2021 Tesla Model S in-depth review – has it had its day? | What Car?

Watch our 2021 Tesla Model S in-depth review to find out if this pioneering electric car with ludicrous acceleration is still the daddy – or has it had its day? You'll also find a link to our Model S vs Taycan group test.




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[menifo]

Great comprehensive review. Hope we get to see more of this presenter in the future!

[KraKra-Ah]

Model S by far the nicest car. When you see it on the road it is really impressive: Low, wide, big. Amazing design.

[rogerstarkey]

"when it was launched in 2012 it revolutionised electric cars..."
No.
It revolutionised *CARS*

[georgeholloway]

Every time I see an S on the street I just stare at it in awe, it's so beautiful!

[MrXtraconservative]

The S is clearly the nicest looking. The 3 is the most economical. The Y is the most practical. And the X is now almost obsolete.

[slartybartfarst]

Bought a Peal White Model S P85 back in 2014 and powdercoat blacked the wheels. 100, 000 miles later its still one hell of a fun drive and still looks current. Chuck mountain bikes in it and go. Head off 500 miles and its all free. What a machine. What tests dont get is the acceleration and responsive punch at any speed is addictive along with one pedal driving. Cant wait for Roadster.

[claytonroot]

Even after 8 years, the Model S is a gorgeous car and turns my head when I see one on the road. People/JOURNALISTS keep clamoring for an updated design. Why? I think Tesla has taken a great approach by UPDATING the technology and performance whilst leaving the looks basically alone. If it AIN"T BROKE, don't fix it! How many years did Volkswagen successfully produce the Beetle whilst continually improving it? Ditto for the Dodge Caravan minivan which hasn't had even a styling refresh for 9 years. Yet it still had it's BEST sales year in 2018 since 2004 in a market which is supposedly totally dead. People don't buy minivans for style. They buy them for functionality and the Dodge Caravan is an unbeatable example for ultimate utility. Sadly, it has finally reached the end of it's journey due to regulatory issues which it can no longer meet without massive investment. Instead, FCA has created a "dumbed down version" of their Pacifica Minivan which has NEVER sold well because it's just too damned expensive for mass market minivan buyers.

[Mr-Curious]

The fact that Tesla's are being reviewed on all these regular car channels says loud anD clear that Tesla is here to stay. They are in. The hardest part of their journey has passed.

[markrozee]

It is gorgeous. Far more beautiful than 3 or y.

[lambosuperl]

Although the Model 3 is definitely a more sensible buy, if I had the money, I’d take the S. I’ve tried both of them, and the feeling you get when driving the Model S is just so much better than the 3. Feels less like sitting in a laptop, and more like in a spacious living room 👌🏼

[andyuk]

every day i drive this car is a joy. Economically it makes more sense to buy a 3/Y, but the S is phenomenally fast, an absolute beauty to look at (unlike the other models tbh), munches the miles in comfort on long journeys and still exceptionally fun on twisty B roads. It also has an immense amount of cargo space to carry stuff. It's practical AF and also great fun to drive. It's definitely wide for UK roads but you get used to it v. quickly - I've taken it down loads of narrow roads in cities and country lanes - including squeezing it through tiny roads in Cornwall - without issue.

[lavernesmith]

OMG, at present age of 90, I got to drive a Tesla 100S for almost an hour. Most incredible car ever. I drive an Audi turbo which is like a slug compared to the Tesla. Beautiful, comfortable. This car has been on my bucket list for several years, and now I can say I got to drive it. Fantastic response, something I've never experienced, even at theme parks. Loved every minute in it!!

[nickregnier]

I thought I had seen such review time and time again but I must say that your review is way more detailed (and keeping it simple), there are lots of information you gave in this review that I did not know! I think this is the kind of review we all have been missing for a while!! Well done.

[akuapiatas]

I have had 3 model S's since 2012 and absolutely have enjoyed the motoring experience they all have given me. I currently have the Model X and it would be nice to have the seats from the S in it instead of the seats it has but all in all I'm happy

[sheldonv]

Bought my blue MS 70D during lockdown. . Definitely the best car I've ever owned . . Love it and don't find it too big and it's plenty agile enough. Never get bored of red traffic lights .

[DwainDwight]

I'm a born & raised petrol head, I'll be honest, I think this is the best car on the planet. I shall await the Tesla revamp of this model, then order one. I have driven the 2019 version, . a truly ground-breaking car. also I never use door pockets. glad Tesla removed them.

[ralphhofmeier]

Great review, Thank you!! I drove long time AMG but don’t miss them at all! The Model S is incredible fast like nothing else, very good on my long range tours trough Europe and fun pur! The white seats are still white after two years, the quality is excellent, had one small repair and the service team in Hamburg is great! I just ordered an Cyber Truck and will get this summer an X. What can I say, Advantage from Technology, The Best or Nothing ultimative driving machine, Tesla!

[nottinghamboii]

Range is now over 400miles on the model s

[raffeal]

The Model S is the best looking to me. I am just now starting my research on the Tesla's.

[jonathanmeazza]

This review is already out of date, 401 miles range now.