerodynamic performance.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2026 Tesla Model S starts at $86,630 and climbs to $101,630, depending on the trim level and options you choose.

Our recommendation? Stick with the standard Model S. It offers an impressive EPA-estimated range of 410 miles per charge, making it the most practical choice for most drivers. While the ultra-high-performance Plaid model is undeniably thrilling, its steep starting price delivers diminishing returns in everyday usability, and its range drops to just 359 miles. Unless you absolutely crave the mind-blowing acceleration and track-ready speed of the Plaid — essentially a street-legal Top Fuel dragster — the 670-hp base Model S provides plenty of punch with better range and overall value.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The 2026 Model S features dual electric motors powering both the front and rear axles, delivering full-time all-wheel drive across all trims. Its acceleration spans from outstanding in the base model to downright unbelievable in the Plaid variant.

While the standard Model S has long proven itself as an agile sports sedan, newer competitors have since raised the bar in ride and handling dynamics. Drivers can select between two steering effort settings—heavy or light—but neither provides significant road feedback. The controversial rectangular, aircraft-style yoke steering wheel can feel awkward during tight maneuvers, making hand-over-hand turns challenging. Thankfully, Tesla offers a traditional round steering wheel at no extra cost, and that’s our recommended choice.

Despite these quirks, the Model S remains a highly capable daily driver. Its ride quality is comfortable, and the quiet serenity of the electric powertrain makes highway cruising a peaceful experience.

0–60-MPH Times

While we haven’t tested the latest standard Model S recently, our 2020 test model hit 60 mph in a blistering 2.4 seconds. You can expect the current standard Model S to deliver roughly the same thrilling acceleration today. The high-performance Plaid variant, with its third electric motor and a staggering 1020 horsepower, shaved that time even further—reaching 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds during our tests.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Beneath the floor of the Tesla Model S lies a large battery pack that helps lower the center of gravity and evenly distributes weight between the front and rear axles—key factors for balanced handling. While competitors like the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan offer respectable driving ranges, the Model S remains a standout choice for long-distance travel.

Range varies between trims: the standard Model S now delivers up to an impressive 410 miles per charge, while the Plaid trails with an EPA-estimated 348 miles. Only the Lucid Air surpasses the Model S in range among electric sedans, with some top-tier versions boasting up to 512 miles on a single charge.

In our real-world highway test at a steady 75 mph, the Model S Plaid managed around 280 miles—falling short of its claimed 348-mile range but still respectable given the high-speed conditions.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The standard Tesla Model S boasts impressive efficiency ratings, with an EPA-estimated 132 MPGe in the city and 116 MPGe on the highway. The high-performance Plaid model, while still efficient, registers slightly lower figures at 108 MPGe city and 99 MPGe highway. (MPGe, or miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent, is an EPA metric designed to compare the energy efficiency of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to traditional gasoline-powered cars.) For the latest detailed fuel economy data on the Model S, you can visit the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With a starting price above $86,000, the Tesla Model S should deliver a premium experience—and while the cabin is comfortable and well-designed, its age shows compared to rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, which offer a more luxurious feel. The Model S interior is nicely finished but doesn’t quite reach the plushness expected at this price point.

One of the Model S’s clever design highlights is its sloping roofline that hides a rear liftgate, opening to a spacious 26-cubic-foot trunk. We easily fit eight carry-on suitcases inside without folding the rear seats down. Storage for smaller items inside the cabin is somewhat limited, especially in the back seats, but Tesla compensates with a sizable underfloor bin in the cargo area for added practicality.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Fans of modern minimalism will appreciate the Model S’s sleek cabin, dominated by a large central infotainment screen that controls nearly all vehicle functions. Tech enthusiasts will love the high-tech interface, though some may find the screen’s placement requires leaning forward to reach certain icons—especially those near the top-right corner.

Unlike the more affordable Model 3, the Model S includes a secondary display behind the steering wheel for essential driving information, as well as a small touchpad for rear-seat passengers. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent, which may disappoint some users who rely on these platforms for smartphone integration.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Tesla Model S comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot, an adaptive cruise control system that includes lane-centering. However, it’s important to note that Autopilot is not a fully autonomous driving system—it requires constant driver attention and intervention. Tesla offers an Enhanced Autopilot package that adds features like automatic lane changes and automated parking, among others.

Tesla has also promoted a “full self-driving” capability for years, but in real-world use, it falls short of true autonomy and still demands active driver supervision.

For detailed crash-test results, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Key safety features include:

• 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 protecting its powertrain components, comparable to what you’d find with the BMW i5. However, unlike BMW, Tesla does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty extends to 8 years with unlimited miles

• No complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered

2026 Tesla Model S Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2026 Tesla Model S remains the benchmark for luxury EV sedans. While it doesn’t change dramatically this year, its subtle improvements keep it ahead of rivals in range, performance, and tech. The Plaid is the ultimate performance EV sedan, while the base Dual Motor model offers excellent value and capability.

2026 Tesla Model S Videos