The Tesla Model S is the first production car ever produced by Tesla. Between its market launch in 2012 and now, the electric sedan has of course received several facelifts.

In its highest trim level, the 2023 Model S is now called Plaid. In this article, we will take a closer look at what that means, what special features this car has and who the Model S Plaid is intended for.

In contrast to the Model 3 and Model Y, the Tesla Model S Plaid is much sportier and more agile. With the suggested black grille at the front and the streamlined headlights, it looks significantly different than the Model 3 and Y.

The brake calipers on the Plaid are colored red, which in combination with the rear spoiler also makes the rear appear very agile.

The door handles of the Tesla Model S Plaid are matte black and open automatically when the owner approaches the car.

On the lower corner of the trunk of the Tesla Model S Plaid, you'll notice a plaque. This is Plaid Exclusive and highlights the speed and agility of the electric car.

The interior of the Model S Plaid is very reminiscent of that of the Model 3. You can see the display in the driver's area and in the rear, the seat ventilation and the 793-liter luggage compartment. However, there are some differences that should not be ignored, which we will discuss here:

Since the Model S is also available in Germany in January 2023, there is a choice between the classic steering wheel or the yoke steering for an additional charge of €1,000. The yoke steering wheel offers a better view of the road and the display above the steering wheel.

Of course, you have to get used to it a bit on your first rides, as the classic way of changing grip in a curve works differently here.

In any case, the levers behind the steering wheel are no longer needed. This means that the indicators, windshield wipers, horn and lights are also controlled via the steering wheel using touch.

The display above the steering wheel is also different from the Model 3 and Y. The display shows driving performance such as speed, but also navigation, G-forces, and everything that the Tesla's sensors detect from the environment.

Apart from that, the 17-inch touchscreen is striking, which is larger than that of the Model 3 and Y and offers more space, as the speed and driving information are outsourced to the display above the steering wheel.

In the rear of the Tesla Model S Plaid there is an 8-inch touchscreen that is responsible for entertainment and climate control for guests.

The performance of the Tesla Model S Plaid is impressive in every respect. The Model S Plaid variant goes from 0 to 100 in 2.1 seconds, making it the production vehicle with the highest acceleration/performance on the market.

This is only possible thanks to the system output of 1,020 hp, which three electric motors deliver to the two axles. One electric motor with 314 kW is on the front axle and two motors with 309 kW each are on the rear axle. 1,400 Newton meters of torque allow the electric car with all-wheel drive to travel at speeds of up to 322 km/h.

The car has different driving profiles. This means that the 1,020 hp do not have to be used in everyday life

As a customer you can choose between two different rims:

1. 19 inch Tempest rims (included) 695 km WLTP range

2. 21 inch Arachnid rims (4,900 €) 600 km WLTP range

A winter tire set can be configured on request for the Tesla Model S. This results in a WLTP range of 600 to 695 km, depending on the rim set.

The Tesla Model S Plaid has a 100 kWh NCA battery that uses 400 volt technology. The Tesla Model S can be charged at home with 11 kW AC. The battery is charged from 0 to 100% in 10 hours, which means that a full charge overnight is realistically possible, since you won't arrive home with 0%.

The Tesla Model S with the CCS plug can be charged at a Supercharger with up to 250 kW DC. This charges the car from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The above-mentioned range is only achieved with a 100 kWh battery and a total weight of 2,167 kg because the CW value of the Tesla Model S Plaid is very low at 0.208.

The Tesla Model S Plaid currently starts at a price of €109,990. At this price, you get your electric car with 19-inch rims, without winter tires and with a black interior.

A special feature of the Tesla Model S Plaid is that you have all the options when it comes to color selection without having to pay extra. You can choose between white, black, gray, blue and red (see picture).

Tesla's Yoke steering wheel is not included in the basic equipment. If you want the Yoke steering wheel, you have to pay an additional charge of €1,000.

The extended autopilot costs €3,800 and the full autopilot costs €7,500. The autopilot configurations can also be purchased later in the Tesla app, as they only need to be implemented on the software side. This is also regularly provided with updates.

The interior of the Tesla Model S is available in black (included) or for an additional charge of €2,400 in black and white or in cream (see picture)

With full equipment, i.e. winter tires, a different interior, full autopilot and the yoke steering wheel, the Tesla Model S can cost a maximum of €129,050. Add to that the destination and authority fee of €980, which makes a total price of €130,030.

This car does not qualify for the environmental bonus because it is too expensive. It remains to be seen how this will develop in Germany in the future.

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