Tesla Model S specifications and photos
The 2021 Tesla Model S represents a major update to the pioneering electric liftback. Introduced with a completely overhauled interior and significant powertrain upgrades, it remains a flagship model in the EV market. Notable additions for this generation include the high-performance Plaid trim and a distinctive yoke-style steering wheel.
Tesla Model S at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Announced in early 2021, this extensive facelift marks one of the most substantial revisions to the Model S since its debut. While the exterior retains its familiar liftback silhouette, Tesla removed the exterior chrome trim in favor of black accents on the door handles, window surrounds, and mirrors. The front bumper was redesigned, eliminating the traditional fog lights and contributing to an impressive 0.208 drag coefficient. Inside, the cabin architecture was completely reimagined, moving away from a vertical screen layout to a more horizontal focus. Buyers looking at the 2021 model will find a vehicle that focuses heavily on aerodynamic efficiency, extreme acceleration, and minimalist, tech-forward interior design.
- Power: 670-1020 hp
- Transmissions: single-speed reduction gear
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Tesla Model S
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2021 generation.
Tesla Model S overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
The 2021 Model S exterior focuses on aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.208. The most noticeable visual change for this model year is the 'chrome delete,' replacing shiny exterior accents with black finishes on the door handles, mirrors, and trunk trim. The front bumper features a cleaner design without traditional fog lights, while the familiar headlamp and taillight shapes remain intact. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, with larger 21-inch wheels available as an option that slightly impacts overall driving range. A tinted panoramic roof is standard across the lineup.
Interior
Tesla completely redesigned the Model S cabin for 2021. The centerpiece is a horizontal 17-inch touchscreen with a 2200x1300 resolution, replacing the previous vertical setup. Traditional steering wheels were replaced by a 'yoke' design, and conventional gear stalks were removed entirely, with the car using sensors to predict the desired direction of travel. Traditional air vents are hidden, with tri-zone climate controls managed directly through the display. Rear passengers gain an 8-inch touchscreen, increased legroom, USB-C ports, and a fold-down armrest with wireless charging. The cabin features Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a 22-speaker, 960-watt premium audio system.
Performance
Performance is a defining trait of the 2021 Model S, divided into Long Range and Plaid trims. The Long Range utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing around 670 horsepower, capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The Plaid trim introduces a tri-motor configuration with torque vectoring on the rear axle, delivering over 1,000 horsepower. This enables a 0-60 mph sprint in just under two seconds and a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) when equipped with specific factory tires. Both models feature adaptive air suspension and can recover up to 200 miles (322 km) of range in 15 minutes via Supercharging.
Practicality
Despite its focus on performance, the Model S remains a highly practical five-door liftback. The long 116-inch (2946 mm) wheelbase provides a spacious cabin for up to five occupants. Cargo capacity is generous thanks to the liftback design, offering 793 liters of space, complemented by a front trunk (frunk) for additional storage. With all-wheel drive standard across both trims and an adjustable air suspension, it is well-suited for various weather conditions and daily driving scenarios.
Safety and tech
The 2021 Model S features Tesla's Basic Autopilot system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional Full Self-Driving upgrades add features like automated parking and Smart Summon. Inside, the infotainment system is powered by hardware comparable to modern gaming consoles, allowing passengers to stream video or play games. The vehicle relies heavily on an array of external cameras and sensors, not only for driver assistance but also for automated gear selection.
Buyer notes
When comparing 2021 Model S options, the primary decision is between the dual-motor Long Range and the tri-motor Plaid. The Long Range offers the suitable balance of price, range, and everyday usability, while the Plaid caters to those seeking extreme acceleration. Buyers should note the unconventional yoke steering wheel and stalkless shifting, which require an adjustment period. Be aware that upgrading to the 21-inch wheels will reduce the maximum estimated driving range.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range (670 hp) 4x4 | - | 670 hp | 5 | single-speed reduction gear |
| Plaid (1020 hp) 4x4 | - | 1020 hp | 5 | single-speed reduction gear |
| Longe Range | - | 670 hp | 5 | single-speed reduction gear |
| Plaid | - | 1020 hp | 5 | single-speed reduction gear |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Tesla Model S photo gallery
20 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Tesla Model S
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
Long Range (670 hp) 4x4 22 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Top speed, km/h | 250 |
|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 3.2 |
Engine
| Engine | Long Range |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Electric |
| Power, hp | 670 |
| Number of electric motors | 2 |
| EV mode | + |
| Plug-in charging support | + |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5021 |
| Width, mm | 1981 |
| Height, mm | 1397 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2946 |
| Front track, mm | 1676 |
| Rear track, mm | 1676 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2069 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.2 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 793 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | single-speed reduction gear |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Automatic transmission | + |
Plaid (1020 hp) 4x4 21 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Top speed, km/h | 322 |
|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 2.1 |
Engine
| Engine | Plaid |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Electric |
| Power, hp | 1020 |
| Number of electric motors | 3 |
| Plug-in charging support | + |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5021 |
| Width, mm | 1981 |
| Height, mm | 1397 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2946 |
| Front track, mm | 1676 |
| Rear track, mm | 1676 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2069 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.2 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 793 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | single-speed reduction gear |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Automatic transmission | + |
Longe Range 90 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Top speed, km/h | 250 |
|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 3.2 |
Engine
| Engine | Long Range |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Electric |
| Power, hp | 670 |
| Number of electric motors | 2 |
| EV mode | + |
| Plug-in charging support | + |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5021 |
| Width, mm | 1981 |
| Height, mm | 1397 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2946 |
| Front track, mm | 1676 |
| Rear track, mm | 1676 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2069 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.2 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 793 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | single-speed reduction gear |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Automatic transmission | + |
Suspension
| Front suspension type | Double wishbone with anti-roll bar |
|---|---|
| Rear suspension type | Independent air suspension with anti-roll bar |
Brake system
| Front brakes | Ventilated disc |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Ventilated disc |
Steering
| Power steering | Electric power steering |
|---|
Equipment
Exterior
| Rear spoiler | + |
|---|
Comfort
| Cruise control | + |
|---|---|
| Tire pressure monitoring | + |
| Start/Stop engine button | + |
| Multifunction steering wheel | + |
| Keyless entry and start | + |
| Remote engine start | + |
| Steering wheel position memory | + |
Interior
| Trip computer | + |
|---|---|
| Leather-trimmed interior elements | + |
| Wood interior trim | + |
| Nappa leather seat upholstery | + |
Climate and sound insulation
| Heated front seats | + |
|---|---|
| Heated rear seats | + |
| Ventilated front seats | + |
| Heated steering wheel | + |
| Ventilated rear seats | + |
| Three-zone climate control | + |
Off-road
| Hill descent control | + |
|---|---|
| Hill-start assist | + |
Seats
| Power front seats | + |
|---|---|
| Child seat anchors (LATCH/Isofix) | + |
| Seat memory | + |
Headlights and lighting
| Xenon headlights | + |
|---|---|
| Front fog lights | + |
| Light sensor | + |
| Headlight leveling | + |
Multimedia and instruments
| Bluetooth hands-free | + |
|---|---|
| CD player | + |
| Subwoofer | + |
| Navigation system | + |
| Audio system | Premium Surround system |
| Rear passenger TFT display | + |
| AUX input | + |
| USB | + |
| Number of speakers | 22 |
Trunk
| Power tailgate | + |
|---|
Glass, mirrors and sunroof
| Rain sensor | + |
|---|---|
| Heated side mirrors | + |
| Heated rear window | + |
| Front power windows | + |
| Rear power windows | + |
| Panoramic roof | + |
| Power sunroof | + |
| Power-adjustable side mirrors | + |
Visibility and parking
| Rear-view camera | + |
|---|---|
| Front parking sensors | + |
| Rear parking sensors | + |
| Front view camera | + |
Security
Electronic systems
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | + |
|---|---|
| Electronic stability control | + |
| Traction control | + |
| Vehicle stability control | + |
| Collision mitigation braking system | + |
| Attention Assist driver fatigue monitoring | + |
| Blind spot monitoring | + |
Anti-theft systems
| Remote central locking | + |
|---|---|
| Immobilizer | + |
| Alarm system | + |
Airbags
| Driver airbag | + |
|---|---|
| Passenger airbag | + |
| Side airbags | + |
| Curtain airbags | + |
Plaid 89 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Top speed, km/h | 322 |
|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 2.1 |
Engine
| Engine | Plaid |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Electric |
| Power, hp | 1020 |
| Number of electric motors | 3 |
| Plug-in charging support | + |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5021 |
| Width, mm | 1981 |
| Height, mm | 1397 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2946 |
| Front track, mm | 1676 |
| Rear track, mm | 1676 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2069 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.2 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 793 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | single-speed reduction gear |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Automatic transmission | + |
Suspension
| Front suspension type | Double wishbone with anti-roll bar |
|---|---|
| Rear suspension type | Independent air suspension with anti-roll bar |
Brake system
| Front brakes | Ventilated disc |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Ventilated disc |
Steering
| Power steering | Electric power steering |
|---|
Equipment
Exterior
| Rear spoiler | + |
|---|
Comfort
| Cruise control | + |
|---|---|
| Tire pressure monitoring | + |
| Start/Stop engine button | + |
| Multifunction steering wheel | + |
| Keyless entry and start | + |
| Remote engine start | + |
| Steering wheel position memory | + |
Interior
| Trip computer | + |
|---|---|
| Leather-trimmed interior elements | + |
| Wood interior trim | + |
| Nappa leather seat upholstery | + |
Climate and sound insulation
| Heated front seats | + |
|---|---|
| Heated rear seats | + |
| Ventilated front seats | + |
| Heated steering wheel | + |
| Ventilated rear seats | + |
| Three-zone climate control | + |
Off-road
| Hill descent control | + |
|---|---|
| Hill-start assist | + |
Seats
| Power front seats | + |
|---|---|
| Child seat anchors (LATCH/Isofix) | + |
| Seat memory | + |
Headlights and lighting
| Xenon headlights | + |
|---|---|
| Front fog lights | + |
| Light sensor | + |
| Headlight leveling | + |
Multimedia and instruments
| Bluetooth hands-free | + |
|---|---|
| CD player | + |
| Subwoofer | + |
| Navigation system | + |
| Audio system | Premium Surround system |
| Rear passenger TFT display | + |
| AUX input | + |
| USB | + |
| Number of speakers | 22 |
Trunk
| Power tailgate | + |
|---|
Glass, mirrors and sunroof
| Rain sensor | + |
|---|---|
| Heated side mirrors | + |
| Heated rear window | + |
| Front power windows | + |
| Rear power windows | + |
| Panoramic roof | + |
| Power sunroof | + |
| Power-adjustable side mirrors | + |
Visibility and parking
| Rear-view camera | + |
|---|---|
| Front parking sensors | + |
| Rear parking sensors | + |
| Front view camera | + |
Security
Electronic systems
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | + |
|---|---|
| Electronic stability control | + |
| Traction control | + |
| Vehicle stability control | + |
| Collision mitigation braking system | + |
| Attention Assist driver fatigue monitoring | + |
| Blind spot monitoring | + |
Anti-theft systems
| Remote central locking | + |
|---|---|
| Immobilizer | + |
| Alarm system | + |
Airbags
| Driver airbag | + |
|---|---|
| Passenger airbag | + |
| Side airbags | + |
| Curtain airbags | + |
Tesla Model S questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What are the trims for the 2021 Tesla Model S?
The 2021 Model S is available in two main trims: the dual-motor Long Range and the high-performance tri-motor Plaid. Both versions come standard with all-wheel drive.
What is the difference in horsepower between the Long Range and Plaid?
The Long Range produces approximately 670 horsepower from its dual motors, while the Plaid generates over 1,000 horsepower using a tri-motor setup.
Does the 2021 Model S have a normal steering wheel?
The 2021 facelift introduced a controversial 'yoke' steering design in place of a traditional round wheel. It also removed the physical gear selector stalks behind the wheel.
How much cargo space does the Model S have?
The Model S offers a very practical 793 liters of rear cargo space, accessed via a wide-opening liftback hatch. It also includes an additional storage compartment under the hood, known as a frunk.
Is the suspension adjustable?
Yes, both the Long Range and Plaid models come standard with an adaptive air suspension system that can automatically adjust ride height based on speed and road conditions.