The 2025 Tesla Model S remains one of the most talked-about electric vehicles on the road, combining blistering acceleration, long driving range, and tech-heavy features. Below is a deep dive into its design, performance, pros & cons, and who it’s best suited for.
Exterior Design & Styling
The Model S keeps its distinctive sleek, low-slung silhouette. Its hatchback liftback layout and clean lines make it visually modern. Subtle tweaks for 2025 include updated wheels, improved aerodynamics, and minor styling touches, but the core design remains similar to recent years.
Tesla’s emphasis is less on flash and more on aerodynamic efficiency. The absence of a traditional grille, flush door handles, and smooth under-body all help reduce drag. Lighting is fully LED, providing a sharp, futuristic look front and back. The car also retains a panoramic glass roof which adds to the feeling of space and openness inside.

Performance & Powertrain
Two primary trims are available:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version:
This version uses dual electric motors producing about 670 horsepower. It’s capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.1 seconds. It delivers an impressive range of about 402 miles on a full charge under optimal conditions.
Plaid trim:
The Plaid edition steps things up significantly. With three motors, output jumps to around 1,020 horsepower. Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time of around 2.0 seconds, making this variant one of the fastest production sedans in the market. Range drops in this high-performance fit but remains respectable at around 348 miles in ideal conditions.
Both versions use a roughly 100 kWh battery pack and support high-power DC fast charging (up to 250 kW), meaning you can reach 80% charge in about 30 minutes at a compatible Supercharger. One trade-off: larger wheels reduce range and increase ride harshness, especially on rough roads.

Interior, Comfort & Practicality
Inside, the Model S leans heavily into minimalist, tech-focused design. There are few physical controls; most features operate via a central large touchscreen. The cabin is spacious, especially for front seat occupants, and visibility is good. Rear seat comfort is decent, though third-row seating is not offered.
Cargo capacity is generous for the class thanks to the liftback design. The rear seats fold, and there’s additional front trunk (“frunk”) storage space. While materials are mostly high quality, some rivals offer a more luxurious touch. On long highway drives, some users report minor build quality inconsistencies such as panel fit or small rattles.
Range, Efficiency & Charging
Range is one of the Model S’s strongest suits. For the non-Plaid version, more than 400 miles on a charge is possible under favorable conditions. The Plaid’s range is slightly lower but still excellent for its performance level.
Efficiency (MPGe) remains strong, with top-tier ratings for both city and highway driving. Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to give owners reliable access to fast charging, greatly reducing range anxiety.

Handling, Ride & Safety
The Model S delivers a balanced and confident ride. On regular roads, it’s smooth; on highways, it’s composed. Performance versions feel incredibly quick and responsive, with firm grip and precise steering. However, ride comfort may dip slightly on rough terrain or when using the performance tires.
Tesla includes numerous safety and driver-assist features such as Autopilot, collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Its safety record remains among the best in the electric luxury sedan category.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Exceptional acceleration and performance
- Class-leading electric range (non-Plaid)
- Spacious, high-tech cabin with generous cargo space
- Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network
- Excellent safety and driver-assist technology
Weaknesses
- High price, especially for Plaid models
- Interior finish less luxurious than some competitors
- Minimal physical controls may frustrate some drivers
- Build quality inconsistencies
- Ride comfort affected by large wheels
Who This Car Is For
The 2025 Tesla Model S is perfect for drivers who want a blend of performance, technology, and long-distance electric capability. It’s especially suitable for those who travel long distances frequently and need fast, reliable charging. However, if you value interior luxury or a traditional driving feel with tactile buttons, other high-end EVs may suit you better.

Verdict
Tesla has refined the Model S into a benchmark for electric luxury sedans. It continues to set the pace with unmatched performance, range, and software integration. While some competitors now challenge its luxury feel and price-to-value ratio, the 2025 Model S still represents the pinnacle of electric speed and endurance — a vehicle that proves the future of driving is both thrilling and sustainable.
References
- Kelley Blue Book — 2025 Tesla Model S: https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-s/2025/
- U.S. News — 2025 Tesla Model S (overview & reviews): https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/tesla/model-s
- Hot Rod — Tesla Model S (photos, specs, coverage): https://www.hotrod.com/cars/tesla/model-s/
- CarGurus — 2025 Tesla Model S: pricing, specs, release date: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/articles/2025-tesla-model-s-pricing-specs-release-date
- Edmunds — 2025 Tesla Model S specs & features: https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-s/2025/features-specs/