- Power
- 670 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- AWD
- Fuel
- Electric
- Seats
- 5
TeslaCarSedanModel S2012–present
The EV that changed everything, best bought as late and well-documented as budget allows.
- 🇺🇸 North America
- 🇪🇺 Europe
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇨🇳 China
- 🇦🇺 Australia & NZ
- Power
- 670 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- AWD
- Fuel
- Electric
- Seats
- 5
- Body
- Sedan
Overview
What this generation is, and who it suits.
The Tesla Model S is the car that made electric vehicles aspirational, a large liftback sedan launched in 2012 that combined long range, over-the-air updates and startling acceleration when rivals offered compliance cars. Uniquely, Tesla has never replaced it with a numbered new generation; instead the same fundamental car has been continuously updated, gaining all-wheel-drive Dual Motor versions, bigger batteries, a major 2016 facelift and the 2021 refresh that brought the Plaid tri-motor flagship and a redesigned interior.
Used examples therefore vary enormously by year. Early cars pioneered but can suffer ageing batteries, drive-unit replacements and touchscreen failures, while later refreshed cars are far more resolved. Charging access via the Supercharger network is a major ownership advantage in supported markets; in countries without official Tesla presence, service and parts require specialist independents and patience.
Pros & cons
What's good
- Genuinely historic EV with benchmark performance for its eras
- Continuous over-the-air improvement across its life
- Supercharger access transforms long-distance usability where available
- Plaid versions offer hypercar acceleration in a family sedan
What to watch
- Early cars face battery ageing and known component failures
- No official service network in many countries
- Build quality has historically trailed the German rivals
- Depreciation on older examples reflects battery uncertainty
Owner reviews
Written by people who have lived with this model.
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Trims & specs
One card per trim, with the spec spread across every year it was sold.
Frequently asked questions
Which Model S years are the safest used buy?
Later cars, particularly from the 2021 refresh onward, are the most resolved, with better batteries, interiors and reliability. Among earlier cars, well-documented post-facelift examples with healthy battery reports are preferable.
How long do Model S batteries last?
Fleet data suggests gradual capacity loss, with many high-mileage cars retaining a large majority of original range. However, out-of-warranty pack failure is expensive, so a battery health check before purchase is essential.
Can a Model S be maintained without a Tesla service centre?
Routine items like tyres, brakes and suspension are manageable for independents, and a specialist EV workshop scene has grown in many countries. Major battery or drive-unit work without official support is the real risk.
