Tesla Model S Plaid

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid is the undisputed king of acceleration in the production sedan world, wrapping hypercar-slaying performance in a practical, family-friendly package. This machine redefines what an electric car can be, offering a blend of cutting-edge tech, impressive range, and access to Tesla's robust Supercharger network. Positioned as the pinnacle of the Model S lineup, the Plaid is for drivers who crave face-melting speed without sacrificing daily usability. While pre-owned models are available, a new Plaid starts at around $90,000, delivering a truly unique ownership experience.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Model S Plaid is largely a carryover model, which is no bad thing given its comprehensive 2021 refresh. Tesla favors continuous over-the-air software updates and minor running changes over traditional model-year revamps. Buyers can expect the latest software enhancements, potentially including refinements to the user interface and Autopilot features. The big news remains the optional Track Package, which unlocks the staggering 200 mph top speed with carbon-ceramic brakes and special firmware, making this sleeper sedan a legitimate track day weapon right from the factory.

Design & Exterior

The Model S Plaid maintains its famously sleek and aerodynamic liftback silhouette, a design that has aged gracefully. Measuring 197.7 inches long, 78.2 inches wide, and a low 56.3 inches tall, its slippery shape is key to its efficiency and performance. While the overall look is understated, keen-eyed observers will spot the Plaid-specific details that hint at its insane potential. These include unique badging and a subtle carbon fiber spoiler on the rear decklid, which provides added stability at the mind-bending speeds this car can achieve.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Plaid features Tesla’s signature minimalist cabin, dominated by a massive 17-inch cinematic display and a controversial yoke steering wheel. Passenger comfort is excellent for five adults, and material quality is high. Tech is a major highlight, with a digital driver's display and a rear-seat screen for entertainment, but it notably lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. Practicality is off the charts, offering a generous 25 ft³ trunk, a massive 61.4 ft³ with the seats folded, and an additional 3.1 ft³ in the frunk.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the Plaid rewrites the rulebook. Its tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, featuring one front and two rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors, unleashes a staggering 760 kW and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. The result is a brutal 0-60 mph launch in under 2 seconds that you have to feel to believe. Beyond straight-line speed, the adaptive air suspension provides a comfortable ride for cruising but can firm up for surprisingly agile handling, though its 4,776 lb weight is noticeable. It’s a quiet, comfortable daily driver that can instantly transform into a rocket ship.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Plaid is powered by a 95 kWh usable battery pack that delivers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 329 miles, with an impressive efficiency of 3.46 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 11.5 kW on-board charger can replenish the battery overnight. On the road, its 400V architecture and NACS charge port allow it to pull a maximum of 250 kW at a DC fast charger, capable of adding significant range in under 30 minutes, keeping road trip stops brief and convenient on the Supercharger network.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority, backed by a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Every Model S Plaid comes standard with Tesla's Autopilot, which includes traffic-aware adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to reduce driver fatigue. For those wanting more, Enhanced Autopilot is an optional upgrade that adds Navigate on Autopilot and Auto Lane Change. The top-tier Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability option adds traffic light and stop sign control, as well as Autosteer on city streets, though it still requires active driver supervision.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla covers the Model S Plaid with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. More importantly, the battery and drive units are protected by an extensive 8-year/150,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% battery capacity retention over that period. Tesla has no traditional scheduled maintenance plan or complimentary service. Instead, it follows a modern, as-needed approach, recommending periodic checks for items like brake fluid, cabin air filters, and tire rotations, many of which can be handled by Tesla's mobile service.