The 2021 Tesla Model S lineups gain two high-performance models, Plaid and Plaid Plus. Both feature a tri-motor powerplant producing over 1,000 horsepower.
All versions carry an updated interior with a horizontal touchscreen, a rear gaming computer, and an aircraft-style steering wheel.
The 2021 Model S now comes in three trims: Long Range, Plaid, and Plaid Plus. Pricing starts at $81,190 including destination and tops out at $141,190 for the Plaid Plus.
The federal tax credit on the Model S has expired. A $1,500 Clean Fuel Reward is available in California.
The Long Range model features two electric motors, while the new Plaid and Plaid Plus get three.
| Engine Type | Trim | Horsepower | Torque | Range |
| Dual Motor | Long Range | 778 hp | 841 lb-ft | 412 miles |
| Tri-Motor | Plaid | 1,002 hp | Not Yet Rated | 390 miles |
| Tri-Motor | Plaid Plus | 1,100 hp | Torque | 520 miles |
According to Tesla, the Long Range scoots from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The Plaid does the sprint in 2 seconds flat, and the Plaid Plus needs less than 2 seconds. Make no mistake, this is unchartered performance territory for a production car.
All models come with all-wheel drive and a single-speed transmission.
The Model S is a full-size luxury sedan with room for five to travel in comfort.
The hatchback design permits 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space, or 60 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Capacity is similar to a small crossover.
There's also a front trunk that offers an additional 5.3 cubic feet of storage.
Every 2021 Model S comes with a complete set of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and front collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking.
What Tesla calls Full Self-Driving Capability is available on all trims for $10,000. The system allows the car to travel a predetermined route without driver inputs, although driver supervision is still required.
The freshened interior features a 17-inch horizontal touchscreen, 22 speakers, four USB ports, a rear video game system, front and rear wireless device charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The front touchscreen is compatible with streaming video services.
The Model S Long Range starts out with a black synthetic leather interior with black trim. Buyers can upgrade to white or cream upholstery with walnut trim for $2,000. Standard amenities include ventilated and heated 12-way power front seats, driver memory settings, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, and a tinted glass roof.
Other features include auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a universal home remote, phone key access, a heated windshield, and a power liftgate. The standard wheels measure 19 inches, and 21-inch wheels are available for $4,500.
The Plaid carries the tri-motor setup and torque vectoring for enhanced handling. For visual differentiation, there's carbon fiber interior trim and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Other equipment and options are shared with the Long Range.
The Plaid Plus wrings more power and range out of the three motors. The result is the fastest production car in history.
Compare Model S Trims Side-By-Side
The 2021 Tesla Model S is astonishingly fast and accommodating no matter how it's equipped. For you're interested in making a statement, the new Plaid models demonstrate what was heretofore impossible with electric power.
