2024 Tesla Model S: Review, Range, Performance, Price, and More
Introduction to the 2024 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S has been a trailblazer since its debut in 2012, redefining what an electric vehicle (EV) can be. As one of the flagship models from Tesla, the Model S has set high standards in the automotive world with its blend of performance, technology, and luxury. Over the years, it has undergone significant updates, keeping it at the forefront of innovation and maintaining its appeal among EV enthusiasts and luxury car buyers alike.
Performance & Range of the 2024 Tesla Model S
The 2024 Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan offering an estimated range of up to 405 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds. Its exceptional aerodynamic design boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.208 Cd, the lowest of any production vehicle.
- Range: The Model S range varies by trim, reaching up to 405 miles in the Long Range configuration. Rapid charging capability allows for adding up to 200 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes at Supercharger stations.
- Performance: The Model S accelerates from 0-60 mph in a swift 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph.
- Powertrain: Dual electric motors deliver a combined 670 horsepower. The available Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive configuration unleashes over 1,000 horsepower, enabling a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
- Key Features: Standard features include all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, LED headlights and foglights, a tinted glass roof, a power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control
 |
| model s |
For 2024, the Tesla Model S continues to uphold its reputation as a premium electric sedan. It's not just a car; it's a statement of progress, reflecting Tesla's commitment to sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology. With its sleek design, impressive acceleration, and a range that rivals most gasoline-powered vehicles, the Model S remains a dominant player in the EV market.
Tesla has positioned the Model S as a top-tier luxury vehicle, offering features that cater to the discerning tastes of its customers. From its minimalist yet futuristic interior to its advanced Autopilot capabilities, the Model S embodies a blend of sophistication and technological prowess. It competes directly with other high-end electric sedans like the Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS, and BMW i7, but it stands out with its unique combination of performance and innovation.
Performance & Range of 2024 Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S Plaid
Horsepower: 1,020 HP
0-60 mph: 1.99 seconds
Top Speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)
Range: 359 miles (578 km)
Tesla Model S Long Range
Horsepower: 671 HP
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)
Range: 412 miles (663 km)
Driving Experience: Tesla Model S Plaid vs. Long Range
Tesla Model S Plaid
Performance: The Plaid variant is the powerhouse of the Model S lineup, delivering 1,020 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 1.99 seconds. The acceleration is exhilarating and nearly silent, making it feel like you're in a rocket.
Handling: The Plaid handles exceptionally well, with quick steering and minimal body roll. It's designed for high-performance driving, making it perfect for those who love a spirited drive.
Braking: The braking system is robust and provides excellent stopping power, essential for a car with such high performance.
Ride Quality: While the ride is firm, it's still comfortable, especially with the standard 19-inch wheels. However, the optional 21-inch wheels can make the ride a bit harsher.
Tesla Model S Long Range
Performance: The Long Range model offers 670 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. While not as quick as the Plaid, it still provides impressive acceleration that's smooth and seamless.
Handling: The Long Range also handles well, with quick steering and minimal body roll. It's designed to be agile and responsive, making it enjoyable to drive.
Braking: The braking system is effective and provides good stopping power, similar to the Plaid.
Ride Quality: The ride quality is firm yet comfortable, especially with the standard 19-inch wheels. The optional 21-inch wheels can make the ride a bit stiffer.
Both variants of the Model S offer a thrilling driving experience, but the Plaid is geared towards those who want the ultimate in performance, while the Long Range provides a great balance of range, performance, and comfort.
Exterior Design of the 2024 Tesla Model S
The 2024 Tesla Model S continues to impress with its sleek and aerodynamic design. The exterior is characterized by its smooth lines and minimalistic approach, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its impressive aerodynamic efficiency. The Model S boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.208, making it one of the most aerodynamic production cars on the market.
Styling and Colors S Model
The Model S is available in a range of colors, including:
Solid Black
Ultra Red
Deep Blue Metallic
Pearl White
Silver Metallic
Each color option adds a unique touch to the car's sophisticated look, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their style.
Aerodynamics
Interior Design
The interior of the 2024 Tesla Model S is designed with uncluttered minimalism. The centerpiece is the 17-inch touchscreen, which controls most vehicle functions, including the 22-speaker audio system. The dashboard is highly customizable, allowing drivers to personalize layouts to suit their preferences. The cabin is spacious, thanks to a flat floor that provides ample legroom for rear passengers. Standard features include a tinted glass roof, three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Interior Design Details
Materials
- Seating: Premium leather seats with a variety of color options, providing both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
- Dashboard: A seamless, soft-touch material that complements the overall minimalist design, with hidden air vents and clean lines.
- Accents: High-quality wood, brushed aluminum, or carbon fiber trim pieces, adding an element of sophistication.
Layout
The layout is meticulously crafted to enhance both functionality and comfort:
- Seating Configuration: Ample space for both the driver and passengers, with adjustable seats to accommodate various preferences.
- Center Console: A minimalist center console with a large touchscreen that controls most of the car's functions, reducing the need for physical buttons.
- Storage: Clever storage solutions, including under-seat compartments and a spacious glove box.
Feel
The interior atmosphere is designed to create a serene and focused driving experience:
- Ambient Lighting: Soft, customizable ambient lighting that sets the mood and highlights key design elements.
- Sound Insulation: Exceptional soundproofing materials, ensuring a quiet and peaceful ride.
- Comfort Features: Heated and ventilated seats, along with a high-quality climate control system, providing optimal comfort in all conditions.
Yoke Steering Wheel
Pros
- Innovative Design: The yoke steering wheel offers a futuristic and cutting-edge look, aligning with the overall minimalist design.
- Improved Visibility: The yoke design enhances visibility of the dashboard and road, providing a clearer view for the driver.
- Enhanced Control: The yoke steering wheel can offer better control in certain driving situations, particularly in high-performance models.
- Learning Curve: Drivers may need time to adjust to the unconventional shape and operation of the yoke steering wheel.
- Maneuverability: Maneuvering, especially at lower speeds or during parking, may be challenging compared to traditional round steering wheels.
- Mixed Reviews: Some drivers appreciate the innovation, while others may find it less comfortable or intuitive.
Technology Features
Touchscreen: The 17-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 2200 x 1300 pixels and serves as the hub for navigation, media, climate control, and more.
Autopilot: Standard on all models, Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer, which assist in steering within a clearly marked lane.
Full Self-Driving (FSD): Available as an add-on, FSD includes features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Smart Summon. It's important to note that while these features enhance driving convenience, they do not make the vehicle fully autonomous.
Safety: The Model S is equipped with multiple external cameras and powerful vision processing for an additional layer of safety.
- Entertainment: The 22-speaker audio system provides a high-quality sound experience, and the car supports various media streaming services.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Autopilot is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that includes features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. It helps with steering, accelerating, and braking within a clearly marked lane1.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) builds on Autopilot by adding more advanced features. These include:
Navigate on Autopilot: Guides the car from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, suggesting lane changes and navigating interchanges.
Auto Lane Change: Assists in moving to an adjacent lane on the highway.
Autopark: Helps with parallel or perpendicular parking with a single touch.
Summon: Moves the car in and out of tight spaces using the mobile app or key.
Smart Summon: Navigates more complex environments to come find you in a parking lot.
FSD is still considered to be in beta and requires active driver supervision. Tesla aims to achieve full autonomy (SAE Level 5) in the future, but there are still technical and regulatory hurdles to overcome.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) Availability
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package is available as a subscription service. This means that instead of a one-time purchase, drivers have the flexibility to subscribe to FSD on a monthly basis. The availability and pricing of FSD can vary depending on the region and the model of the Tesla vehicle.
Here are some key points to note:
Subscription Service: FSD can be subscribed to on a monthly basis, allowing drivers to access the latest features and updates without a long-term commitment.
Regional Availability: The availability of FSD features can vary by country and region, as local regulations and infrastructure can affect what is possible.
Feature Updates: Tesla frequently updates FSD capabilities through over-the-air software updates, continuously improving and adding new features.
Compatibility: FSD is available for most Tesla models, but certain features may require specific hardware versions or configurations.
This approach allows Tesla to offer a flexible and up-to-date driving experience, tailored to individual preferences and local regulations.
How Autopilot/FSD works (cameras, sensors, processing)
Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems rely on a sophisticated combination of hardware and software to provide driver assistance.
Hardware:
- Cameras: Tesla Vision is the core of the system. Multiple cameras strategically placed around the car provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.
These cameras capture images and videos of the road, traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and other objects. Different cameras have different fields of view, some are wide for close objects, others are long range for distant objects. - Radar (Older Models Only): While newer Teslas have transitioned to a camera-only Tesla Vision system, older models also used radar. Radar provides information about the distance and speed of objects, even in poor weather conditions like rain or fog.
Tesla has moved away from radar, believing that cameras and neural networks are sufficient. - Ultrasonic Sensors: These short-range sensors are used primarily for parking and close-proximity maneuvers. They detect objects near the car that might not be visible to the cameras, such as curbs or other vehicles in tight spaces.
- Computer (HW3/HW4): The car's onboard computer, specifically designed by Tesla, is the "brain" of the Autopilot/FSD system.
It processes the vast amount of data from the cameras and sensors in real time. The computer uses powerful processors and specialized AI chips (neural network accelerators) to perform the complex calculations required for object recognition, path planning, and vehicle control.
Software and Processing:
- Data Collection: The cameras and sensors continuously collect data about the car's environment. This includes images, videos, distances to objects, and the car's own speed and position.
- Object Recognition: The computer uses sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms, specifically deep neural networks, to analyze the data.
These neural networks have been trained on massive datasets of images and videos to recognize and classify objects, such as:
- Path Planning: Once the system has a "map" of its surroundings and understands where other objects are and how they're moving, it plans a safe and efficient path for the car to follow. This involves complex calculations to predict the future movement of objects and ensure the car maintains a safe following distance, stays within its lane, and obeys traffic laws.
- Vehicle Control: The computer then sends commands to the car's systems to control the steering, acceleration, and braking. For example, to maintain a following distance, it will adjust the car's speed. To stay in a lane, it will make subtle steering adjustments.
- Continuous Learning: Tesla's system is designed to continuously learn and improve.
Data collected from Tesla vehicles on the road is sent back to Tesla (anonymized) and used to train the neural networks further, improving their accuracy and capabilities. Over-the-air software updates then deliver these improvements to the cars.
Autopilot vs. FSD:
- Autopilot: The standard Autopilot system primarily focuses on highway driving. It includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (adjusts speed to maintain a following distance) and Autosteer (assists with steering within a lane).
- Full Self-Driving (FSD): FSD builds upon Autopilot with more advanced features intended for both highway and city driving.
These include Navigate on Autopilot (highway navigation), Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon. FSD is still considered to be in beta and requires active driver supervision. Tesla's goal is to achieve full autonomy (SAE Level 5) with FSD, but this is a complex challenge that involves overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles.
Key Points to Remember:
- Driver Responsibility: Even with Autopilot or FSD engaged, the driver is always responsible for the vehicle.
These systems are driver-assistance systems, not self-driving systems. - Limitations: Autopilot and FSD have limitations. They may not work reliably in all conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, construction zones, or on roads with poor lane markings. Drivers must remain attentive and be prepared to take control at any time.
- Continuous Development: Tesla is constantly working to improve Autopilot and FSD through software updates. The capabilities of these systems are evolving rapidly.
17-Inch Touchscreen User Interface
Tesla's 17-inch touchscreen is a standout feature in its vehicles. Here's what makes it special:
Centralized Control: The touchscreen serves as the central hub for controlling most of the car's functions, including climate control, navigation, media, and more.
High Resolution: The display offers a high-resolution, clear, and responsive interface.
Software Updates: Tesla regularly updates the software, adding new features and improvements.
Customization: Users can customize the layout and shortcuts on the touchscreen to suit their preferences.
Voice Commands: Integration with voice commands allows for hands-free control of various functions.
.jpg "\"tesla model s interior ambient lighting customization options\"")
The touchscreen's intuitive design and the ability to receive over-the-air updates make it a standout feature in the automotive industry.
Charging & Battery:
Here's some information on the 2024 Tesla Model S charging options, battery capacity, and charging times:
Charging Options
Supercharger Network: Tesla's Superchargers are the fastest charging option when you're on the road. They can charge your vehicle up to 200 miles in about 30 minutes.
Home Charging: You can charge your Tesla at home using a standard 240V outlet or a wall connector. The Wall Connector offers the fastest home charging speed, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour.
Mobile Connectors and Adapters: If you don't want to install a Wall Connector, you can use a Mobile Connector to plug into a standard three-prong, 120V outlet. This option is slower but convenient for occasional use.
Battery Capacity
The 2024 Tesla Model S is equipped with a 104.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. This battery provides an impressive range of up to 405 miles on a single charge.
- Level 1 (120V): Charging at home using a standard 120V outlet (trickle charging) adds about 2-3 miles of range per hour. It's best for overnight charging if you drive less than 30-40 miles per day.
- Level 2 (240V): Using a 240V outlet or Wall Connector, the charging speed increases significantly, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour. A full charge typically takes around 15 hours.
- Supercharging: On the road, Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
Pricing & Configurations of the 2024 Tesla Model S
The 2024 Tesla Model S is available in several trims, each with different starting prices and optional packages that can affect the final cost. Here's a clear breakdown:
Tesla Model S Trims and Starting Prices
Model S Long Range: Starting at $74,990
Model S Plaid: Starting at $89,990
Model S Long Range: Starting at $74,990
Model S Plaid: Starting at $89,990
Optional Packages and Features
Full Self-Driving (FSD): Adds advanced autonomous driving features. Price varies based on the package level.
Performance Upgrades: Includes options like carbon fiber spoiler, performance brakes, and 21-inch Arachnid wheels.
Interior Upgrades: Options for premium interior materials, additional sound systems, and custom seat options.
These optional packages can significantly affect the final cost of the vehicle, so it's important to consider which features are essential for you.
Full Self-Driving (FSD): Adds advanced autonomous driving features. Price varies based on the package level.
Performance Upgrades: Includes options like carbon fiber spoiler, performance brakes, and 21-inch Arachnid wheels.
Interior Upgrades: Options for premium interior materials, additional sound systems, and custom seat options.
Safety & Reliability of the 2024 Tesla Model S
Safety Ratings
The 2024 Tesla Model S has received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the Model S a 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS recognized it for its crashworthiness.
Available Safety Features
Tesla Model S comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including:
Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies brakes to avoid or mitigate impact.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead, adjusting speed as necessary.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts drivers if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
Autopilot: Provides semi-automated assistance during highway driving.
Cabin Camera: Monitors driver inattentiveness and provides audible alerts.
Sentry Mode: Monitors activities around the vehicle when parked and locked.
Reliability Data
According to Consumer Reports, the 2024 Tesla Model S is expected to be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from previous model years and overall brand scores. The Model S has been recalled twice by the NHTSA in recent times
Competitor Comparison:
Here's a comparison of the 2024 Tesla Model S with some other luxury electric vehicles:
Pros & Cons of the 2024 Tesla Model S
Pros
Exceptional Performance: The Model S offers mind-blowing acceleration, especially in the Plaid trim, with 0-60 mph times as low as 1.99 seconds.
Impressive Range: With a range of up to 405 miles on a single charge, the Model S minimizes range anxiety and makes long trips feasible.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability, and a 17-inch touchscreen interface set the Model S apart from competitors.
Sleek Design: The aerodynamic and minimalist design is both eye-catching and functional, contributing to the vehicle's efficiency.
Extensive Charging Network: Tesla's Supercharger network provides fast and convenient charging options for long-distance travel.
High Safety Ratings: The Model S has received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with numerous advanced safety features included as standard.
Cons
High Cost: The starting price for the Model S is higher than many other luxury EVs, and optional packages can quickly increase the final cost.
Limited Availability of FSD: While Full Self-Driving is an exciting feature, its capabilities are still in development, and it's not yet fully autonomous.
Interior Quality: Some critics have noted that the interior materials and build quality may not match the premium price tag, especially compared to competitors like the Mercedes EQS or BMW i7.
Reliability Concerns: The Model S has faced some reliability issues and recalls in recent years, which may be a concern for potential buyers.
Expert Reviews
MotorTrend: The 2024 Tesla Model S received an 8.2/10 rating. The review praised its exceptional range, quick acceleration (especially the Plaid variant), and spacious hatchback design. However, it noted some build quality issues and the controversial Full Self-Driving Beta.
TopSpeed: The Model S was described as Tesla's flagship electric car, highlighting its minimalist design, advanced technology, and impressive performance. The review mentioned that while the Model S is competitive in pricing, quality concerns remain.
Edmunds: The Model S was rated 8.4/10, with reviewers appreciating its comfort, range, and performance. However, they noted that the interior isn't as refined as some rivals and lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
Owner Feedback
Edmunds Consumer Reviews: Owners have mixed feelings about the Model S. Some praised its technology, driving experience, and appearance, while others reported reliability issues and poor build quality.
Consumer Reports: The Model S has a predicted overall owner satisfaction score that suggests owners are generally happy with their purchase, but there have been recalls and service issues.
Tesla Owners Online Forum: Discussions on the forum reveal a mix of satisfaction and frustration. Some owners love the performance and technology, while others have faced maintenance and repair challenges.
Where to Buy & Financing:
Ordering a Tesla Model S
To order a 2024 Tesla Model S, you can either visit a Tesla store or place your order online through the Tesla website. The ordering process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes. You can also schedule a demo drive to experience the vehicle before making a decision.
Financing Options
Tesla offers several financing options for purchasing a Model S:
Lease: You can lease a Tesla Model S for terms of 24 to 36 months. Leasing is available to qualifying customers.
Finance: You can finance your Model S through Tesla or a third-party financier for terms of 36 to 84 months. Financing is subject to credit approval and is not available in all states.
Cash Purchase: You can also purchase the Model S outright with a one-time payment.
Tax Incentives
There are several tax incentives available for Tesla buyers:
Federal Tax Credit: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, eligible buyers can receive up to $7,500 off their federal taxes when purchasing a new Tesla. The credit applies to all Tesla models, including the Model S3.
State-Specific Incentives: Many states offer additional incentives such as rebates, tax credits, or grants. For example, California offers rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and New York provides rebates up to $2,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2024 Tesla Model S
What is the range of the Model S?
The 2024 Tesla Model S offers a range of up to 405 miles on a single charge, depending on the trim and driving conditions.
How long does it take to charge the Model S?
Charging times vary based on the charging method.
- Level 1 (120V): Adds about 2-3 miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 (240V): Adds up to 44 miles of range per hour.
- Supercharging: Adds up to 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
Does the Model S have Autopilot?
Yes, the Model S comes standard with Autopilot, which includes features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
What is Full Self-Driving (FSD)?
FSD is an optional add-on that includes advanced features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Smart Summon. It enhances driving convenience but does not make the vehicle fully autonomous.
What are the main differences between the Model S trims?
The Model S Long Range offers a balance of range and performance, while the Model S Plaid focuses on maximum performance with higher horsepower and faster acceleration.
Is the Model S reliable?
While the Model S has received high safety ratings, some owners have reported reliability issues and recalls. It's important to consider these factors when making a purchase decision.
Can I customize the interior of the Model S?
Yes, the Model S offers various interior customization options, including premium materials, additional sound systems, and custom seat options.
What are the tax incentives for buying a Model S?
Buyers may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and various state-specific incentives, such as rebates and grants.
How does the Model S compare to other luxury EVs?
The Model S competes with luxury EVs like the Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS, and BMW i7, offering a unique combination of performance, range, and technology.
Where can I buy a Model S?
Explore More:
- Most Beautiful Car in the World?
- BMW i8 & Tesla Model X: Common Problem
- Best Mercedes-Benz Models for 2025
- Best Audi Models for Young Professionals
- Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in the USA 2025
- Most Beautiful Car in the World?
- Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in the USA 2025
- Audi Vs. BMW
- Common Audi Problems
- Audi Reliability & Performance
- Best Chevy SUV Models in 2025
- Most Beautiful Car in the World?
- BMW i8 & Tesla Model X: Common Problem
- Best Mercedes-Benz Models for 2025
- Best Audi Models for Young Professionals
- Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in the USA 2025
- Most Beautiful Car in the World?
- Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in the USA 2025
- Audi Vs. BMW
- Common Audi Problems
- Audi Reliability & Performance
- Best Chevy SUV Models in 2025
Conclusion
The Tesla Model S remains a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market, blending cutting-edge technology, luxurious minimalism, and remarkable performance. Its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, continually evolving through frequent updates, set it apart in the realm of autonomous driving. With a user-friendly 17-inch touchscreen interface, innovative Autopilot features, and a commitment to a sustainable future, the Model S stands out as a leader in the EV landscape. Whether navigating urban streets, cruising on highways, or exploring new frontiers in autonomous driving, the Tesla Model S offers an unparalleled driving experience that continues to redefine the future of transportation.
Comments
Post a Comment