The 2020 Tesla Model S adds even more battery range, cementing its place as the premier electric sedan for city and country drivers alike.
Tesla, the brand that made Elon Musk a household name and one of the richest people in the world, is still going strong today. This is because of the continuous improvements made to its vehicles and the preservation of the things people loved in the first place.
The most notable change for the new Tesla Model S is the introduction of the Long Range Plus trim, increasing its range to about 400 miles per charge. In addition, all Model S vehicles now have V3 supercharger compatibility, which reduces charge time by about 25 percent. Furthermore, all Model S owners can take advantage of the advanced Tesla Supercharger network.
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High electric range
State-of-the-art acceleration
Flexible amount of cargo space
Wide range of entertainment features
Some of the best driver assistance tech
Touchscreen panel controls most systems
Touchscreen panel is potentially overwhelming
Interior design isn’t breathtaking
Limited service network
All versions of the 2020 Tesla Model S share a few things in common. For example, they are all powered by a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, along with a two-motor all-wheel-drive setup. Additionally, a low center of gravity helps the Model S achieve excellent turning and grip. Therefore, no matter which trim of the Model S you choose, you’re in for a fun, sophisticated ride.
One notable difference is the rate of acceleration. The Long Range Plus model can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a peak of 155 mph. As impressive as that might be, the Performance trim beats it out at 163 mph. Not only that, but thanks to the inclusion of Ludicrous Mode, the Performance can reach 60 mph in a blazing 2.4 seconds! So, if you wish to experience one of the fastest bursts of speed available to the public in an EV, the 2020 Tesla Model S Performance trim might be worth the extra cost.
This is where the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus edges out the Performance. The Long Range Plus, true to its name, reaches a staggering 402 miles of electric range. Meanwhile, the Performance will need a recharge every 348 miles, falling behind its cheaper counterparts in this regard. Therefore, if economy is more important to you than speed, you should strongly consider the Long Range Plus.
No matter which trim you choose, the interior of the 2020 Tesla Model S is consistent. Five people can fit in the vehicle, and there should be no shortage of legroom between them. Furthermore, the seats are comfortable, if not flashy.
However, the sloped back roof means that the back seats have slightly less headspace, even compared to the smaller Model 3. Additionally, passengers cannot place their feet under the front seats. Though these quirks should pose no issue for the vast majority of riders, it’s probably a good idea for taller people to occupy the front seats.
Regarding cargo, the 26 cu-ft trunk, along with underfloor storage and a sizable front trunk (or “frunk”), should ensure that a traveling family won’t be desperate for space. However, if that is not enough for the lone traveler, they can take advantage of the hatchback design of the Model S, allowing the back seats to be lowered and increasing the cargo size to 60 cubic feet. Thus, the Model S is a good EV choice for people who want or need flexibility with cargo space.
When entering the 2020 Tesla Model S, nothing is more noticeable than the 17-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. This touchscreen is the primary hub of the car’s functions, which could be a blessing or a curse. Almost every command you can give the vehicle is in one place, which, while convenient, may overwhelm and distract some drivers.
In any case, there’s no denying the variety of practical and entertainment features this touchscreen allows. On the road, drivers can make use of functions such as climate control and autopilot functionality. With Premium Connectivity, riders can also enjoy features such as music and video streaming, internet browsing, and traffic updates. Netflix can also be enjoyed when the Model S is stationary, and anyone can use the built-in gaming system, which is visible from any seat.
The 2020 Tesla Model S has received good marks in crash testing, though its headlights leave something to be desired. However, one thing Tesla models are known for is their autopilot functionality. There are actually two versions of this. First, we have the standard automatic functions of the Model S. These include emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and cruise control. For an extra $7,000, you can add more automatic features, including merging, lane changing, and parking. It should be noted that these options still require the driver to be in control of the vehicle, which is why “autopilot” doesn’t mean “self-driving.”
The most recent addition to the lineup, the main selling point of the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus is, predictably, the improved range of 402 miles, which means that its battery lasts the longest without a recharge. Plus, its driver will pay less to recharge it over time. Standard features include the dual-motor layout providing AWD, the 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats, and LED headlights. This is the most affordable and economical option for the Model S.
If one is looking for the most powerful option, they will be drawn to the Performance. The main draw of this Model S trim is the incredible acceleration rate. If Ludicrous Mode is on, this version can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds! However, this trim pays for that feature by having the highest price tag at $90,000 and the lowest range at 348 miles. Even still, we imagine that many will happily pay that price just to experience what the Performance is capable of.
Tesla offers a couple of options for warranty. The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty lasts for 8 years and has no mile limit. Although this warranty is quite comprehensive, beware that neither option includes complimentary maintenance.
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The Tesla name speaks for itself. If you’re looking for an electric sedan with a range of entertainment options, state-of-the-art automatic features, and enough battery power to get you where you need to go, then you can’t go wrong with the 2020 Tesla Model S. To see what the future holds for the Tesla Model S, check out our preview of its latest update. If you’re not sure whether you want to buy an electric or hybrid car, be sure to read our comparison.