Tesla Model S Performance

Overview

The 2020 Tesla Model S Performance was a true groundbreaker, a luxury electric liftback that set benchmarks for neck-snapping speed and impressive range. Even though its production ran from 2019 to 2020 and is now discontinued, its legacy as a tech-laden EV powerhouse lives on. This particular variant offers ludicrous acceleration thanks to its dual-motor setup. It remains a sought-after machine, with used examples in Europe typically fetching around €42,950. It’s a proper premium EV experience, combining practicality with thrilling performance, making it a compelling option on the used market.

What's New for 2020?

For its 2020 iteration, the Model S Performance, often associated with the "Raven" updates introduced in 2019, boasted some serious upgrades. The big news was the inclusion of an advanced adaptive air suspension, offering a dynamically adjustable ride from plush comfort to a sportier, more planted feel. It also featured a more efficient Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor at the front, contributing to its excellent real-world range and overall performance. These enhancements, combined with refinements for faster Supercharging, ensured the Model S Performance remained a dominant force in the high-performance EV segment.

Design & Exterior

The 2020 Tesla Model S Performance cuts a sleek and slippery figure, its liftback design still looking remarkably modern and focused on aerodynamic efficiency. Signature features include flush door handles and a smooth underbody that help it cheat the wind. While not overtly aggressive, subtle design cues and often larger, sportier alloy wheels hinted at its potent capabilities. Its substantial dimensions are 4970 mm in length, 1964 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1445 mm in height, giving it a commanding and graceful presence on European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S Performance and you're greeted by Tesla's signature minimalist cabin, dominated by a massive central touchscreen that controls nearly every vehicle function. While material quality is generally good, the clear emphasis is on cutting-edge technology. It’s properly spacious for five occupants. Cargo capacity is immense: a whopping 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1645 litres with the rear seats folded. Plus, there’s a handy 60-litre frunk under the bonnet. The infotainment is slick and feature-rich, though it relies on Tesla's proprietary system.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Model S Performance is ferociously quick, capable of blasting from 0-100 km/h in a mind-bending 2.7 seconds. This incredible urge comes from its dual-motor All-Wheel Drive system, featuring Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) front and rear, delivering a colossal 580 kW and 1140 Nm of torque. Top speed is a dizzying 261 km/h. It’s not just a straight-line missile; the adaptive suspension provides surprising agility for its size, and the instant torque response is utterly addictive. Strong regenerative braking allows for effective one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Model S Performance packs a substantial 95 kWh usable battery (100 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 518 kilometres – more than enough for most journeys and even some serious road trips. Its energy efficiency is rated at a respectable 5.45 km/kWh. For AC charging, it uses the European standard Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port and can handle up to 16.5 kW. When rapid charging is needed, it can impressively accept up to 200 kW from a compatible DC fast charger, significantly reducing pit stop times.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong point for the Model S Performance, underscored by its 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It came generously equipped with Tesla's Autopilot system as standard, providing excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Core safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning were also typically included. More advanced driver-assistance capabilities, often bundled under "Enhanced Autopilot" or "Full Self-Driving Capability," were available as optional upgrades for even greater automated driving convenience.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When purchased new in Europe, the 2020 Model S Performance typically included a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty. More importantly for EV buyers, the battery and drive unit were covered for an extended 8 years, often up to 240,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (usually to maintain at least 70% capacity). Maintenance requirements are generally lower than traditional petrol or diesel cars due to fewer moving parts. Tesla also frequently provides over-the-air software updates, which can enhance features and performance throughout the car's life.