Tesla has cut the price of its longest-running model, the Model S sedan.
There are just two Tesla Model S variants on sale in Australia, with prices starting at $139,830 before on-road costs for the Long Range and extending to $159,330 before on-roads for the Performance.
The new prices, announced on May 28, 2020, represent a $7683 saving on both models.
The Model S has been around since 2012, although it was treated to a minor facelift in 2016 and has been constantly upgraded with wireless software tweaks since launch.
Tesla doesn’t reveal sales figures, so it’s hard to judge its impact on the Australian market.
2020 Tesla Model S pricing and specs
- Long Range – $139,830
- Performance – $159,330
All prices exclude on-road costs. Prices quoted on this story prior to 28/05/2020 excluded luxury car tax. That has been rectified.
Engines
Being electric, there are no engines to speak of here. Tesla offers two dual-motor powertrains, the first of which is the Long Range.
It has a combined 350kW and 750Nm, mated with a 100kWh battery pack. Range is 610km on the tougher WLTP test cycle.
The Model S Performance ups power and torque to 451kW and 930Nm respectively, while its 100kWh battery pack is good for 590km on the WLTP test.
Safety
The Model S has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, and has been lauded in the USA for its impressive crash performance.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the 2020 Model S Long Range includes:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Black leather seats
- Woodgrain console and dashboard trim
- Premium audio
- Heated seats for all passengers
- HEPA air filters
- Satellite navigation
- Live traffic updates
- In-car music/media streaming
- Tinted glass roof
- Auto-dimming mirrors
- Power-folding mirrors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Reversing camera
- Surround-view camera
Moving to the Performance brings:
- Carbon fibre spoiler
- Ludicrous Mode
Servicing
Given it has very few moving parts, there isn’t much maintenance required on the Model S. Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters changed every two years, and checking the tyre tread, balance, and rotation every 20,000km.
Thanks to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs require work less frequently than in internal-combustion vehicles.
However the Model S will need to have brake fluid checked every two years, and the pads and discs lubricated every 12 months in colder climes.
