2024 Tesla Model S Review: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The 2024 Tesla Model S continues to be the epitome of what an electric sedan can achieve, blending innovative technology, luxurious comfort, and exceptional performance. Since its debut over a decade ago, the Tesla Model S has led the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, setting benchmarks that other electric cars strive to meet. This 2024 Tesla Model S review delves into how this model year upholds Tesla’s legacy and explores the features, performance, and specs that keep it at the forefront of the electric car market.

The Model S isn’t just another electric vehicle; it’s a testament to Tesla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. With every new model year, Tesla has refined and enhanced the Model S, ensuring it remains competitive in a rapidly growing market. As competitors like the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-Tron GT, and Mercedes EQS enter the fray, the 2024 Tesla Model S still stands tall, offering a blend of range, power, and technology that few can match.

Design and Exterior

The 2024 Tesla Model S maintains the sleek, aerodynamic design that has become synonymous with the brand. Tesla has refined the exterior to enhance both aesthetics and performance, ensuring that the new Tesla Model remains as striking as it is functional. The car’s minimalist and futuristic design is characterized by clean lines, a low-slung profile, and a distinct front fascia that has been updated for the 2024 Model year.

The refreshed front fascia, coupled with sleeker LED headlights, gives the Model S a more aggressive and contemporary look. These design updates are not just for show; they also improve the car’s aerodynamics, which in turn enhances its electric range. The aerodynamic efficiency of the 2024 Model S is a key factor in its ability to achieve impressive range figures, making it one of the longest-range electric vehicles (EVs) on the market.

Tesla offers a variety of new color options and wheel designs for the 2024 Model S, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle to better suit their tastes. These customization options further enhance the Model S’s appeal as a premium brand. The exterior design is both timeless and forward-thinking, ensuring that the Model S remains relevant in a market that is increasingly crowded with other EVs.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2024 Tesla Model S, passengers are greeted by an interior that reflects Tesla's commitment to luxury, technology, and comfort. The spacious cabin offers ample room for both front and rear seat passengers, making it an ideal choice for those who value interior space in their electric sedan. The minimalist design of the cabin is centered around the massive 17-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, controlling nearly all of the vehicle’s functions, from climate control to navigation.

Tesla has made significant improvements to the build quality of the 2024 Model S, using premium materials throughout the cabin. High-end leather and wood accents are used to create an atmosphere of luxury, while the overall build quality has been enhanced to address criticisms of previous Models. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, offering a range of adjustments to ensure that front-seat passengers can find their ideal seating position.

The rear seats are equally spacious, providing plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. These rear seats can also be folded flat to expand the cargo space, making the Model S a practical choice for those who need to carry larger items. The cargo space, which offers up to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats down, is one of the best in its class, making the Model S a versatile vehicle for both daily use and long trips.

One of the standout features of the interior is the heated steering wheel, which adds a touch of warmth and luxury, especially in colder climates. The steering wheel itself is designed for comfort and ease of use, with intuitive controls that allow the driver to focus on the road. The Model S also offers a spacious cabin that feels open and airy, thanks to its large windows and minimalist design. The overall interior space is generous, making the Model S an excellent choice for families or those who frequently travel with passengers.

The 2024 Model S also features advanced climate control, with a tri-zone system that allows the driver, front passenger, and rear seat passengers to set their own temperature preferences. This ensures that everyone in the vehicle remains comfortable, regardless of the weather outside. The climate control system is also designed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall comfort of the interior.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The 2024 Tesla Model S sets a new standard for performance in the electric sedan category. Available in two main configurations—Long Range and Plaid—the Model S offers a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. Tesla's electric motors deliver instant torque, providing a level of acceleration that few cars, electric or otherwise, can match.

Long Range Model

The Long Range Model of the 2024 Tesla Model S is designed for those who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing performance. This version is equipped with dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive, ensuring that the vehicle maintains traction and stability in all driving conditions. The Long Range Model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph.

What truly sets the Long Range Model apart, however, is its impressive electric range. With a maximum range of up to 405 miles on a single charge, it is one of the longest-range EVs available today. This makes the Long Range Model an excellent choice for long-distance travelers or those who want to minimize the frequency of charging stops.

Plaid Model

For those who demand the ultimate in performance, the Plaid version of the Model S is the pinnacle of Tesla engineering. The Plaid Model features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers an astonishing 1,020 horsepower. This allows the Plaid to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds, making it the fastest production car in the world. The top speed of 200 mph places the Plaid in a league of its own, rivaling some of the most exclusive supercars on the market.

The Plaid Model is not just about straight-line speed; it also offers exceptional handling and driving dynamics. Tesla’s adaptive air suspension system automatically adjusts the ride height and damping based on driving conditions, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Whether you're navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway, the Plaid Model provides a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

Tesla's focus on driving dynamics is evident in both versions of the 2024 Model S. The car’s low center of gravity, thanks to the placement of the battery pack, provides excellent stability and handling. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The regenerative braking system has been refined to offer smoother deceleration, while also recovering energy to extend the vehicle’s range.

The 2024 Model S also features an advanced all-wheel-drive system that optimizes power delivery to each wheel, ensuring maximum traction and stability. This system is particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, where maintaining control is crucial. The combination of Tesla's electric motors and all-wheel-drive system provides a level of performance that is unmatched in the electric sedan segment.

Adaptive Air Suspension and Ride Comfort

One of the key features that contribute to the Model S's ride comfort is the adaptive air suspension system. This system continuously adjusts the suspension settings based on driving conditions, ensuring that the ride remains smooth and comfortable. The adaptive air suspension also allows the driver to raise or lower the vehicle's ride height, which can be useful for navigating rough terrain or improving aerodynamics at higher speeds.

The ride comfort of the 2024 Model S is further enhanced by the vehicle’s quiet cabin. The electric motors operate almost silently, and Tesla has added additional sound insulation to reduce road noise. This creates a serene driving environment that is perfect for long journeys or daily commutes.

Technology and Autopilot

Tesla has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the 2024 Model S continues this tradition with a suite of cutting-edge features. The vehicle comes equipped with Tesla’s latest Autopilot system, which includes a range of driver assistance features designed to make driving safer and more convenient.

Tesla's Autopilot System

Standard on the 2024 Model S is Tesla's Autopilot system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These driver assistance systems use a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and assist the driver in various driving scenarios.

Adaptive cruise control is particularly useful on highways, as it automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This feature, combined with lane-keeping assist, reduces the strain of long-distance driving by helping the vehicle stay centered in its lane and maintain a consistent speed.

Automatic emergency braking is another critical safety feature included in the Autopilot system. This feature can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact. The system is capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, making it a valuable tool for enhancing safety in urban environments.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) Package

For those seeking even more advanced capabilities, Tesla offers the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package as an optional upgrade. This package includes additional features such as Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, and Autopark. These features enable the Model S to handle a greater number of driving tasks autonomously, reducing the driver's workload and enhancing convenience.

Navigate on Autopilot is particularly useful for highway driving, as it allows the car to automatically navigate from on-ramp to off-ramp, including making lane changes and taking exits. Auto Lane Change allows the vehicle to change lanes on its own, using the car’s sensors to ensure that the maneuver is safe before proceeding.

Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control is another advanced feature included in the FSD package. This system enables the Model S to recognize and respond to traffic lights and stop signs, automatically slowing down and stopping as needed. Once the light turns green or the road is clear, the vehicle will continue driving without requiring input from the driver.

Autopark is a convenient feature that allows the Model S to park itself in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The system uses sensors to detect nearby vehicles and obstacles, steering the car into the parking space with minimal input from the driver. This feature is especially useful in tight parking situations or for drivers who find parking challenging.

Over-the-air updates and Infotainment

One of the key advantages of owning a Tesla is the ability to receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These updates allow Tesla to continuously improve the performance and functionality of the Model S, even after it has been delivered to customers. The 2024 Model S benefits from this capability, with regular updates that introduce new features, improve existing ones, and fix any bugs or issues.

Tesla's 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system is at the heart of the Model S's technology suite. The system is highly responsive and easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to access the car's many features. The infotainment system supports a wide range of apps and services, including popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. This means that passengers can enjoy their favorite entertainment while on the go, whether it's watching a movie, listening to music, or catching up on the latest podcasts.

The infotainment system also includes built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, making it easy to find the fastest route to your destination. The system is integrated with Tesla's Supercharger network, allowing drivers to quickly locate the nearest charging station and monitor their vehicle's charging status in real time.

In addition to its entertainment capabilities, the infotainment system offers seamless smartphone integration through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connections. The Model S also includes a wireless charging pad for smartphones, ensuring that your devices stay powered up while you're on the road.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is a cornerstone of Tesla's design philosophy, and the 2024 Model S is no exception. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features that work together to protect both the driver and passengers.

Advanced Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on the 2024 Model S includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features use a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide real-time feedback to the driver. If a potential hazard is detected, the system can take corrective action to avoid or mitigate a collision.

Blind-spot monitoring is particularly useful when changing lanes, as it alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent accidents. Rear cross-traffic alert is another valuable safety feature, especially when reversing out of parking spaces. The system detects approaching vehicles from either side and provides warnings to the driver, reducing the risk of collisions.

The 2024 Model S also includes lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, which help to prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane changes. These features use cameras to detect lane markings and provide visual and audible alerts if the car begins to drift out of its lane. If necessary, the system can also make minor steering adjustments to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Crash Test Ratings and Build Quality

The 2024 Tesla Model S has performed exceptionally well in crash tests conducted by independent safety organizations. The car has received top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from IIHS.

These high safety ratings are a testament to Tesla's commitment to designing vehicles that excel in both crash avoidance and crash protection. The Model S's rigid structure, combined with its advanced safety features, provides a high level of protection for occupants in the event of a collision.

In terms of build quality, Tesla has made significant improvements with the 2024 Model S. The car's fit and finish have been refined, with tighter panel gaps, improved paint quality, and more premium materials used throughout the interior. Tesla has also focused on reducing cabin noise, adding additional sound insulation and double-glazed windows to create a quieter, more comfortable driving environment.

Reliability and Warranty

The 2024 Tesla Model S is designed to be a reliable and durable vehicle, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. Tesla's electric powertrain is one of the key factors contributing to the reliability of Model S. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, which have many moving parts that can wear out over time, the Model S's electric motors are simpler and require less maintenance. This results in fewer mechanical issues and a longer lifespan for the vehicle.

Tesla's battery technology is also highly reliable. The 2024 Model S is equipped with Tesla's latest 18650 lithium-ion battery cells, which offer a higher energy density and improved thermal management. This not only extends the car's range but also contributes to the longevity of the battery pack. Tesla offers an eight-year, unlimited-mile warranty on the battery and drive unit, providing peace of mind for owners.

In addition to its mechanical reliability, the Model S benefits from Tesla's over-the-air software updates, which help to address any software-related issues and keep the car running smoothly. These updates allow Tesla to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features without requiring a visit to a service center.

Maintenance and Cost of Ownership

One of the advantages of owning a Tesla is the reduced cost of maintenance compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. The Model S's electric powertrain requires less maintenance, with no need for oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, or other routine services. Tesla recommends a service inspection every 12,500 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, to check on the battery, drive unit, brake system, and other critical components.

In addition to lower maintenance costs, the Model S offers significant savings on fuel costs. The cost of electricity is generally lower than the cost of gasoline, and Tesla's Supercharger network offers competitive pricing for fast charging. For those who have access to home charging, the cost of "fueling" the Model S can be even lower, especially if charging is done during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

Tesla also offers a range of incentives and tax credits that can reduce the overall cost of ownership. These incentives vary by region but can include federal and state tax credits, rebates, and discounts on home charging equipment. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a Model S, making it a more affordable option for many buyers.

Practicality and Space

The 2024 Tesla Model S is as practical as it is luxurious, offering a spacious cabin and ample cargo space that make it an excellent choice for families, long-distance travelers, and those who need a versatile vehicle for everyday use.

Spacious Cabin and Cargo Space

One of the standout features of the 2024 Model S is its spacious cabin, which offers plenty of room for both front and rear seat passengers. The rear seats are particularly spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The cabin's minimalist design creates an open and airy feel, while the large windows provide excellent visibility and a sense of connection to the outside environment.

The cargo space in the Model S is among the best in its class, with up to 60 cubic feet of space available when the rear seats are folded down. This makes the Model S a practical choice for those who need to carry larger items, such as luggage, sports equipment, or home improvement supplies. The front trunk, or "frunk," provides additional storage space, ideal for smaller items or items that need to be kept separate from the main cargo area.

Family-Friendly Features

The 2024 Tesla Model S is an excellent choice for families, thanks to its spacious cabin, versatile seating, and range of family-friendly features. The car is equipped with Isofix anchor points for child seats, making it easy to install and secure car seats for young children. The rear seats are designed to accommodate a wide range of child seat sizes, ensuring that your little ones remain safe and comfortable.

The Model S also includes a tri-zone climate control system, which allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperature settings. This ensures that everyone in the vehicle remains comfortable, regardless of where they are sitting. The climate control system is designed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cabin, making it ideal for families with young children or those who are sensitive to changes in temperature.

Practicality for Everyday Use

The 2024 Tesla Model S is not just a high-performance vehicle; it is also highly practical for everyday use. The car’s electric powertrain offers smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for city driving and daily commutes. The instant torque provided by the electric motors makes the Model S responsive and agile, allowing you to navigate through traffic with ease.

The Model S is also equipped with a range of convenience features that make daily life easier. Keyless entry and start allow you to unlock and start the car without taking the key fob out of your pocket or bag. The hands-free power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload items from the trunk, even when your hands are full. The Model S also includes a wireless charging pad for smartphones, ensuring that your devices stay charged while you're on the go.

Tesla has also incorporated a range of driver-assistance features that make everyday driving safer and more convenient. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to reduce the stress of driving, making the Model S a practical choice for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

Pricing and Trims

The 2024 Tesla Model S is available in two main trims: the Long Range and the Plaid. Each trim offers a distinct combination of performance, features, and pricing, allowing buyers to choose the version that best suits their needs and budget.

Model S Long Range

The Long Range version of the 2024 Tesla Model S is the more affordable of the two trims, with a starting price of approximately $95,000. This trim is designed to offer a balance between performance and range, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize long-distance travel and efficiency.

Model S Plaid

For those who demand the ultimate in performance, the Plaid version of the 2024 Tesla Model S offers an unparalleled driving experience. The Plaid model is priced at approximately $115,000, reflecting its position as the high-performance flagship of the Model S lineup.

Comparison with Competitors

The 2024 Tesla Model S faces strong competition from a range of luxury electric sedans, each offering its own unique combination of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. However, the Model S remains a standout choice for those who prioritize range, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

The Model S offers the longest range of any electric sedan on the market, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel. It also offers the fastest acceleration of any production car, with the Plaid model setting new benchmarks for performance. In addition, the Model S benefits from Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, which provides fast and convenient charging across the globe.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Tesla Model S continues to be a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market. Its combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology makes it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a premium electric sedan. While the competition has certainly caught up in recent years, the Model S remains a top contender thanks to its impressive range, blistering acceleration, and unmatched Autopilot capabilities.

In conclusion, the 2024 Tesla Model S is a car that offers the best of both worlds: performance and practicality. It is a vehicle that is as comfortable on the highway as it is on the track, making it an excellent choice for those who want a car that can do it all. Whether you're a driving enthusiast, a tech-savvy buyer, or someone who simply wants a car that offers the latest in automotive innovation, the 2024 Tesla Model S is a vehicle that is sure to impress.