Tesla Model S Plaid: Everything You Need To Know

Introducing the Tesla Model S Plaid. You may have heard about it earlier this year as the rebirth of the original Model S. However, this latest release has us in awe. It perfectly emulsifies the current vision of Tesla and where it intends to go. Once again, with out-worldly features that make it more than just a car and more like an AI masterpiece. This summer, consumers can finally get their hands on the Plaid edition, the most one-of-a-kind Tesla ever made. At least in our opinion.

The big debut

Model S Plaid delivery event at our Fremont factory will be streamed live on June 10, 7pm Pacific pic.twitter.com/V7c77ySFti

— Tesla (@Tesla) June 7, 2021

It’s not every day you get to see a car debut as major as the Tesla Model S Plaid. On June 10th at 7pm, the revamped S was presented to the world with much applause. Viewers could live stream the event and see firsthand how the Model S of 2012, has gotten a 2021 overhaul, mostly on the interior construct.

Here are the features that make the Tesla Model S Plaid a real game changer

When the Model S first debuted nearly a decade ago, the Tesla brand was a new marvel to consumers. The electric vehicle market was taking its first baby steps into the automotive world. At that time, the majority of sustainable drivers were behind the wheels of hybrids and tiny compacts with low fuel economies. As luck would have it, the Tesla brand took off — leaving behind a trail of hybrids for a new world. One filled with electric-powered vehicles. And today, even EV trucks have caught on to the trend. 

The fact of the matter is Tesla has pushed the limits on electric production, and the Tesla Model S Plaid is just a reminder of how things can evolve for the better. We’ve compiled our favorite Tesla Model S Plaid features for car enthusiasts to gawk over. Once you get a glimpse of the inside, you’ll be holding yourself back from placing an order.

U-shaped butterfly steering wheel

There is no feature quite as unique as the U-shaped steering wheel in the Tesla Model S Plaid. Although spectators have already started to undermine its practicality or legality, the butterfly steering wheel has been in the works for awhile. With the unveiling of the Model S remodel, the U-shaped wheel has us excited for something completely new. It’s radical. It’s unusual. Nevertheless, who doesn’t want to jump behind the Model S Plaid wheel? 

So, is @Tesla's unconventional new steering yoke—which is the only steering "wheel" available in the #ModelS—any good or is it just a gimmick? https://t.co/6z1cc3sM2m

— motortrend (@MotorTrend) June 29, 2021

Longest range acceleration 

The Model S Plaid hit the ground running. Quite literally, it has earned its spot as having the longest range and quickest acceleration of any EV on the market. While driving the revamped Model S, drivers can go up to an estimated 390 miles (405 miles for the Long Range trim). Not to mention, 0 to 6mph in 1.99 seconds. Its performance quashes most of the highest ranked sedans on the road, reaching a peak power of 1020hp.

Refined interior

The Model S got a major upgrade in the second row. With enough seating for three adults, ample headroom and legroom, and integrated wireless charging, your passengers will feel at ease. Perhaps the best part of the second row is now you can game from any seat. We can’t forget to mention the 17″ display in the front. Your Tesla can truly convert to a mini movie theater with friends.

But what about the Tesla Model S Plaid safety?

The Tesla Model S Plaid comes standard with all the safety features we love about Tesla. That includes front-impact protection, side-impact protection and low rollover risk, and Automatic Emergency braking. However, as much as we love to obsess over Tesla innovation, the safety of these state-of-the-art machines always becomes a bit concerning when you hear the accident reports.

Just this week the latest Model S was entangled in a fiery accident that left a man trapped inside the EV luxury model. Until further investigation can be done, it’s hard to say what causes these accidents to unfold. Thankfully we have the NHTSA looking into it among other Tesla-related crashes in the last few years.

Furthermore, despite the recent accident, the Tesla Model S Plaid safety warrants more research and crash tests to determine if it is the safety meter on the road. In the meantime, we can’t deny it is one of the coolest remodels we’ve seen in awhile.

To learn more about the Tesla Model S Plaid, watch a short clip from the June 2021 reveal: