2022 Tesla Model S Review
2022 Tesla Model S Review
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The Tesla Model S Plaid is the Usain Bolt of the car world. Line it up at a drag strip and it'll outsprint pretty much anything on the road today. The Model S' hatchback practicality and access to Tesla's Supercharger network are big pluses too. Unfortunately, the Model S also has some big drawbacks, such as a frustrating interface (the steering yoke, specifically) and disappointing fit and finish.
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2022 Tesla Model S Review
byNick Yekikian
Senior News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Pros
- Electric range is impressive
- Wicked quick acceleration across the board
- Liftback design affords abundant cargo space
- Access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network
Cons
- Lack of a traditional steering wheel and turn stalks hampers usability
- Interior isn't as refined as cabins in similarly priced sedans
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration
- Limited array of paint colors or other ways to customize from the factory
What's new
- Power-swiveling capability for the center touchscreen added midway through model year
- Previous Long Range trim is now simply known as Model S
- Part of the first Model S generation introduced for 2012
Overview
The Tesla Model S is the car that kickstarted the EV revolution we're living through right now. For a while, the Model S didn't have any true rivals because automakers were playing catchup in the electric vehicle market, but now the competition has finally arrived. The Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQS and Lucid Air want a piece of the market the Model S has owned for the thick end of the decade.
2022 Tesla Model S EV Insights
Trim:
Model S Base
Estimated Range Based on Age
390 milesThe range for a used 2022 Tesla Model S is estimated to be 390 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 390 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Columbus, Ohio. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging
Tesla SuperchargerProprietary Tesla charging standard. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
15 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 150,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 6 years or 122,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
No rebates available in 43230
See All EV incentivesCost to Drive
$55/mo
Model S
vs
$219/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Am I Ready for an EV?
- EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
- If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
- Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Tesla recently gave the Model S a thorough refresh inside and out, with a massaged look, a new infotainment screen and the much-talked-about steering yoke. Tesla originally claimed that it would make a Plaid+ version with a 520-mile range as well as 1,100 horsepower but has since walked that back. Plaid is as quick as the Model S is going to get for now, but as our testing has shown, it's plenty more than enough.
There are some drawbacks here. Despite constant improvements over the years, the Model S' interior isn't quite as refined as those in similarly priced rivals. Style might also be a turnoff — the Model S' design is now a decade old and doesn't really stand out anymore. Effectively, the competition is well on its way to catching what was once the undisputed king of the EV world. So does the Model S still stack up in 2022? Take a look at our Expert Rating to find out.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Tesla Model S Plaid is the Usain Bolt of the car world. Line it up at a drag strip and it'll outsprint pretty much anything on the road today. The Model S' hatchback practicality and access to Tesla's Supercharger network are big pluses too. Unfortunately, the Model S also has some big drawbacks, such as a frustrating interface (the steering yoke, specifically) and disappointing fit and finish.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.0/10
How does the Model S drive? The thrust and speed delivered by this tri-motor-powered sedan is nothing short of mind-bending. In Edmunds' testing, the Model S Plaid rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and passed the quarter-mile mark in 9.4 seconds at 150.8 mph. This is the quickest vehicle Edmunds has ever tested by a good margin, surpassing the prior Model S Performance (2.9 seconds and 11.1 seconds, respectively) or sport coupes such as the Lamborghini Huracan Evo (2.8 and 10.8 seconds, respectively). The Model S is also as easy to drive as a golf cart, albeit a 1,020-horsepower one.
You might know that Tesla claims 0-60 mph happens in just 1.99 seconds. The difference between our as-tested result and Tesla's likely comes down to the testing surface and number crunching. We do our acceleration tests on regular pavement, not a prepared drag strip. We also publish acceleration without using the drag-racing 1-foot rollout. Applying that calculation would drop our tested 0-60 mph time down to 2.1 seconds.
We're less impressed with the Plaid's ability to stop and turn. While the powertrain will mostly retain its capability to catapult you to irresponsible speeds run after run, the brakes on our test car began to fade after slowing down from a few acceleration blasts. We ended up having to spend some significant time cooling down the brakes to ensure that they still worked. So from a safety standpoint, we lack some confidence in the Plaid's stopping hardware.
Even more disappointing is the Plaid's steering, which always feels too light and lacks a connection to the road. It's exacerbated by the awkward steering yoke that doesn't seem to serve any ergonomic function. The Plaid's tri-motor setup supposedly provides some sort of rear-axle torque vectoring, but the handling feels more muscle car and than sports car. It's not something that feels natural despite the loads of road grip provided by the sticky summer tires.
You might know that Tesla claims 0-60 mph happens in just 1.99 seconds. The difference between our as-tested result and Tesla's likely comes down to the testing surface and number crunching. We do our acceleration tests on regular pavement, not a prepared drag strip. We also publish acceleration without using the drag-racing 1-foot rollout. Applying that calculation would drop our tested 0-60 mph time down to 2.1 seconds.
We're less impressed with the Plaid's ability to stop and turn. While the powertrain will mostly retain its capability to catapult you to irresponsible speeds run after run, the brakes on our test car began to fade after slowing down from a few acceleration blasts. We ended up having to spend some significant time cooling down the brakes to ensure that they still worked. So from a safety standpoint, we lack some confidence in the Plaid's stopping hardware.
Even more disappointing is the Plaid's steering, which always feels too light and lacks a connection to the road. It's exacerbated by the awkward steering yoke that doesn't seem to serve any ergonomic function. The Plaid's tri-motor setup supposedly provides some sort of rear-axle torque vectoring, but the handling feels more muscle car and than sports car. It's not something that feels natural despite the loads of road grip provided by the sticky summer tires.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Model S? The Model S Plaid's world-beating speed doesn't come at the expense of everyday comfort. This is a car you wouldn't hesitate to take on a road trip, run errands or commute in. Ride comfort is commendable with the standard adaptive air suspension, even with the larger optional 21-inch wheels and their less cushy tire sidewalls. The climate control is tri-zone and works relatively well. The seat ventilation and heaters work well too.
But the seats themselves are nothing special. The cushions are decently soft but lack lateral support considering the Plaid's performance potential, and the adjustments are pretty basic. The rear seatbacks feel a bit upright and the floor sits high so your knees sit closer to your chest than they would in most other luxury sedans. The absence of a gasoline powertrain means a lot less noise entering the cabin, but there is some that comes from the electric motors, and some to a lesser degree from the road and the wind.
But the seats themselves are nothing special. The cushions are decently soft but lack lateral support considering the Plaid's performance potential, and the adjustments are pretty basic. The rear seatbacks feel a bit upright and the floor sits high so your knees sit closer to your chest than they would in most other luxury sedans. The absence of a gasoline powertrain means a lot less noise entering the cabin, but there is some that comes from the electric motors, and some to a lesser degree from the road and the wind.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? This is one of the few areas where Tesla has taken a step back with the new Model S. The controversial steering yoke is the largest pain point here, and the decision to remove the traditional column stalks and replace them with touch-sensitive buttons has made simple everyday actions much more distracting. Even changing lanes requires you to take your eyes off the road momentarily to press the correct arrow button. The big 17-inch touchscreen is a little easier to navigate than the previous Model S touchscreen, but learning the menu structure will take a bit of time.
Interior space is decent as far as midsize sedans go, as is the ease of getting in and out. Notably, there is far more space here than in the Model S' closest EV competitor, the Porsche Taycan. The all-glass roof provides lots of headroom. But backseat toe room is a bit tight under the front seats. The floor height is also awkwardly high when you're sitting in back. The Model S is easy to see out of, especially out the front. The Model S' fastback hatch makes for a slightly shorter window view out of the back, but not so short to cause any real obstruction.
Interior space is decent as far as midsize sedans go, as is the ease of getting in and out. Notably, there is far more space here than in the Model S' closest EV competitor, the Porsche Taycan. The all-glass roof provides lots of headroom. But backseat toe room is a bit tight under the front seats. The floor height is also awkwardly high when you're sitting in back. The Model S is easy to see out of, especially out the front. The Model S' fastback hatch makes for a slightly shorter window view out of the back, but not so short to cause any real obstruction.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Having Google Maps built-in continues to be one of the better navigation experiences, but it's not without issues. In areas of spotty service, you'll either have a slow-refreshing map or no map at all. But having the power of Google search in the car is a huge convenience, not to mention it looks great on a 17-inch touchscreen. The Plaid's 22-speaker sound system is also quite awesome and can push out loud-yet-rich sound through the cabin.
Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration has become pervasive in the industry, Tesla still doesn't offer either system. The Bluetooth system offers just one phone connection at a time, while on some other cars you can connect additional devices. At least there are ample options for keeping your devices charged up with four wireless chargers, four USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
As far as driving aids go, no advanced driving aid system is better known than Tesla's Autopilot. It works great in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic, but it seems to be more easily spooked or confused on roads that aren't clearly marked or are lined with parked cars on the shoulder. Tesla has a tendency to release new features in beta phase too, making you the guinea pig. This underdeveloped approach feels half-baked.
Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration has become pervasive in the industry, Tesla still doesn't offer either system. The Bluetooth system offers just one phone connection at a time, while on some other cars you can connect additional devices. At least there are ample options for keeping your devices charged up with four wireless chargers, four USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
As far as driving aids go, no advanced driving aid system is better known than Tesla's Autopilot. It works great in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic, but it seems to be more easily spooked or confused on roads that aren't clearly marked or are lined with parked cars on the shoulder. Tesla has a tendency to release new features in beta phase too, making you the guinea pig. This underdeveloped approach feels half-baked.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The Tesla Model S is actually a hatchback, and that means there's lots of rear cargo space, plus a bonus front trunk that's easy to access and take advantage of. It features far more cargo space than many rivals, EV or not. The split rear seats fold flat, opening up the space even more. Storage up front is much improved compared to prior years of the Model S. There's a variety of sliding and retracting compartments that better help to organize all your stuff up front. The cupholders still lack an anti-tip design and don't hold drinks all that well, but there are also now door pockets, which means not everything has to go in the center console storage space.
Getting a car seat in and out is relatively easy. The doors open wide, though the anchors seem to be buried a little deeper than usual. The lack of headroom might be a bit of an issue when installing a seat.
Getting a car seat in and out is relatively easy. The doors open wide, though the anchors seem to be buried a little deeper than usual. The lack of headroom might be a bit of an issue when installing a seat.
Range and Efficiency
8.0/10
How are the range and efficiency? The 2021 Model S Plaid we tested was equipped with the optional 21-inch wheels, giving it an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles and a consumption rate of 33 kWh/100 miles. In Edmunds' real-world range testing, we came up just a tiny bit short of the EPA estimates, managing 345 miles on a single max battery charge with a slightly more efficient consumption rate of 32.1 kWh/100 miles. That's more range than just about every EVs we've tested except the Model 3 Long Range. The electricity consumption is also impressive given the car's power. A Porsche Taycan 4S we tested, for example, checked in with 32.3 kWh/100 miles.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Model S a good value? Is the Tesla Model S Plaid a good buy for the money at nearly $140,000? Well, that depends on what you value. If you're looking for a vehicle with incredible speed and nearly unassailable bragging rights, there is nothing better for the money. However, we found a number of questionable build quality issues, from the driver's door not being aligned correctly to torn rubber moldings and noticeably crooked interior trim pieces. If these sorts of things are overlooked during production, it makes us a bit uneasy about how the more important hardware has been assembled.
Build quality aside, access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network is one of the best parts of Tesla ownership. It helps relieve range anxiety and can allow you to take the Model S across the country on most major highways without worry. The basic warranty is four years/50,000 miles, which is about average in this luxury EV segment. The powertrain and battery are covered for eight years/120,000 miles.
Build quality aside, access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network is one of the best parts of Tesla ownership. It helps relieve range anxiety and can allow you to take the Model S across the country on most major highways without worry. The basic warranty is four years/50,000 miles, which is about average in this luxury EV segment. The powertrain and battery are covered for eight years/120,000 miles.
Wildcard
10.0/10
Putting aside personal biases of those of us who prefer cars that are fun to drive around corners, the sheer power, speed and the ease of its accessibility make the Model S Plaid incredibly entertaining. It also has a strong sleeper vibe; there's no giant rear wing or other obvious styling element to indicate that you're driving a 1,020-horsepower sedan. We heartily respect understatement. Oh, did we mention that we drag raced this car against two of the fastest production motorcycles in existence? Yeah, we did that. And the Model S won. Handily.
Which Model S does Edmunds recommend?
Picking a Model S is pretty easy because of the simplified model lineup. The standard Model S should cover the needs of most buyers, and the Model S Plaid is best intended for only the most insatiable of adrenaline junkies who want face-melting performance. Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability is an available option, but just know that a lot of its automated driving features aren't enabled yet, and there's no guarantee on when that will actually happen.
2022 Tesla Model S models
The 2022 Tesla Model S is a five-passenger electric luxury sedan currently available in two trims: Model S and Plaid. Previously, Tesla offered a Performance trim but phased it out in favor of the new Plaid trim. Here's what the Model S comes with, but be aware that Tesla updates the Model S on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so additional changes may occur throughout 2022.
Model S
Standard features include:
- EPA-estimated 405 miles of EV range
- Touted 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.1 seconds
- Dual electric motors produce 670 horsepower combined
- 19-inch wheels
- All-wheel drive
- Adaptive air suspension
- LED headlights and foglights
- Tinted glass roof
- Power liftgate
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front- and second-row seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Satellite radio
- 22-speaker sound system
- Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
- 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation system
- Driver information display
- Rear-seat entertainment display with gaming computer
- Wireless smartphone charging pads in the front and rear
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Every Model S also comes with a suite of safety systems that Tesla calls Autopilot. It includes:
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Tesla and the car in front)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Plaid
Tesla's top trim level, the Plaid gets maximum performance via an upgraded battery system and an additional motor but otherwise has the same features as the base model. Total output stands at 1,020 horsepower.
Edmunds' testing shows the Plaid can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, while the EPA says it can provide up to 396 miles of range on a full charge and when equipped with the car's 19-inch wheels. Going with the 21-inch wheels drops that estimate to 348 miles. We've put this latter Model S Plaid through our real-world EV range test; it made it 345 miles, which is among the longest distances we've observed.
Tesla's so-called Full Self-Driving Capability option is available on the Model S. It adds nifty semi-automated driving features, including automated parking and the ability to change lanes simply by flicking the turn signal. It also adds the Summon feature, which Tesla says enables the vehicle to drive unmanned to its owner in a parking lot. Tesla also says the Full Self-Driving Capability feature will gain additional automated driving capabilities in the future via over-the-air updates.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#1 out of 1 among Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicles
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Tesla Model S from 2008-2022.$823/yr
vs. $823/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.36x/yr
vs. 0.4x/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15.2%
vs. 15.2%
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Tesla Model S.
5 star(42%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(19%)
1 star(22%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
1 out of 5 stars
Great design horrible build
Adam in Colorado, 12/04/2021
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (electric DD)
The design of this car is amazing. Auto pilot is great on the highway though it requires that you jiggle the steering wheel (yoke) to know you are there which is kind of annoying as my hand is on the wheel just not torquing it enough. The build quality however is miserable. Panel gaps are all over the place, they actually have a tool to know if things are bad enough to fix so they … rehung my door but left the rest all a little crooked, unacceptable for the price. This of course leads to a loud whistling sound at higher speeds. They heard the sound when I took the service personnel for a drive but decided they can't find the cause so it isn't a problem. Service is so bad I told my father to cancel his order.
Update: whistling was a missing roof seal, finally found it after 3-4 visits, has to replace roof twice but now roof rattles and squeaks and they just gave up on fixing it and said it isn't a warranty issue of a brand new car. Also had 2 parking sensors fail. 14 service visits and out of service 5 weeks in the first 3 months of ownership.
Update: I was very excited when I finally got mine. Honestly the technology is quite impressive. The build quality, however, was so abysmal and the service even worse. When it was delivered it had a whistling sound at speed. For a while they refused to test it and fix it as they say that is above the speed limit where they are though not where I commute. Eventually they did find the problem and it was because the glass roof was installed incorrectly. They replaced that and the windshield but introduced a horrible rattling. After having it for a month they returned it to me still rattling and said that isn't covered by warranty. So my $100,000 luxury car rattles as I drive to work.
As a side issue, the range isn't nearly what they say it is, more like 300 miles on a long range with 19-in wheels. That is however still enough for me. It does use about 10% of the battery with sentry mode turned on while parked at work.
I am one of the idiots who did pay for full self-drive. The only value I get out of that currently is that it will change lanes for me on the highway. It is like very good cruise control but nothing like what was promised.
Overall, some of the best engineering but worst build quality I have ever seen.
4 out of 5 stars
Service needs help
j Chana, 10/25/2021
2021 Tesla Model S Plaid 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
The car itself is amazing….BUT there are ALOTTT OF little things that need work.
The way Tesla delivers 145k cars/suvs is very very poor at best.
Service is worse in all auto industry, my plaid broke down on me 3rd day…yes 3rd day.
Took them 3 days to get it towed due to my location, and I didn’t have a car for 2 weeks.
Broke down for the 2nd time and when I was talking with the service … rep he stated that they have been having problems with the new plaid models!
If you have only One car (Tesla) I would recommend buying another random backup car or suv because you will 100 percent need it.
5 out of 5 stars
Simply Awesome Vehicle
NorskeEV, 09/02/2020
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
I drive 30-40 miles per day, and with the wall charger in my garage it takes less than one hour and costs about one dollar to top off the battery, saving me about $1,500 per year in gasoline compared to my performance sedan - and this car performs better.
The low center of gravity provides great handling, and the acceleration is breathtaking - literally.
No oil changes, no transmission … fluid changes, no radiator coolant changes, and the regenerative braking makes my brakes last forever (and recharges the batteries).
No cold gas station stops in the winter. No furnace-hot garage in the summer.
The technology is unbelievable. I can preheat the interior, or precool the interior, all while plugged in at home from the comfort of my bed.
It's a mature design, but it still turns heads, especially when I leave almost every car in the dust at a stoplight.
AWD is standard and I can set the height of the vehicle for driving conditions, or just let the car adapt automatically.
Steering sportiness can be set as well.
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT-But know what you're getting yourself into
Kevin, 05/20/2021
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
I have an Oct 2020 build Model S Long Range Plus (non-performance). I've had it for about 9 months and have put 10k miles on. I've done mostly weekly commutes to work about an hour away and back on a single charge and a couple multi-state roadtrips that required Supercharging.
Most of the negative reviews you will read are from people who didn't quite know what they're getting into or do … enough research. This review won't be helpful to those who have owned other EVs, there are other Tesla forums for debating build quality and everything else in the Elonverse. This review is for those who, like me, have never owned an electric car before.
This is a complete re-think in how you drive. If you treat public charging like you would buy gas you'll be in for disappointment. The idea is to charge at home most of the time, and use the Supercharging network for road trips. Supercharging is still slower than filling a gas tank although it's getting better. Be prepared for lines in big cities like LA. The Supercharger network is well-laid out and covers most places you'll need to go, but certain areas lack coverage. Non-Tesla public charging is hit and mess although there are apps that can help. Bottom line, you must plan ahead for road trips. Home charging (depending on your setup and how low your car's battery is) will generally take between 8 and 14 hours to charge the car to 90%. Usually you will charge overnight. The car has intelligence to charge during off-peak hours if your utility has that, and can do a "scheduled departure" to have the car ready to go for you in the morning if you have a usual commute time.
Next, just because your car has a range of 404 miles (which mine does) you will generally only charge to 80-90% capacity for everyday use. Charging to 100% all the time will significantly degrade the battery and is not recommended.
Regenerative braking takes a little bit to get used to but you'll learn to love it. When the car slows it recaptures energy. Also saves on brake maintenance.
Autopilot is a name, not a function. It's still BETA - not production! It's glitchy and doesn't always make good choices. If you buy this car thinking the future is here and you can take a nap while the car drives, you're going to be disappointed and will probably wind up on the news following your fiery death. You must pay attention while driving and you will have to intervene at least once almost every time Autopilot is engaged. For me it's fun to watch the technology progress and be a part of the improvement in the technology. Everytime the car makes a decision I think is stupid (really, we're going to slow from 75 to 55 on the interstate behind this semi before deciding to change lanes to pass when there's nobody behind me for 3 miles!?) I know that the AI is learning from it.
The car does not have an engine. While that seems obvious, that means no heat is generated from burning fuel and there is no belt turning an A/C compressor. The car must use electricity for heat and cooling which will impact your range. If you prefer to drive in subzero temperatures with the heat blasting at 82 degrees or drive through the desert with the A/C on 62, your range will significantly drop! Goes back to the whole planning ahead thing.
The performance is fantastic. The instant torque of the electric motors is amazing compared to every gas car I've ever driven. Left my buddy's 'Vette in the dust. The zero to sixty time gave my mother a whole new reason to fear for her life when riding with me :)
The car improves every 2-3 weeks by downloading new updates from Telsa using its built in LTE connection and new features and improvements are regular. The car has profiles which you can save for each driver that records seat, wheel, and mirror positions. I love that the navigation is built on Google Maps and not some obscure crap system.
So now at long last the things I wish were better - no multipoint navigation. I can't tell the car to take me to a destination and back home. The car does a good job of calculating charging stops on road trips, but you must account for the turnaround, you can't tell it take me to XYZ and back and have it plan accordingly (again, use third party apps for that). The car has built-in streaming but only a couple services. No Apple or Amazon Music. Sometimes the software glitches and the display needs rebooted. Usually at the most inopportune times. No basic cruise control. The cruise control is adaptive and adaptive only. So if the front cameras or sensors are blocked, then no cruise at all. It'd be nice to have an option for basic dumb cruise. The cameras often get blinded or blocked during nighttime driving or bad weather which disables Autopilot. The biggest one is depending on where you live you may be several hours away from the closest service center. Mobile service is great for things that can be fixed that way.
Bottom line: I love this car and have no plans to replace it anytime soon.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Tesla Model S, so we've included reviews for other years of the Model S since its last redesign.
2022 Tesla Model S videos
The 10 EVs With the Most Range | These Are the Longest Range EVs Available | Top EVs With the Best Range
Got range anxiety? We're here to help! There are many EVs on sale today that have plenty of range — the distance you can travel on a single charge — to alleviate even the most intense range anxiety. We've compiled our top 10 range-leading EVs, based on Edmunds' real-world testing.… From affordable to high luxury, Edmunds' Lauren McCay takes you through the top 10 EVs with the longest range!
2022 Model S Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $104,990 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | Not available |
Engine Type | Electric |
EPA Electric Range | 405 miles |
Cost to Drive | $55/month |
Total Charging Time (240V) | 15.0 hours |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 28.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
EV Battery Warranty | 8 years / 150,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Model S models:
- Autopilot
- Uses four cameras and a dozen sensors to monitor and improve safety and provide semi-automated operation in various driving situations.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Determines if a front collision is imminent and can initiate braking to prevent or mitigate a crash if you take no action.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Warns you of an unintended lane change or drifting from the lane. Optional automated steering can steer the car back into the lane.
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