Under the Tesla's floor lies a battery pack that yields a low center of gravity and evenly distributed weight from front to rear. U-Turn: Steering Wheel Returns on Tesla Model S, X.The ride comfort is good, handling is adroit, and it's confident and almost tranquil on the highway. Unfortunately, the available yoke-style steering wheel is poorly integrated and diminishes the driving experience a regular steering wheel is a no-cost option. Two different settings allow drivers to choose heavy or light steering effort, but neither of them enables more feedback from the road. The standard Model S has proven itself an agile sports sedan with well-controlled body motions and direct steering. The Plaid version boasts a third electric motor, which boosts combined output to 1020 horsepower-enough to send it to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds. Our 2020 Model S test vehicle delivered a blistering 2.4-second sprint to 60 mph and proved endlessly entertaining thanks to its immediate power delivery. The acceleration of the various models ranges from outstanding to unbelievable. With an electric motor dedicated to each of the front and rear axles, the Model S offers full-time all-wheel drive no matter which version you choose.

The ultra-high-performance Plaid model sounds compelling, but its nearly $138k starting price represents diminishing value-unless you absolutely must have a car with the quickness reminiscent of a Top Fuel dragster. We'd stick with the base model, which carries an estimated range of 405 miles per charge. Still, the 2023 Model S remains the brand's flagship, offering access to its most up-to-date software and Tesla's advanced-albeit somewhat dubious-AutoPilot hands-free driving mode. We think the Tesla's odd yoke-style steering wheel compromises the driving experience, too, but at least a regular wheel is once again available. The Model S also has a six-figure price tag that just doesn't jibe with its mid-luxe interior, especially compared with the Lucid and BMW's deluxe cabins. However, cutting-edge competitors such as the BMW i7 and Lucid Air have taken much of the Tesla's spotlight. Plus, the 1020-hp tri-motor Plaid performance model leaps to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds, which is as quick as a multimillion-dollar hypercar. After all, the Model S offers up to 405 miles of range on a single charge. While the 2023 Tesla Model S falls behind newly developed rivals with more over-the-top features and longer driving ranges, the sedan-like hatchback continues to be competitive.

The car that kickstarted the EV revolution is starting to show its age.

Tesla reviews