USA EV Comparison: Tesla Model S Performance vs Model S Plaid
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General Info
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is currently produced, it has a starting price of $99990. The Tesla Model S Performance (2019-2020) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $23999 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Liftback.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2019-2020 | 2025-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Netherlands, USA | USA |
| Body Style | Liftback | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | - Price USA (New) | $99990 |
| Price USA (Used) | $23999 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 7.5 | 7.7 |
Range and Efficiency
Although both cars have the same battery capacity, Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) achieves a longer real-world range due to its superior energy efficiency.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 348 mi | 368 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 368 mi | 380 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 322 mi | 336 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 100 kWh | 100 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 95 kWh | 95 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 29.5 kWh/100 mi | 28.3 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.39 mi/kWh | 3.54 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 8.2 | 8.6 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 250 kW, while the Tesla Model S Performance (2019-2020) maxes out at 200 kW.
Both vehicles are equipped with the same on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 200 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | Tesla (NACS) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 7.7 | 7.6 |
Performance
Both vehicles are all-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) | PMSM (front), 2 PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 580 kW | 760 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 778 hp | 1020 hp |
| Motor Torque | 841 lb-ft | 1047 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 2.5 s | 2 s |
| Top Speed | 162 mph | 200 mph |
| Performance Score | 8 | 8.5 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S Performance (2019-2020) and Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) are about the same size.
Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 86.2 in | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 77.3 in | 78.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S Performance (2019-2020) features a larger trunk, but the Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) offers greater maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded.
Both models feature a convenient frunk (front trunk), providing additional storage space.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Tesla Model S Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 5105 lb | 4802 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 26.3 ft3 | 25 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 58.1 ft3 | 61.4 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 | 3.1 ft3 |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.5 | 6.1 |