Tesla’s Model S sedan changed the face of the electric vehicle (EV) market, and over 10 years later, it’s still relevant. The 2023 Tesla Model S now has a Long Range variant with over 400 miles of claimed range and a Plaid model that Tesla claims can hit 60 mph in less than 2.0 seconds. Moreover, U.S. News says that the Tesla EV has plenty of redeeming qualities, even though it’s eerily similar to the 2022 Tesla Model S.

U.S. News likes four things about the 2023 Tesla Model S

In addition to name recognition and a fiercely loyal subculture, the 2023 Tesla Model S has a few redeeming features: 

• Excellent electric range and MPGe 
• Snappy acceleration
• Well-balanced handling and good ride quality
• Lots of cargo volume

However, U.S. News didn’t like everything about the Tesla EV. Instead, they called out the Tesla’s poor interior quality relative to its price point. Moreover, U.S. News wasn’t pleased with its lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its infotainment system. Those functions are becoming ubiquitous in the modernizing auto industry. Finally, they pointed out that the yoke-style steering wheel “isn’t for everyone.” 

Which Model S has the longest range?

Tesla claims the 2023 Model S Long Range has an electric driving range of around 405 miles. The more powerful, faster Plaid trim drops that range to 396 miles. That puts it well ahead of competitors like the Audi e-tron GT’s 238-mile range. 

Moreover, U.S. News commends the Tesla sedan’s MPGe. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t have figures for the 2023 iteration, the 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range had around 124 MPGe in the city and 115 MPGe at highway speeds. Unsurprisingly, the figures drop for the Tesla’s Plaid trim, putting the launch-happy range-topper at around 119 MPGe city and 112 MPGe highway. 

Why is Tesla S so fast?

The 2023 Tesla Model S is fast due to its dual and tri-motor applications and immense torque, which hits all four tires instantly, unlike conventional super sedans that have to overcome costly power loss when transferring torque to the tires from the crankshaft. 

Moreover, the Plaid is one of the fastest EVs on the market. Tesla claims that, under ideal conditions, the Plaid will dispatch of a sprint to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. However, in Car and Driver’s testing, the best evaluators could coax out of the EV sedan was a 2.1-second run. That’s still faster than a track-prepped 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon on drag slicks and race fuel. 

Is the Tesla Model S fun to drive?

Despite its four-door sedan application and immense weight (around 4,766 lbs or more), the Tesla sedan has competent handling and comfortable ride quality. In fact, the “balanced” handling and ride is one of the attributes that U.S. News most liked about the Tesla EV sedan. 

How much can you fit in a 2023 Tesla Model S?

The Tesla Model S has a cargo volume of 28.4 cubic feet. That kind of storage capacity is much more accommodating than large, conventional sedans like the Dodge Charger and Lexus ES 350. 

Is Tesla going to change Model S design?

The Tesla Model S didn’t change very much from 2023 to 2022. In fact, all TrueCar has to say on the difference between the model years is that there are “few changes for 2023.” Still, the 2023 iteration benefits from the post-2019 inclusion of the standard 100-kWh battery architecture. 

As a result, the Telsa sedan will travel further than pre-2019 variations. For instance, the 2018 100D has a range of around 335 miles. Incidentally, U.S. News gave the 2018 Tesla Model S the number-one spot in its category and the last place in the 2023 segment. If anything, it’s an indication of the shifting industry and the fact that Tesla isn’t alone in the EV market anymore. 

What do you think of the latest Tesla sedan? Tell us in the comments below!