Tesla Model S Plaid

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid continues to be the undisputed king of electric super sedans, mixing ludicrous speed with cutting-edge tech and surprising practicality. This tri-motor monster redefines what a family car can do, rocketing you and yours into the future. It’s not just about raw power; the Plaid offers a sophisticated, minimalist luxury experience that’s uniquely Tesla. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of EV performance without shelling out hypercar money, the Plaid, priced around $99,990 new in the US, is in a league of its own. It’s pure electric adrenaline.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Model S Plaid featured in this configuration highlights a $99,990 starting price, making its mind-blowing performance seriously tempting. While Tesla continually refines its vehicles through over-the-air software updates enhancing features and performance, specific hardware changes for the 2025 model year Plaid primarily revolve around optimizing its already bonkers package. Expect the latest software iteration bringing improvements to the infotainment, Autopilot capabilities, and potentially minor interior material upgrades. It’s all about keeping this speed demon at the bleeding edge of electric innovation.

Design & Exterior

The 2025 Model S Plaid retains its signature slippery, aerodynamic liftback silhouette that’s both elegant and purposeful, measuring 197.7 inches long, 78.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 56.3 inches tall. It’s a masterclass in understated aggression. While sharing its handsome lines with the standard Model S, the Plaid gets subtle differentiators like a small carbon fiber spoiler and unique badging, hinting at the beast within. Standard 19-inch "Tempest" wheels keep things classy, though optional 21-inch "Arachnid" wheels are available for those wanting an even more aggressive stance.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Plaid is a tech-lover’s minimalist dream. You get the choice of a controversial yoke or a traditional round steering wheel, a massive 17-inch cinematic display, and a secondary screen for rear passengers. Material quality is good, with comfortable seating for five. Practicality isn't forgotten, with a generous 25 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a massive 61.4 cubic feet with seats folded, plus a handy 3.1 cubic foot frunk. Tesla’s slick infotainment system handles everything, including impressive gaming capabilities, though still no native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Plaid’s tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, featuring one Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the front and two PMSMs at the rear, unleashes a staggering 760 kW (around 1019 hp) and 1047 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a neck-snapping 0-60 mph sprint in just 2 seconds flat, with a top speed of 200 mph! It’s not just straight-line shove; the adaptive air suspension offers a surprisingly comfortable ride or can firm up for agile handling. Regenerative braking is strong, making one-pedal driving a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Plaid packs a 95 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 333 miles, with an impressive efficiency of 3.51 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery overnight. For road trips, it utilizes Tesla's NACS port and the extensive Supercharger network, capable of DC fast charging at up to 250 kW. This means you can add significant range in under 30 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime on your electrifying journeys across the US.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount, and the Model S Plaid achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard Autopilot provides excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. For those wanting the latest tech, the optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability package adds features like Navigate on Autopilot and auto lane change, though it always requires driver supervision. A comprehensive suite of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, comes standard, offering peace of mind on every drive.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla’s warranty for the Model S Plaid typically includes a basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles. Critically, the battery and drive unit are covered for a reassuring 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a guarantee of minimum 70% battery capacity retention. While Tesla doesn't offer traditional complimentary maintenance schedules, the electric powertrain means fewer moving parts and generally lower maintenance requirements, contributing to potentially lower running costs over the vehicle's lifespan.