2013 Tesla Model S Review
2013 Tesla Model S Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Acceptable to excellent battery range
- sleek styling
- impressive performance from all models
- lots of cargo space
- available seven-passenger configuration
- supported by Tesla's supercharger infrastructure.
Cons
- Unknown reliability
- lacks the convenience and familiarity of similarly priced luxury sedans.
What’s new
After selling out of last year's limited-edition Signature lineup, the 2013 Tesla Model S returns with base and Performance trims only. The car is pretty much unchanged, though heated seats are now available with both cloth and leather upholstery. Later in the model year, Tesla discontinued the original base 40kWh battery pack; customers who ordered that version received a detuned version of the available 60kWh battery pack.
Edmunds says
As one of the most desirable electric cars available today, the 2013 Tesla Model S is also one of the best luxury sedans, too.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
2013 Tesla Model S EV Insights
Trim:
Model S Base
Estimated Range Based on Age
Not available
Round-tripOne-way
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 Ashburn, Virginia. 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 at Home
No charging time information available
EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 125,000 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.
Exceeded original 8 year warranty.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 20147
See All EV incentivesCost to Drive
$62/mo
Model S
vs
$206/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
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 $1,000 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.
Vehicle overview
Sleek, seductive, luxurious, powerful and inspiring are all words that you'd expect to hear about the latest European luxury sedan. But in this case, we're talking about one of America's latest homegrown electric vehicles, the 2013 Tesla Model S.
The Model S is a huge departure from the typical electric car, with its luxury sedan accommodations and pulse-quickening performance. Thanks to a thoroughly modern interpretation of interior design and a host of advanced technological features, the Model S also serves as a new benchmark for all vehicles, electric or otherwise.
Nor is the Tesla Model S exclusive to the ultra-wealthy. As-new pricing for the base model starts around $70,000, and that's not including a federal tax credit. While this isn't exactly chump change, the base model's EPA-estimated range of 208 miles is more than double that of any other electric vehicle, and that means the Model S is a much more viable EV to own. To get the most out of your Model S ownership, though, we'd recommend the bigger (and more expensive) 85 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated 265 miles of range.
Whether you spring for the base model or go all-in for a fully loaded version that exceeds the $100,000 mark, you're assured to get one of the most noteworthy cars since the introduction of the Model T. Better yet, the Tesla is nearly sacrifice-free, as it rides and drives as well as some of the best luxury cars available. It also benefits from a wealth of utility and convenience with its generous luggage space and third-row seating option.
Compared to established, traditional flagship luxury sedans, however, the Model S's long-distance capability is at best compromised and reliability is unknown. We've purchased our own Model S with the 85 kWh battery pack for a 12-month test, and during that time we've experienced a variety of glitches and problems. We encourage you to follow our 2013 Model S long-term road test updates to learn how this high-end EV performs in daily life.
Considering the Model S is a new type of car coming from a new, relatively tiny automaker that has just one previous car under its belt (the Roadster), perhaps it doesn't come as a surprise that there are some inevitable bugs to work out. Buying a Tesla Model S does require an "early adopter" mindset. But the Silicon Valley startup vibe that surrounds this EV is also one of the most alluring attributes about Model S ownership. For good and for bad, there is simply nothing like Tesla's all-electric luxury sedan, and as far as we can tell, there won't be for a while.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Tesla Model S is propelled by a single water-cooled electric motor, routing power through a single-speed transmission on its way to the rear wheels. Lithium-ion battery packs are also utilized throughout the lineup.
Early in the model year, Tesla offered a base 40-kWh battery pack. It was discontinued because of low consumer demand, however, and vehicles delivered as 40 kWh actually had a detuned version of the 60-kWh battery pack. If you decide you want more power and cruising range, it's upgradeable. Regardless, this Model S version can produce the equivalent of 235 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates this battery for a cruising range of 139 miles.
With the 60 kWh battery, output increases to 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Tesla expects it to reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The EPA estimates a range of 208 miles. It's a realistic number, but as with all EVs, your driving style greatly influences actual range.
The 85 kWh model makes 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 0-60-mph run of 5.6 seconds and an EPA range of 265 miles. Upgrading to the 85 kWh Performance boosts output to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, still with a range of 265 miles. In Edmunds testing, the Tesla Model S Performance accelerated to 60 mph in a very quick 4.3 seconds, which confirms Tesla's 4.4-second estimate.
In terms of efficiency, the EPA estimates the Model S with the 85 kWh battery will use 38 kWh city/37 kWh highway and 38 kWh combined per 100 miles driven. (Remember that here, the lower the number, the better.) The Model S with the 60 kWh battery pack is more energy-efficient, as it's EPA-rated at 35 kWh per 100 miles.
The base Model S with the 60 kWh battery has a 10 kWh onboard charger. The optional High Power Home Charging package adds another charger to double this charging ability to 20 kWh. (For comparison, the Nissan Leaf's singular onboard charger is rated at 6.6 kWh.) All Teslas can be recharged from all standard 110- and 240-volt household outlets and from various public charging stations using the included Universal Mobile Connector and adapters.
Charging with a 110-volt outlet is very slow -- you'll only be able to recharge about 3 miles worth of range per hour. (Translation: You'll be better off walking.) In contrast, utilizing a 240-volt outlet with a 50-amp circuit (referred to as a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and common at RV parks), you can recharge about 30 miles of range per hour, which works out to about 7 hours to completely recharge the 60 kWh pack with the single onboard charger. The 85 kWh would need about 9 hours.
The dual-charger system -- which needs a 100-amp circuit to operate at full capacity -- is an option. Using the HPWC doubles the recharge rate to about 60 miles worth of range per hour, meaning a full recharge for the 60 kWh takes about 3.5 hours, and the 85 kWh takes about 4.5 hours.
The Model S can also use a nationwide network of "superchargers" that Tesla is building. Tesla says the industrial-grade, high-speed chargers can replenish up to 200 miles of range in the 85 kWh batteries in about an hour, enabling long-distance travel. We've already taken a couple road trips between Los Angeles and San Francisco in our long-term Model S and have found that the supercharger network in California makes this a relatively easy proposition.
Safety
Standard safety features for all 2013 Tesla Model S variants include head, knee and pelvic airbags for the front passengers as well as front and rear side curtain airbags. Also standard on all models are stability and traction control, crash sensors for high-voltage disconnect, antilock disc brakes and a rearview camera.
In government crash tests, the Model S earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with five stars for frontal-impact safety and five stars for side-impact safety. In Edmunds brake testing, the Model S with optional 21-inch wheels and performance tires came to a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 108 feet.
Driving
The 2013 Tesla Model S effectively crushes every preconceived notion you may have had about electric cars. Unlike the quirky pod cars, golf carts or even economy car-based EVs, the Tesla drives just like a conventional luxury sedan. Our experience has been limited to the 85 kWh Performance model, and we're utterly impressed on a number of levels.
Acceleration is both quick and eerily quiet. With all torque being immediately available, it's like being shot out of a gun barrel -- with a silencer. Braking is also praiseworthy, not just because the pedal feels like one from a conventional car, but also because it gets the Model S stopped with authority. The well-tuned steering and suspension further add to the experience, with a sharpness and accuracy not typically found in an EV.
Fortunately, the Model S's sporty capabilities don't come at the expense of comfort and compliance, as the ride quality is smooth and agreeable. Through neighborhoods and around town, the electric nature of the Model S means it's super quiet. At freeway speeds, however, wind and road noise take over, and the big sedan becomes merely average in terms of cabin quietness.
Interior
The 2013 Tesla Model S features a cabin that is as modern and classy as you'll find in any segment. Almost all knobs and buttons are absent, replaced by a sleek 17-inch vertical touchscreen that controls almost all onboard systems. It is essentially a big and beautiful iPad. Besides looking good, the system actually functions well, too. Users can configure the placement of audio, navigation and climate controls to their liking.
For the directionally challenged, however, we would recommend springing for the expensive Tech package that includes a turn-by-turn navigation system that is more like the units found in conventional cars. The standard system can access online maps for viewing, but that's about the extent of its function.
In terms of comfort, both front and rear seats offer ample legroom for adults, though taller rear-seat passengers may run out of headroom. The front seats are nice, but they do lack the multitude of adjustments (and, ultimately, comfort and support) found in other similarly priced luxury sedans. The optional rear-facing jump seats are comically small, and only small children are able to sit back there. That said, it's a unique option, and the seats have multipoint belts, so no added safety seat is needed.
These third-row seats fold flat into the foot well, allowing for a capacious 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly more than other large luxury sedans. Folding the middle row flat expands that space to 58 cubes. There's also a secondary trunk under the hood that offers 5.3 cubic feet of storage.
Materials throughout the cabin are comparable to the typical luxury sedan, but those who purchase the range-topping models might expect more than the Model S delivers. The leather upholstery is by no means a disappointment; it's just not up to premium luxury standards. Elsewhere, the typical window switches and driver controls have been sourced from Mercedes-Benz, making them hard to fault by any measure.
2013 Tesla Model S models
The 2013 Tesla Model S is a large, five-passenger luxury sedan. It's available in two trim levels: base and Performance.
Tesla has tinkered with the Model S's standard features slightly as the model year has progressed, but in general expect standard equipment to include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, full power accessories, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 17-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, cloth/premium vinyl upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar), 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a seven-speaker sound system with dual USB ports (charging only) and HD radio. A cellular connection, Internet radio and WiFi connectivity are also included.
An option for the 60 kWh model is the Supercharger Enabled package; it allows you to utilize Tesla's growing network of Supercharger stations around the country. Upgraded tires (for slightly greater range) are also optional. Besides an increase in battery capacity and motor output, the 85-kWh models come with the above two options as standard.
For any Model S, the optional High Power Home Charging package equips your car with twin onboard chargers, effectively doubling its recharge rate and allowing you to best take advantage of high-output chargers such as Tesla's home charger, the High Powered Wall Connecter (HPWC). The HPWC is included with this package.
Since the Model S features mobile Internet connectivity, access to Web-based navigation and maps is possible, but turn-by-turn guidance is only available as part of the optional Tech package. Other Tech package features include LED foglights and cornering lights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power rear hatch, keyless ignition/entry and driver memory settings.
Other options include 21-inch wheels with performance tires, an adaptive air suspension (with adjustable ride height), front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, rear-facing third-row seats, a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system (with satellite radio), leather upholstery, sport front seats, extended leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a simulated suede headliner (standard for 85 kWh) and ambient LED interior lighting.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Tesla Model S.
5 star(79%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(3%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned, could never go back
John Sanders, 11/06/2015
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
I like to drive cars hard, but hated sticking $70 in the pump every week. I drive a lot and hate driving hybrids with CVTs. So when I could get an all electric performance car I took the plunge. I usually prefer coupes to sedans, but since Tesla no longer made the Roadster, I went with the Model S. I couldn't be happier. The service is excellent, especially compared with my wife's … Lexus. If there's ever a problem, Tesla sends a valet out to get my car, leaves me a brand new loaner, fixes and washes it, and then brings it back to my house, all for free. The car is big, but it still gets close to double Prius efficiency, all while I drive it as fast as I want. Charging at home is also very convenient compared to stopping for gas. The only drawback for me is it is slightly more prone to interior rattles than my past vehicles. This could be because it doesn't make any engine noise, but overall it's still much quieter.
4 out of 5 stars
Great drivetrai + beta software
evdriver1, 10/21/2014
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
I own 2013 model 85 that has 17k miles on it. Great drivetrain, power and handling. Interior is good but not on par with Germans. Quality of materials and assembly probably like Volvo. 2014 models may be better. Fortunately Tesla have been fixing squeks, creaks and leaks. Drive unit developed whine, replaced. Sunroof seals replaced. Glovebox stuck, replaced. Software is hit and miss, … feels like perpetual beta. Service center is useless if issue is in software. 4.x was OK. 5.0 - garage opener started to work every other time. Some next version fixed it. 5.11 randomly rebooted. 5.12 seemed stable. 6.0 added calendar which doesnt sync with iphone 6. Make sure you read forums and blog comments.
UPD: Sold at 30K. Did not buy another. Will wait some until software stabilizes. Don't feel like paying $100K to be a tester.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Tesla is to cars what Apple is to phones.
drbones911, 05/21/2013
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
I have approximately 7000 miles on this signature, performance version of the Tesla S. The car grabs a lot of attention and drives like a dream machine. I've driven the car from Boston to New York City then into New Jersey and back again with no problems. Other than that, I never really need to use an outside charging station since I charge it each night in my garage at home. This car is … not just for local commutes. The car of the future is already here and still many still people don't believe that it's possible. Great job Tesla!
5 out of 5 stars
122K miles and still a thrill!
Cord, 09/18/2020
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
The silent mind blowing torque of the Tesla is second to none. I get hopped up Mustangs, Chargers, Vettes at a stop light that try to jump ahead. I didn't even see them trying until I hear the gas engines rev and before they even get to shift I'm gone. So easy to drive and fits as much as my family minivan did. I love cars and have had many, but I will not be going back to gas. … I have had no issues with the car and look forward to buying another one in another 100k or so. I drove from Sacramento, CA to Maine stopping at as many national parks as possible and had free charging the whole way. Then drove to Florida and back across the southern route through SoCal and back to Sac. It was a comfortable easy ride. We camped out some and stayed in hotels. Every campground in America is a charging station, but we only used them for convenience. There were plenty of Tesla Super charging stations all the way. I found using 70,000 mile warranty tires works great because you tend to go through them in about 35k miles. Just turn them in and get 50% off the next set. My range has dropped about 10% in 122k miles. Mine is a 2013 so it is was an early battery. They have gotten twice as good now according to the specs. My extended family drove mine and now they all have them too. Lol! Hope you have as much fun as I have!
Saving for another one now. Really want 500 mile range so I don't even have to charge on the road. I charge with Solar at home so I drive on Sun. No need to pay the oil companies OR the Electric company! Lol!
2013 Model S Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $69,900 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | Not available |
Engine Type | Electric |
Cost to Drive | $62/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
EV Battery Warranty | 8 years / 125,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover5.7%
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