Tesla

Dual-Motor AWD

Plaid

Model S

The Tesla Model S sits at the top of Tesla's lineup as a large luxury electric sedan that has defined the segment since its 2012 debut. Reviewers consistently position it against the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes EQS, noting that it still leads on raw range and straight-line performance. The Dual-Motor AWD's 410-mile EPA rating remains one of the longest ranges of any EV on sale, while the Plaid's sub-2-second 0–60 time has become a benchmark that draws comparison to purpose-built supercars rather than family sedans.

Dual-Motor AWD delivers 410 miles of EPA-rated range, among the highest of any production EV and routinely praised by long-distance drivers on real-world road trips

Plaid tri-motor produces 1,020 hp and a verified 0–60 in 1.99 seconds, a figure Car and Driver and MotorTrend have independently confirmed puts it in supercar territory

Access to Tesla's Supercharger network — widely regarded as the most reliable and densely distributed DC fast-charging infrastructure in North America — reduces range anxiety meaningfully on cross-country trips

Over-the-air software updates have historically added features and performance improvements post-purchase, something Edmunds and InsideEVs note is still rare among legacy automakers

Cabin technology including the 17-inch horizontal touchscreen and available yoke steering attracts strong enthusiasm from tech-focused reviewers, though the minimalist approach also draws criticism

The yoke steering wheel, standard on both trims, has been consistently criticized by Car and Driver and MotorTrend for being awkward during low-speed maneuvering and parking, with no traditional round-wheel option offered at launch

Plaid's 359-mile EPA range is noticeably lower than the Dual-Motor's 410 miles, a trade-off buyers accept for the performance upgrade but one that narrows its real-world advantage over rivals like the Taycan Turbo S

Interior material quality and fit-and-finish have drawn mixed reviews relative to the $80,000-plus price point, with Edmunds and Consumer Reports noting that build consistency lags behind German competitors such as the Mercedes EQS

Tesla's service network and customer support have been flagged repeatedly in owner surveys and long-term tests as a weak point, with repair wait times and parts availability cited as frustrations at this price level

Model X

The Tesla Model X occupies a narrow niche as a high-performance, full-size electric SUV with seating for up to seven. Now in its refreshed second-generation form, it draws consistent praise from outlets like Car and Driver and MotorTrend for its falcon-wing rear doors and over-the-air software ecosystem, while reviewers repeatedly flag its steep pricing and polarizing minimalist interior. The Plaid trim's 1,020-hp tri-motor setup makes it one of the quickest three-row SUVs ever tested, a fact that tends to dominate first-drive coverage.

Plaid trim delivers a verified 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds, making it among the fastest production SUVs by that metric

Dual-Motor AWD trim offers 348 miles of EPA-rated range, competitive for a large three-row SUV

Falcon-wing rear doors provide genuinely easier third-row access in tight parking spaces, a distinction noted in Edmunds and MotorTrend long-term tests

Supercharger network access remains one of the most reliable DC fast-charging infrastructures in North America

Over-the-air updates regularly add or refine features, with reviewers noting meaningful improvements delivered post-purchase

Entry price of $84,990 for the base Dual-Motor trim positions it above most direct competitors, including the Rivian R1S and Mercedes EQS SUV at comparable configurations

The yoke steering wheel, standard on refreshed models, drew criticism from Car and Driver and InsideEVs testers for being awkward in low-speed and parking maneuvers

Plaid's performance comes with a range penalty, dropping to 326 miles EPA versus 348 miles in the less powerful Dual-Motor trim

Cabin quality and fit-and-finish have been flagged by Edmunds owner reviews as inconsistent relative to the vehicle's price point

	Tesla Model S	Tesla Model X
Body type	sedan	SUV
Trims	2	2
Starting price	$79,990	$84,990
Max EPA range	410 mi	348 mi
Max power	1,020 hp	1,020 hp
Quickest 0–60	2.0 s	2.5 s
Federal tax credit	Not eligible	Not eligible
Drive options	Dual-Motor AWD Tri-Motor AWD	Dual-Motor AWD Tri-Motor AWD
	Full Tesla Model S specs →	Full Tesla Model X specs →

Tesla Model S vs. Tesla Model X