2020 Tesla Models
Overview
Elon Musk might say some crazy stuff, but he's right about at least one thing: his electric vehicles have changed the world. When the Model S launched in 2012, it was the first long-range, widely desired electric vehicle, and mainstream automakers have been struggling to catch up ever since. The Model S is still impressive—it now has an EPA-estimated 402 miles of range in its Long Range Plus variant—but for all its focus on autonomous technology, over-the-air updates, and Easter eggs, Tesla's interiors and build quality can sometimes fall short of expectations. Better-established luxury automakers are finally getting in on the EV game—Porsche's Taycan is aimed directly at the Model S, for example—and Tesla will need all its Silicon Valley pivot-power to stay ahead of the pack.
What's New for 2020?
Tesla claims not to believe in model years, but the tenth digit of its vehicles' VINs prove otherwise. The company introduced a Standard Range variant of the S in mid-2019 but discontinued it just weeks later, so the 2020 Model S is now only available as a Long Range Plus model with 402 miles of range, which was accomplished after Tesla made thoughtful changes. In Performance trim, it has an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 2.4 seconds. The car's front drive unit and motor have been updated this year, and the S's air suspension is now adaptive, so it can offer a breezy ride on the highway and a stiffer one through corners. Rolling software updates will allow Model S owners to take advantage of V3 Supercharging, a new charging architecture that Tesla says will reduce average charge time by 25 percent.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Long Range Plus: $76,190
- Performance: $96,190
We'd choose the Performance model because Ludicrous mode's effortless and insane sub-3.0-second zero-to-60-mph time is half the fun of owning a Tesla.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With an electric motor dedicated to each of the front and rear axles, the Model S offers full-time all-wheel drive no matter which version you choose. Acceleration performance of the various models ranges from outstanding to ferocious. We haven't tested the 2020 Model S yet, but our 2018 100D test vehicle blasted from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and delivered endless entertainment thanks to its immediate power delivery. If that's not enough for you, the Model S Performance will be far more brutal and can be had with the Ludicrous driving mode that sends the Model S from zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, according to Tesla. The Model S is an agile sports sedan with well-controlled body motions and direct steering. Two different settings allow drivers to choose heavy or light steering effort, but neither of them enable more feedback from the road ahead. Ride comfort is good, and the Model S imparts a solid feeling on the road that perfectly accompanies its tranquility when cruising.
