2026 Tesla Model S

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We tested a Model S Plaid, the top-performing version. This tri-motor sedan delivers mind-bending thrust and speed. In Edmunds' testing, it rocketed to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and passed the quarter mile in 9.4 seconds at 150.0 mph. This is among the quickest vehicles we've tested.

Our Plaid test car had the Track package that comes with sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R tires and carbon-ceramic brakes. This combo delivers the much-needed stopping power and grip needed to use all of that power. The stock brakes and tires are suitable for the regular Model S.

We recommend ordering the Plaid with a regular steering wheel instead of the ergonomically disastrous yoke. Ride comfort is commendable with the standard adaptive air suspension, even on optional 21-inch wheels.

The Model S is fairly easy to see out of, though the front roof pillars slightly obstruct your view through left turns. The fastback hatch pinches but doesn't obstruct the view out of the back.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature works great in slow-moving traffic but can be confused when lane markings aren't clearly visible, or on surface streets lined with parked cars.

The 2026 Model S Plaid with 21-inch wheels and summer peformance tires has an EPA range estimate of 309 miles. For models fitted with the standard 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, the EPA estimates a range of 368 miles on a full charge and a consumption rate of 31 kWh/100 miles.

We range-tested a 2021 Model S Plaid with the optional 21-inch wheels; at the time, it had an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles and consumption rate of 33 kWh/100 miles. In the Edmunds EV Range Test, we came up a little short of the EPA estimates, managing 345 miles on a fully charged battery, with a slightly more efficient consumption rate of 32.1 kWh/100 miles. Range and efficiency are laudable given the performance the Plaid delivers.

We also subjected the Plaid to the Edmunds EV Charging Test and found its fast-charging speeds were pretty impressive. We measured an average charging speed of 523 miles of range per hour of charging, slightly edging out the Lucid Air Grand Touring's speed of 518 mph.

The tri-zone climate control works well, as do the seat ventilation and heat. But the seats themselves are nothing special. The cushions are soft enough but lack lateral support to match the Plaid's performance potential, and adjustments are pretty basic. The rear seatbacks feel too upright and a high floor pushes your knees close to your chest. No engine means less noise entering the cabin, but there is some from the electric motors and to a lesser degree from the road and the wind.

The touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons that replace traditional stalks make everyday actions distracting — a lane change requires taking your eyes off the road to press the correct arrow button. The 17-inch touchscreen looks great, but learning where the various controls are takes time.

Interior space is decent for a midsize sedan, as is the ease of getting in and out. There is far more space here than in the Porsche Taycan, though slightly less than the Lucid Air offers. The all-glass roof provides lots of headroom. But backseat toe room is tight under the front seats.

Getting a car seat in and out is relatively easy since the doors open wide. The anchors are buried deeper than usual, though.

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 previous 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.

Having Google Maps built in is 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 is a huge convenience, not to mention it looks great on the big touchscreen. The 22-speaker sound system is quite awesome and can push out loud-yet-rich sound through the cabin.

Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is pervasive in the industry, Tesla still doesn't offer either. Many streaming services are built in, but that doesn't replace projecting a phone onto the touchscreen. At least there are ample options for keeping your devices charged up with wireless charging pads and USB ports.

The Model S Plaid, which is what we tested, is considerably less expensive than other high-performance luxury EVs. If you're looking for a vehicle with incredible speed and nearly unassailable bragging rights, there is nothing better for the money. Build quality still doesn't quite match other luxury makes in this price range, but the car's performance makes up for a lot.

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.