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Tesla Reveals Refreshed Model S Plaid: Production Starts In Q1 2021

Finally, Tesla has revealed the refreshed Model S. The Plaid+ version goes 520 miles on a charge.

2021 Tesla Model S Feature Image

Eric Loveday

By: Eric Loveday

Jan 27, 2021 at 4:25pm ET

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Tesla has just revealed the fully refreshed version of its Model S. It's new inside and out, and we have the first images here.

These images, as well as some details on the car, were just released by Tesla in its Q4 2020 earnings report.

Gallery: 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Refresh

2021 Tesla Model S Refresh

2021 Tesla Model S 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Refresh

Interior

The long-awaited refresh for the Model S has finally arrived, and we must admit that the interior is where most of the radical changes are seen. The refreshed Model S is more Model 3 and Model Y-like now in appearance, although the chopped off steering wheel is rather odd (though it may not be production-bound). It's cleaner-looking within, and the massive screen is now more in line with the rest of Tesla's newer offerings.

The rear of the Model S now contains a viewing screen, which is a welcome addition. The other changes within aren't so noticeable, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more images and additional details on the interior alterations.

Exterior

The exterior of the car looks much the same as some of the Plaid versions of the Model S that were spotted at the track testing recently. Basically, the outside looks a bit brawnier and sportier and more ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

Powertrain And Performance

Tesla says that Plaid will replace Performance, so we'll now see Model S Plaid offered as the fastest version of the S, and the Performance version will disappear.

On the performance side, Tesla notes that the Model S Plaid changes include a new powertrain, including battery modules, battery packs, and drive units. Tesla further notes that the Model S and Model X now incorporate motor technology similar to the Model 3 and Model Y and that this enables the Model S to perform high-speed runs over and over again.

Tesla says that the Plaid Model S will be able to spring from 0-60 MPH in just under 2 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 9.3 seconds, which makes it faster than a Bugatti Chiron.

Range, Specs, And Pricing

Tesla's design studio shows the Plaid and Plaid + versions of the Model S, and the + is hugely impressive. Take a look:

external_image

Plaid+ Specs

Quickest 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile acceleration of any production car ever
0-60 mph: <1.99s
1/4 mile: <9.0s
1,100+ horsepower
Three high-performance drive units
Carbon-sleeved rotors
Torque vectoring

Plaid Specs

0-60 mph: 1.99s
1,020 horsepower
Three high-performance drive units
Carbon-sleeved rotors
Torque vectoring

2021 Refresh Changes

Audio and Media

Premium 22-speaker audio with active noise canceling
Multi-device music and media over Bluetooth®
17” center display, 12.3” driver’s display, and 8” second-row display
Gaming computer with 10 teraflops of processing power
Wireless controller compatibility

Comfort

Heated seats for every passenger, heated steering, and heated windshield
Ventilated front seating
Tri-zone Airwave cabin conditioning
HEPA air filtration system
Custom driver profiles with automatic easy-entry and exit
Ambient lighting
Tinted glass roof
Ultraviolet and infrared protection on all glass

Convenience

Front center console with sliding cupholders and storage
Second-row stowable center armrest with integrated storage and wireless charging
Automatic opening and closing rear liftgate
Auto-dimming, power-folding, heated side mirrors
28 ft³ of cargo space and secure front trunk
Wireless and USB-C fast charging for every passenger
Location-aware automatic garage door opener
Phone Key

What do you think?

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Here are some of our first impressions of this refresh and Plaid/Plaid+ news.

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