Tesla’s Model S is arguably the most defining “look-at-us” moment since the electric carmaker was founded in 2003. It was launched in 2012 and marked a major shift in the automotive industry with its amazing performance, decent range, and semi-autonomous capabilities.
The Model 3 and Model Y have taken the spotlight, while the Cybertruck, Roadster 2.0, and Cybertruck are also newer models. As a result, the large sedan is now beginning to fade away. Any significant updates have been put on hold, and there is no sign that a complete redesign will be coming. Instead of wailing and moaning, let’s explore how a possible Model S replacement might look with this design study.
2025 Tesla Model S Redesign
This design proposal, unlike the current Franz von Holzhausen-designed Model S, takes inspiration from the wedge-period car design of the 1970s. The frontal styling is similar to the upcoming Tesla Roadster 2.0. It includes a shark-nosed fascia, vertical cut-outs for headlamps, and a nosecone inspired by Model 3.
This side profile is characterized by a prominent crease around the car, from front to rear. It creates a wedge aesthetic by dividing upper and lower surfaces and tapering the doors and fenders inward. The blacked-out lower windscreen pillars create a dynamic look, while the rest of the glasshouse is an evolution from the current model. The cabin would be a vast improvement in terms of aesthetics and materials without being as sparse as the Model 3’s. The rear styling is squared off and angular, with full-width LED taillamps and a lower diffuser.
Engine
Model S was available in a variety of variants including standard, long-range, and performance. Subsequent updates added Insanely and Ludicrous Plus performance modes that are still able to embarrass many supercars from the past and present. We’d also expect to see a single-motor RWD variant, dual-motors all-wheel-drive, and the tri-motor setup. This latter model paves the way for Tesla’s forthcoming ‘Plaid” performance model, which will see Spaceball acceleration numbers dip below 2 seconds for the 0-60 sprint (97km/h).
Tesla’s li-ion battery technology has been improved, which will help to increase the driving range. Rumors claim that Tesla is working on a battery that can last a million miles. This would help reduce the anxiety of long-term ownership, and battery replacement.
Model S still has a competitive edge when it comes to fast EVs. Porsche’s Taycan might be faster and more agile, but Tesla still has a longer range between charges. Audi’s upcoming e-tron GT is a rival, as are Mercedes-Benz EQS, Fisker EMotion, and the upcoming EQS from Mercedes-Benz.
What is the Model S’s driving style? This tri-motor sedan delivers a staggering amount of thrust and speed. Edmunds tested the Model S Plaid, which accelerated from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds. It also passed the quarter-mile mark at 150.8 mph in 9.4 seconds. Edmunds’ Model S Plaid is by far the fastest vehicle they have ever tested. It beats out the previous Model S Performance (2.9 and 11.1 respectively) and sports coupes like the Lamborghini Huracan Evo (2.8% and 10.8% respectively). The Model S is as easy to operate as a golf car, even though it has 1,020 horsepower.
Tesla claims that 0-60 mph can be achieved in only 1.99 seconds. The difference between our results and Tesla’s may be due to the surface of testing and how numbers are crunched. Our acceleration tests are done on regular pavement and not a drag strip. We also report acceleration without the drag-racing 1-foot rollout. If we used that calculation, our 0-60 mph test time would be reduced to 2.1 seconds.
The Plaid is less impressive in its ability to turn and stop. The brakes of our test vehicle began to fade as we slowed down after a few accelerations. It took us a long time to cool down the brakes and ensure they worked. We lack confidence in the Plaid’s braking hardware from a safety perspective.
Plaid’s steering is even more disappointing. It always feels light and has no connection with the road. The awkward steering yoke, which doesn’t appear to have any ergonomic purpose, makes it worse. Although the tri-motor system of the Plaid is supposed to provide rear-axle power vectoring, it feels more like a muscle car than a sports car. The handling is not natural, despite the summer tires’ excellent grip on the road.
Interior
How is the interior? It’s one of the few places where Tesla has regressed with the new Model S. By removing the traditional column stalks in favor of touch-sensitive buttons, simple daily actions have become more difficult. You have to temporarily take your eyes off the road to use the correct arrow buttons to change lanes. It’s a little easier for the 17-inch touchscreen to navigate compared to the Model S touchscreen. However, learning the menu structure can take some time.
The interior space and ease of entry/exit are good for a mid-size sedan. There is more interior space than the Porsche Taycan, the Model S’s closest electric competitor. There is plenty of headroom thanks to the all-glass roof. The toe space under the front seat is tight for those in the back. When you are sitting in the back, the floor is awkwardly high. The Model S has a good view, especially from the front. The Model S fastback hatch is a little easier to see out of.
Technology
How is the technology? Google Maps is one of the best navigation tools, but there are some issues. You’ll have either a map that is slow to refresh or none at all in areas with spotty services. Google Search in the Car is a great convenience. It also looks fantastic on the 17-inch touchscreen. The 22-speaker Plaid sound system can also be quite impressive and push out loud, yet rich sound throughout the cabin.
Tesla does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, even though these systems are widely used in the industry. Bluetooth only allows one phone to be connected at a given time. Other cars allow you to connect multiple devices. There are plenty of options to charge your devices with the four wireless chargers and four USB-C ports, as well as one USB-A.
Tesla’s Autopilot is the most well-known advanced driver assistance system. Autopilot works well in stop-and-go traffic and slow-moving traffic. However, it can be spooked by roads with unclear markings or parked cars. Tesla releases new features as beta versions, so you are the guinea pig. This approach is underdeveloped and feels half-baked.
Stores
How is the storage? It’s a hatchback. This means that there is a lot of cargo space in the rear, as well as a front trunk that you can easily access. The Model S has more cargo space than most rivals, whether they are EVs or not. Split rear seats can be folded flat to increase the amount of space. The storage space up front has been greatly improved over previous years. A variety of sliding and retracted compartments help organize your items.
There are no anti-tip cupholders and they don’t hold beverages very well. However, there are now door pockets that allow you to store other items than what is in the console. It is easy to get a car seat into and out of the vehicle. The doors are wide open, but the anchors appear to be hidden a bit deeper than normal. Installing a seat could be difficult due to the lack of headroom.
Range and Efficiency
What is the efficiency and range? The 2021 Model S Plaid that we tested had optional 21-inch wheels. This gave it an EPA estimated range of 348 miles and a consumption of 33 kWh/100 miles. Edmunds’ real-world range testing came in just a little bit short of EPA estimates.
We managed 345 miles with a single maximum battery charge and a slightly better consumption rate of 32.1%/100 miles. This is more range than any EV we have tested, except for the Model 3 long-range. The car’s performance is impressive, as is the electricity consumption. For example, the Porsche Taycan 4S that we tested had a consumption of 32.3 kWh/100 miles.
2025 Tesla Model S Release Date and Price
Tesla dropped the Model 3’s and Model Y’s prices by up to PS8,000 in January. The Cybertruck was spotted testing in California, near Tesla headquarters. You’re in the right place if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest Tesla news.