Tesla has cut the price of its longest-running model, the Model S sedan.
There are three Tesla Model S variants on sale in Australia, with prices starting at $119,990 before on-road costs for the Long Range Plus and extending to $199,990 before on-roads for the Plaid.
The new prices for 2021 represent a significantly lower entry price for the longest-running Tesla, which also had its price slashed in May 2020.
Why the cut? Elon Musk adjusted the price of the Model S to US$69,420 (yes, really) in the USA, and global pricing appears to have been adjusted accordingly.
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.
Pricing
- 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus: $119,990 (-$19,840)
- 2021 Tesla Model S Performance: $134,990 (-$14,340)
- 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid: $189,990 (new)
All prices exclude on-road costs
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 of power and 750Nm of torque, mated with a 100kWh battery pack. Range is 722km on the NEDC test cycle.
The Model S Performance ups power and torque to 451kW and 930Nm respectively, while its 100kWh battery pack is good for 704km on the NEDC test.
The range-topping Model S Plaid ups the ante further.
The Model S Plaid will do the 60mph (97km/h) sprint in less than two seconds, and the quarter mile sprint in less than nine seconds thanks to its tri-motor all-wheel drive system.
Claimed top speed is north of 320km/h, and the powertrain lays down 820kW of power. Despite the wild performance, Tesla is promising a range of 835km between charges.
Safety
The Model S has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, and has been lauded in the USA for its impressive crash performance.
All 2021 Tesla Model S models come standard with front airbags, plus side and curtain airbags. Other standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the 2021 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
The Plaid gains:
- Tri-motor powertrain
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.
