Tesla Model S Plaid Boasts 390 Miles of Range, $131,190 Price Tag

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Tesla has officially started to produce and deliver the new Model S Plaid sedan, one of the automaker's most highly-anticipated vehicles. As we expected, the new Plaid trim boasts some outrageous numbers and replaces the previously available Model S Plaid+. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the new Plaid's figures are so impressive, that the automaker canceled the Plaid+. Of course, big performance means a massive price tag.

A Serious Performer

The range-topping Model S Plaid starts at $131,190 with destination. The only major feature is Full Self-Driving Capability that costs $10,000. Even without the feature, the Plaid is a pricey car. That exorbitant price tag brings heavy-duty performance figures. Tesla claims the Plaid has 1,020 horsepower, a zero-to-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 9.23 seconds. These are hypercar figures.

Tesla claims the Plaid is the "quickest accelerating car in production today." If the 1.99-second run to 60 mph holds up, that will certainly be true. The sedan's impressive performance comes from a new carbon-sleeved, tri-motor configuration that allows for torque vectoring at the sedan's rear end. Tesla has also fitted the Plaid with a new heat pump that results in no degradation in continued performance runs – an issue that owners faced with the old Plaid models. In a straight line, the Plaid tops out at 200 mph, though you need to pick the right wheel and tire combination.

Beyond performance, the Plaid has an estimated range of 390 miles. That's well below the Long Range Model S' figure of 405 miles. To get 390 miles out of your Plaid, you'll have to go with the standard 19-inch wheels. Going with the available 21-inch wheels lowers the range to 348 miles.

New Components

The new heat pump that lets the Plaid do multiple zero to 60 mph runs without any degradation also helps with range. Tesla claims the component gives the sedan a 30 percent improvement in cold weather range. In winter conditions, the heat pump requires 50 percent less energy to heat the cabin. Musk claims that owners will "see very little degradation in cold weather," which is a major drawback to EV ownership.

On the inside, the Plaid benefits from the other changes that Tesla made to the Model S earlier this year. The sedan features a 17-inch horizontal touchscreen and a yoke-style steering wheel, while no longer coming with control stalks or a gear selector. Passengers in the back get an 8-inch touchscreen with the same functions as the large one in the front. Other standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, 22 audio speakers, three-zone climate control, and a glass roof.

Once again, pricing for the new Plaid trim starts at $131,190. Get the right features, and you'll end up paying $145,600 for the sedan. Despite its incredibly high price tag, the Plaid is an exciting vehicle. It also paves the way forward for an upcoming Plaid version of the Model X SUV.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods