Tesla Model S Long Range

Overview

The 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range was the king of electric cruisers, a discontinued but still formidable liftback offering a stellar blend of performance, cutting-edge tech, and, crucially, massive range. This dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant cemented Tesla's premium EV dominance. Its key draws were the expansive Tesla Supercharger network access and that signature silent, instant acceleration. As it's no longer in production, new pricing isn't available, but keen buyers might snag one on the European pre-owned market for around €37,700. It remains a benchmark for long-distance electric motoring.

What's New for 2020?

For the 2020 model year, this "Long Range" (often referred to as "Raven") variant built upon significant 2019 updates. It boasted a more efficient powertrain, featuring a permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor at the front, shared with the Model 3, boosting both range and performance over older versions. An upgraded adaptive air suspension became standard, offering a plusher, more controlled ride. DC charging speeds also saw a bump, capable of hitting up to 200 kW on compatible V3 Superchargers, getting you back on the road quicker than ever.

Design & Exterior

The Model S Long Range cuts a familiar, super-slippery figure, with its iconic liftback silhouette designed for aerodynamic efficiency. It’s a big car, measuring 4970 mm in length, 1964 mm wide (mirrors excluded), and 1445 mm tall, giving it serious road presence. Signature Tesla touches like flush, pop-out door handles, a vast panoramic glass roof, and sleek LED lighting were all part of the premium package. Typically, this trim rolled on 19-inch alloy wheels, balancing comfort with style. It’s a design that, even a few years on, still looks futuristic and purposeful.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Model S Long Range embraces Tesla's minimalist philosophy, dominated by a colossal central touchscreen that controls almost everything. Cabin materials are decent, providing a premium feel, and there's ample space for five adults. Passenger comfort is excellent, especially on long journeys. Luggage space is immense: 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1645 litres with seats folded, plus a handy 60-litre frunk up front! The infotainment is Tesla's own, slick and feature-packed with navigation and streaming, though no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here, folks.

Performance & Driving Experience

Mash the pedal in the Model S Long Range, and you're hit with that signature Tesla wallop! It'll sprint from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.8 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup pumping out a combined 398 kW and a mighty 755 Nm of torque from its front and rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors. The drive is effortlessly smooth and whisper-quiet, with the adaptive air suspension soaking up bumps beautifully. Handling is secure and confident, and the regenerative braking is strong, allowing for plenty of one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

Range anxiety? Not with this machine! The 2020 Model S Long Range packs a substantial 95 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 550 km – enough for serious continental cruising. Efficiency is impressive at 5.79 km/kWh. At home or the office, the standard 16.5 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 6-7 hours. For rapid top-ups, it gulps down DC electricity at up to 200 kW via its Tesla Type 2 port on Superchargers, meaning significant range added in minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount in the Model S, backed by a stellar 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It's loaded with tech to keep you protected. Standard Autopilot features include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, making motorway miles a doddle. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking are also standard. Buyers could opt for the pricier Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability packages, adding features like Navigate on Autopilot, auto lane change, and Autopark, though always requiring driver supervision.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, the 2020 Model S Long Range typically came with a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty. The crucial battery and drive unit were covered for a more substantial 8 years or 240,000 km, whichever came first, including a guarantee against excessive degradation (usually 70% capacity retention). Maintenance is minimal compared to combustion cars – think tyre rotations, brake fluid checks, and cabin air filter replacements. Over-the-air software updates keep the car's systems fresh, often adding new features remotely, which is pretty cool.