U.S. News & World Report compiled a list of the fastest cars of 2022. The likes of BMW, Chevrolet, Porsche, and Audi were all represented on the list. However, the top spot for 2022 goes to the Tesla Model S Plaid. Here’s why the EV powerhouse took the top spot:

How fast is the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid?

U.S. News picked the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid as the fastest car of 2022 for a good reason. The top Model S trim benefits from an upgraded battery system and additional motor. The result? More than 1,000-horsepower (1,020 to be exact) compared to 670 on the base Model S. There’s also 1,050 lb-ft of torque.

With that power, it’s not too surprising the Model S Plaid goes from 0 to 60 in 1.98 seconds in its fastest mode. That’s faster than anything from sports car brands like Porsche and Lamborghini and second only to the Koenigsegg Gemera as the fastest production car in the world. Not bad for a car trim that’s a reference to a 1987 cult classic movie.

The Model S Plaid runs on three electric motors: one by each rear axle and one at the front by the right wheel. It is possible it could go even faster with room for another electric motor. However, Tesla opted for a tri-motor setup instead of a quad-motor setup because it’s more efficient and less costly.

How does the world’s quickest EV drive?

U.S. News reviewers acknowledge that the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid is a powerful EV. It’s one of the fastest cars globally, and that power’s sent out through all-wheel drive. That makes it enjoyable and quick in the corners, as the suspension keeps you stable. However, the brakes may need time to cool down after aggressive driving.

If you’re having fun with all that power, you won’t have to worry about charging often. The EV’s driving range is estimated at 396 miles with the standard 19-inch wheels. Bumping the wheels up to 21 inches puts the range a bit short of 350 miles, according to Edmunds. Recharging time depends on which method you use but is no worse than 10 hours for a full charge.

What features are included on a 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid?

The 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid comes with a full suite of safety systems as part of the Autopilot system. Front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, lane-keeping systems, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation are all standard. 

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode is also available on the Model S Plaid. That means you can change lines simply by signaling, and you can use the “Summon” feature, which enables the car to drive to you in a parking lot.

Inside the car, the Model S Plaid is made for relaxing. Both rows of seats are heated, the sound system includes 22 speakers, wireless charging pads are in the front and rear, the car acts as a WiFi hotspot, and there’s a second-row display for passengers in the back.

You can also play a host of arcade games on the large main infotainment screen and use the steering wheel as a controller. You can stream Netflix or Youtube or enjoy camping mode in which the features like lights and air conditioning can stay on until the car reaches 20% battery life. 

How much is a Model S Plaid?

Most estimates put the typical cost for a 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid at around $131,000. That’s in the same range as other electric luxury competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Air. However, neither of those can come anywhere close to the power (and therefore fast speed) of a Model S Plaid; the EQS tops out at 516 horsepower, and the Air gives you 480 hp.

Other competitors like the Porsche Taycan may have a better interior at a lower price. Still, again, they can’t come close to the Model S Plaid in terms of power or range.

Is the fastest car of 2022 a fit for you?

If you’re looking for one of the fastest cars in the world over anything else, the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid is the way to go. The only car that goes 0 to 60 mph faster is the Koenigsegg Gemera, which costs around $1.7 million. The Model S Plaid is worth the cost for speed and range. However, if you’re looking for a fast electric vehicle at a lower price or a more luxurious setting, other models could be a better fit.