How much is a Tesla Model S Plaid?
I’ve driven supercars that make more noise than a children’s birthday party—and yet few feel as explosively quick as the Tesla Model S Plaid. It’s the quiet ones you have to watch. And yes, the question I keep getting when I park it outside a coffee shop is the simple one: how much is a Tesla Model S Plaid?
Tesla Model S Plaid price: what you’ll actually pay
Short answer: at the time of writing, the Tesla Model S Plaid typically starts around the low-to-mid $90,000s in the U.S., before destination and options. Tesla adjusts pricing more often than I adjust the seat heaters, so consider this a live ballpark rather than a museum plaque.
- Base price (Plaid): usually around $90,000–$95,000
- Destination and order fees: approximately $1,390 combined (varies)
- Popular options: 21-inch Arachnid wheels, paint upgrades, interior trim, Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving capability
- Incentives: state/local EV incentives may apply; federal incentives vary over time and eligibility
Why the Tesla Model S Plaid still shocks me
The Plaid’s party trick isn’t a party trick—it’s repeatable thrust. With three electric motors and a claimed 1,020 horsepower, the Model S Plaid will do 0–60 mph in around two seconds on a prepped surface (Tesla quotes 1.99 with rollout). On regular roads, it’s still outrageous. I tried a few launches on a coarse backroad and—honestly—I laughed. Then I checked my stomach.
- Powertrain: tri-motor AWD, vectoring torque that makes it feel like it shrinks around corners
- Top speed: up to 200 mph with the Track Pack
- Brakes: optional carbon-ceramic setup for serious track use (and peace of mind)
- Ride/handling: firm but not punishing; with 21s it can get a touch busy on rough slabs
Compared with rivals, the Plaid feels more like a giant slingshot than a car. The steering is accurate, the body control tidy enough for something tipping two-plus tons, and the instant response makes overtakes embarrassingly easy. I prefer the round steering wheel; the yoke is fun for a minute, less so in parking garages.
Tesla Model S Plaid range and charging
On 19-inch wheels, the Tesla Model S Plaid is EPA-rated around 359 miles. Fit the 21s and expect less—worth it for stance, not for Sunday range anxiety. On a long run, I typically plan for 250–300-mile stints, then a quick coffee stop.
- Max DC fast charge: up to 250 kW on V3 Superchargers
- Typical road trip stop: add roughly 200 miles in about 15 minutes under ideal conditions
- Connector: NACS in North America (adapters available for CCS); CCS2 in much of Europe
Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the ace. The routing planner usually nails it, though I’ve had the odd instance where it favored a busier site when a quiet one was five minutes farther. Still, for cross-country trekking, it’s the least stressful EV I’ve toured in.
Living with it: space, quiet, and the “kids are definitely fighting back there” test
Big hatch, big cabin, big screens. The Model S Plaid is a luxury EV sedan that does family duty without the usual compromises. You can fold the seats, slide in skis or a stroller, and cruise in a cabin quiet enough to hear everyone’s Spotify debates. I noticed right away how well it isolates wind noise at 80 mph—like driving in slippers, but very expensive, very fast slippers.
After a weekend of beach dust, coffee cups, and one rogue granola bar, I tossed in upgraded mats. If you’re going to own a fast, capable premium sedan, you might as well keep it tidy.
When I tried these interior upgrades
AutoWin mats are an easy win. They’re cut cleanly to fit, stay put, and don’t curl at the edges (my pet peeve). If you’ve got kids, a dog, or just a messy morning routine, they’re a solid add.
They look smart, vacuum easily, and rescue you from the endless sand-and-salt grind (hello, winter). If you drive a Model Y in the household too, there are options for that as well:
There’s even this bold red tailored set that looked surprisingly classy against a black cabin:
Tesla Model S Plaid vs key rivals
Numbers aren’t everything, but here they’re a useful compass. Here’s how the Tesla Model S Plaid stacks up against other flagship luxury EV sedans I’ve sampled:
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Range (EPA/est.) | Starting price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 1,020 hp (tri-motor) | ~2.0 sec (with rollout) | Up to ~359 miles | $90k–$95k+ |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo | ~700+ hp (overboost) | ~2.4 sec | ~270–300+ miles (updates vary) | $160k+ |
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | 819 hp | ~3.0 sec | Up to ~516 miles | $110k+ |
| Mercedes-AMG EQS | 649–751 hp (boost) | ~3.4 sec | ~277 miles | $145k+ |
Against this field, the Tesla Model S Plaid offers unmatched straight-line pace per dollar and the most stress-free road-tripping thanks to Superchargers. Porsche wins on steering feel and braking consistency on a twisty road. Lucid dominates range. The Mercedes coddles like a spa on wheels. Pick your poison—or your personality.
What to know before you buy a Tesla Model S Plaid
- Tires: It eats soft-compound rubber if you drive it like it wants to be driven. Budget accordingly.
- Software: Over-the-air updates can improve features—or occasionally move your cheese. I’ve woken up to a new UI on a Tuesday.
- Driver assistance: Autopilot is standard; Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are extra-cost. Great for highway fatigue, not a replacement for attention.
- Build quirks: Panel fit and trim alignment are much better than early days, but I still inspect delivery cars carefully. Most issues are minor and fixable.
FAQs: Tesla Model S Plaid
How much is a Tesla Model S Plaid?
Typically low-to-mid $90,000s before destination and options in the U.S., but Tesla pricing changes frequently. Check the online configurator and local inventory for the latest figures and potential discounts.
What’s the range of the Tesla Model S Plaid?
Up to about 359 miles on 19-inch wheels per EPA estimates. Expect less with 21-inch wheels, cold weather, or sustained high speeds.
How fast is the Tesla Model S Plaid really?
0–60 mph in roughly two seconds on a prepped surface with rollout subtracted. On normal roads, it’s still violently quick—easily in the low twos/high ones depending on conditions.
Is the Plaid worth it over the Long Range?
If you prioritize maximum performance and the tri-motor experience, yes. The Long Range is cheaper, slightly calmer, and still very quick with excellent range. I’d drive both; your commute and your roads will decide.
How do you charge a Tesla Model S Plaid?
At home with a Level 2 wall connector for overnight top-ups, and on the road via Tesla’s Supercharger network (up to 250 kW). North American cars use the NACS port; CCS access is possible with an adapter, depending on compatibility.
So—how much is a Tesla Model S Plaid? Enough to make you think twice, but not so much that it’s out of reach for buyers shopping high-end luxury sedans. And very few cars at any price will make a freeway on-ramp feel this hilariously short. If you want the full-bore, all-weather hyper-sedan experience with real road-trip convenience, the Tesla Model S Plaid remains a thunderbolt in a very tidy suit.
