The 3rd generation Tesla Model S Plaid is a high-performance variant of the full-size luxury sedan. It was unveiled in July 2021 and represents a significant update to the electric vehicle's powertrain and aerodynamics.
Design:
Externally, the Model S Plaid retains its sleek and aggressive styling, with minor updates to the front and rear fascias. The sedan features Tesla's signature "falcon wing" doors, which provide easy access to the spacious interior. The dimensions of the car remain largely unchanged, with a length of 196.2 inches (4,984 mm), a width of 76.9 inches (1,953 mm), and a height of 56.5 inches (1,437 mm).
Performance:
The Model S Plaid is powered by Tesla's new Tri-Motor powertrain, which consists of three electric motors producing a combined output of 1,020 horsepower (758 kW) and 967 lb-ft (1,313 Nm) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in just 2 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars on the market.
Range:
The Model S Plaid has an estimated range of 396 miles (637 km) based on the US EPA cycle, with a peak efficiency of approximately 3.6 miles per kWh. The sedan's battery pack consists of 12,000 cells and has a capacity of around 100 kWh.
Chassis and Suspension:
The Model S Plaid features Tesla's new "yoke"-style steering wheel and an updated interior design with improved materials and ergonomics. The car also boasts a revised suspension system, which includes adaptive dampers and a more sophisticated electronic power steering system.
Safety Features:
As is standard on all Tesla models, the Model S Plaid comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including:
- Autopilot (a semi-autonomous driving system)
- Blind spot detection
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning and mitigation
- Rearview camera
Interior and Comfort:
The interior of the Model S Plaid has been significantly updated for the 3rd generation. The sedan features a more minimalist design, with improved ergonomics and premium materials throughout. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and cargo.
Infotainment System:
The Model S Plaid boasts Tesla's latest infotainment system, which includes:
- A 17-inch touchscreen display
- Support for voice commands and gesture control
- Integration with smartphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- Streaming music services (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music)
- Navigation with real-time traffic information
Pricing:
The starting price of the Model S Plaid is around $149,990 in the US market. This includes a comprehensive warranty package and access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
Competitors:
In terms of competitors, the Model S Plaid competes directly with high-performance electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+, and Audi e-tron GT. However, its unique blend of performance, range, and luxury features sets it apart from other cars in this segment.
