Home Model S Comparison for 2021

Model S Comparison for 2021

Comparisons of the 2024 LR/Plaid with the 2020 prior generation Model S.  All information is for the USA market. (Dec-2023)

The Model S LR and Plaid started production in June 2021. The 2021 Model S LR+ and Performance variants ended production in December 2020.  

Model S LR
Model S Plaid
Model S LR+
Model S Performance

Specifications

Item
Model S
LR
Model S
Plaid
Model S
LR+
Model S
Performance
Model Year
2024
2024
2020-2021
2020-2021
Code Name
Palladium
Palladium
EPA Range
405 mi
359 mi
402 mi
387 mi
EPA MPGe Combined
120
116
117
110
EPA Efficiency
28 kWh/100 mi
31 kWh/100 mi
29 kWh/100 mi
31 kWh/100 mi
Battery Energy
100 kWh
100 kWh
100 kWh
100 kWh
Battery Usable
95 kWh
95 kWh
95 kWh
95 kWh
Battery Software Unlocked
Battery Main Cell Style
18650
18650
18650
18650
Battery Main Cell Type
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
Battery Main Chemistry
NCA
NCA
NCA
NCA
Battery Main Cell Vendor
Tesla/Panasonic
Tesla/Panasonic
Tesla/Panasonic
Tesla/Panasonic
High-Voltage Architecture
450 V
450 V
400 V
400 V
Battery 12V Type
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
AGM Lead Acid
AGM Lead Acid
Low-Voltage Architecture
16 V
16 V
12 V
12 V
Charging Rate, DC Max
250 kW
250 kW
250 kW
250 kW
Charging Rate DC Alternate
150 kW
150 kW
150 kW
150 kW
Charging Speed, DC Alternate
536 mi/hour
484 mi/hour
517 mi/hour
484 mi/hour
Charging Rate, AC
11.5 kW
11.5 kW
11.5 kW
11.5 kW
Charging Systems
Tesla, NACS
Tesla, NACS
Tesla, NACS
Tesla, NACS
Charging Systems, Optional
CHAdeMO, CCS
CHAdeMO, CCS
CHAdeMO, CCS
CHAdeMO, CCS
Maximum Speed
155 mph
200 mph
155 mph
163 mph
0 to 60 mph
3.1 sec
1.99 sec
3.7 sec
2.3 sec
Paint Colors
5
5
5
5
Peak Power
670 hp
1,020 hp
557 hp
778 hp
Cd
.208
.208
.23
.23
Maximum Regen
50 kW
80 kW*
50 kW
50 kW
Cargo Space
64.6 cu. ft.
64.6 cu. ft.
60.2 cu. ft.
60.2 cu. ft.
Vehicle Width, with mirrors
86.2 in.
86.2 in.
86.2 in.
86.2 in.
Vehicle Width, folded mirrors
78.2 in.
78.2 in.
77.3 in.
77.3 in.
Vehicle Width, excluding mirrors
78.2 in.
78.2 in.
77.3 in.
77.3 in.
Vehicle Length
198 in.
198 in.
196 in.
196 in.
Vehicle Height Normal
56.3 in.
56.3 in.
56.9 in.
56.9 in.
Ground Clearance Maximum
6.2 in.
6.2 in.
6.3 in.
6.3 in.
Turning Radius
245 in.
245 in.
245 in.
245 in.
Towing Capability
0 lbs.
0 lbs.
0 lbs.
0 lbs.
Seats (standard/optional)
5
5
5
5
Warranty - General
4 year/50 k mi
4 year/50 k mi
4 year/50 k mi
4 year/50 k mi
Warranty - Restraint Systems
5 year/60 k mi
5 year/60 k mi
5 year/60 k mi
5 year/60 k mi
Warranty - Drive unit and Battery
8 year/150 k mi
8 year/150 k mi
8 year/150 k mi
8 year/150 k mi
Weight, Curb
4,560 lbs.
4,776 lbs.
4,883 lbs.
4,941 lbs.
Payload
827 lbs.
827 lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
Date when Info Collected
17-Jan-2024
17-Jan-2024
22-Jan-22
22-Jan-22
   * estimated or unconfirmed.

Prices and Options

Vehicle options can mostly be purchased with the vehicle but some options are also available after the vehicle purchase.  Options and pricing can change, so consult the Tesla order page for the most current information.

Feature Differences

This is a list of feature differences, where one vehicle offers something different than another. 

Item
Model S
LR
Model S
Plaid
Model S
LR+
Model S
Performance
Acoustic Glass
Active Noise Canceling
Adjustable Regen Braking
Air Quality Monitoring
Audio - Subwoofer Volume
Audio Power
960 W
960 W
560 W
560 W
Audio Speakers, cabin
22
22
12
12
Auto Shift
Autopilot Computer
HW4
HW4
HW3
HW3
Camera Resolution
5.0 MP
5.0 MP
1.2 MP
1.2 MP
Carbon Fiber Decor
Chrome Delete
Climate Zones
3
3
2
2
Coat Hooks
Cupholders
4
4
6
6
Display Computer
MCUZ
MCUZ
MCU2
MCU2
Display Orientation, Center
Landscape
Landscape
Portrait
Portrait
Display Tilt
Displays Area, Combined
206 sq. in.
206 sq. in.
180 sq. in.
180 sq. in.
Door Pockets
Drag Strip Mode
Dual-Band FOB
optional
optional
Electronic fold-flat releases
Electronic Fuses
Enhanced Anti-Theft
optional
optional
Enhanced Battery Cooling
G-Meter
Handling Balance
Heat Pump
High Performance Gaming Processor
Higher Thermal Brake Calipers
Interior Camera
Lap Timer
Matrix Headlights
Mobile Charging Cable
optional
optional
included
included
Motors - Carbon-sleeved Rotors
Motors - Traction
2
3
2
2
Multiple Bluetooth Device Support
No-Fade Performance
Parking Sensors Type
Camera
Camera
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Rear Seat Fold-Down Center Armrest
Rear Turn lights - Amber
Seats - Auto Heat/Cool
Seats - Cooled Front
Seats - Perforated
Seats - Rear Electronic Release
Speed per inch of riide height change
5 sec
5 sec
6 sec
6 sec
Stability Assistance
Steering Wheel Selection Controls
16
16
11
11
Steering Wheel Stalks
0
0
4
4
Steering Wheel, Racing Inspired Option
Tesla Arcade - Rear
Tires, Advanced
Torque Vectoring
Unlock - via FOB
optional
optional
Unlock - via Keycard
Unlock - via Phone
USB Charge Ports
5
5
4
4
USB Charging Speed
Fast
Fast
Normal
Normal
USB Type
USB-C
USB-C
USB-A
USB-A
USB Version
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
Vehicle Temperature Status
Ventilation Control, Front
Touch
Touch
Manual
Manual
Ventilation control, Rear
Electronic
Electronic
Manual
Manual
Video and Telemetry Logging
Video on 2nd Row Display, when Driving
Wireless phone charging
4
4
0
0

Item
Model S
LR
Model S
Plaid
Model S
LR+
Model S
Performance
Enhanced Auto-Theft
Included
Included
$350
$350
Full Self-Driving
$12,000
$12,000
$12,000
$12,000
Homelink
Included
Included
Included
Included
Interior Color White or Cream
$2,000
$2,000
$1,500
$1,500
Mobile Charging Cable
$230
$230
Included
Included
Paint - Black
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Paint - Blue
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Paint - Grey
0
0
Paint - Pearl White
$1,500
$1,500
0
0
Paint - Red
$2,500
$2,500
$2,500
$2,500
Paint - Stealth Grey
0
0
Paint - Ultra Red
$2,500
$2,500
Seats - 7
Not Available
Not Available
Wheels - Low-Profile
$4,500
$4,500
$4,500
$4,500
Yoke Steering Wheel
$250
$250
EVERY OPTION TOTAL**
$23,980
$23,980
$20,850
$20,850

Item
Model S
LR
Model S
Plaid
Model S
LR+
Model S
Performance
Base Price
$74,990
$89,990
$69,420
$91,990
Price with every option
$98,970
$113,970
$90,270
$112,840
Savings Calculator
   ** Using Red paint if available (other optional paint color cost not included).

Vehicle Referral Discount – Varies often by Tesla, but may save you $500 or so depending on the latest Tesla promotion.

Exterior Changes

The mid-2021 Model S/X includes the following exterior changes over the prior models:

  • The front facia has a larger air inlet and is more aerodynamic
  • The rear facia is changed to be more aerodynamic
  • The standard 19″ rims have inserts to be more aerodynamic
  • The front fog light and cornering light is changed
  • Most items previously in chrome are now blacked out
  • The chrome strip below the doors is gone

Common Features

Model S LR

Assisted Driving
Notes
Value
Auto-Lane ChangeAssists lane change when Auto-steer active
optional
Auto-ParkFor parallel and perpendicular parking
optional
Lane KeepingMaintains within a marked lane
Navigate on AutopilotActively guides your car from a highway on-ramp to off-ramp
optional
Smart SummonCar navigates parking lots to come to you
optional
SummonMoves your car in and out of a tight space using the mobile app or key
optional
Traffic and Stop Sign ControlSlows and stops at red lights and stop signs
optional
Traffic Aware Cruise ControlMatches the speed of your car to that of the surrounding traffic

Charging
Notes
Value
Charge Port Door Auto-CloseCloses after charge connector removed
Destination Charging CostsUsing Tesla's network of destination connections
free
Fastest DC ChargingAt V3/V4 Superchargers
Lightest ConnectorsEasy to handle
Precondition ScheduleDetermines optimum start time for ending charging at departure time
Schedule ChargingAllows home charging at lowest rates
Simple Plug-in and ChargeNo special cards or cumbersome interactions
Supercharger ConnectionsWorldwide as of Jul-2023
50,000
Supercharger CostsUsing Tesla's network of Superchargers
fee
Supports CCS with AdapterOptional adapter from Tesla
Supports CHAdeMO with AdapterOptional adapter is no longer sold by Tesla
Supports J1772 with AdapterFor L2 AC Charging, included with vehicle

Connectivity
Notes
Value
Connectivity Free Trial PeriodIncluded with new purchase
12 month
Cost per YearOptional, can use phone data instead
$100
Free Navigation and RoutingFree service via cellular
KaraokeWith connectivity or WiFi
Live Traffic VisualizationWith connectivity
LTECellular
Over-the-Air UpdatesFree, often with new features and enhancements
Tesla TheaterFor Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok
Video StreamingWith connectivity or WiFi
Web BrowserAccess internet web pages

Exterior
Notes
Value
Body Material - Fenders and TrunkExterior metal body panels
Aluminum
Body Material - Hood and DoorsExterior metal body panels
Aluminum
Body Material - Side FrameExterior metal body trim and sill
Aluminum
Brake HoldAutomatically applies brakes when stopped
Even DRL LED IlluminationDaytime Running Lights
Glass RoofEasy to clean, provides more open feeling
Liftgate - Open Height MemoryLimit how far the liftgate opens
Liftgate - Powered Open and Close
Mirrors - Auto Dimming SidesDetects headlights behind you
Mirrors - Auto-TiltTilts down when in reverse
Mirrors - Side Heated
Mirrors - Side Power Folding
Power Retractable Door HandlesWith downlights
Puddle Lights when Door ClosedLights mounted under door handles
Puddle Lights when Door OpenLights mounted under door
Rear Door Wide OpeningProvides easier access
Single Frunk Latch DesignOnly requires a single hook
Wheel LugsUse more for high torque
5
Wiper Blade DefrosterPrevents blades from sticking to windshield

Interior
Notes
Value
Alcantara HeadlinerPremium suude like material
All LED lightingImproved longevity, lower power consumption
Audio - Immersive SoundCreates a surround sound environment
Audio - Multi-Band Equalizer5 bands
Audio Subwoofers8" powered Subwoofer mounted in rear
1
Auto-Locking GloveboxGlovebox locked when vehicle locked
Automatic Keyless EntryNo keys needed
Automatic WipersManual and automatic modes
Carpeted Floor MatsFor front and rear
Climate - Remain OnCamp and Dog modes
Dashcam ViewerView dashcam video in the car
Display, Main SizeDiagonal Size
17 in.
Driver Profiles with Auto-selectKeyed to your phone and FOB
Easy Access ProfileAdjusts seat and steering wheel for entry and exit
Electronic Door ReleasesTouch button door release
Homelink Auto Open/CloseGPS based, multi-location
Homelink ControlsFor garage open/close
Homelink Text IdentifiersWith user settable text descriptions
Interior Accent LightingOn door panels
Lighted Vanity MirrorLights up when opened
Mirror - Auto Dimming RearviewDetects headlights behind you
Multilingual VoiceDisplay, Voice Navigation, and Voice entry
PIN to Drive OptionEnter a code before the vehicle starts
PIN to Unlock GloveboxEnter a code to access the glovebox
Radio - FM Analog radio
Radio - FM-HDAccess digital FM HD channels
Radio - XMSatellite radio
Seats - 40/60 Fold Down RearGreatly expands available space
Seats - Adjustable Lumber SupportFor front seats
Both
Seats - Front Driver Power12-way and driver profile memory
Seats - Heated FrontThree levels
Seats - Heated RearIndividually selectable for each position
Secondary StorageFrunk and under Trunk
Steering Feel AdjustableComfort, Standard, and Sport
Steering Wheel - Heated
Streaming Audio without a PhoneSlacker, Spotify and TuneIn
Tall VisorsBetter to block front facing sun
Tesla Arcade - MainWide range of games to play while parked
Ultra Leather Type MaterialsLonger lasting, non-animal hides for seats and steering wheel
USB Music PlayerPlay ACC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV files
Valet Mode Limits maximum speed and performance
Voice Activated ControlsWith hundreds of commands
Warm interior LED lightingWarm white rather than Cool white
Windows - PoweredOne-touch

Mobile App
Notes
Value
Contact Roadside Assistance
Initiate Software UpdateFor over-the-air updates, when parked
Notification - Break-In
Notification - Vehicle Unlocked
Notification - Windows Open
Remote Charging Control and StatusSet the charging limits, start/stop charging
Remote Climate ControlPre-heat or cool the cabin
Remote Seat Heat/Steering HeatControl on/off and levels
Remote Unlock and Start CarNo keys in car are required
Remote Vent WindowsLower windows slightly to vent a hot cabin
Security: Sentry/Valet/Speed limitSet or unset remotely
Setup a Service Appointment via AppCan include photos or video
Show Vehicle LocationDisplays location on a map

Navigation
Notes
Value
Load Address from CalendarSingle tap load address
Maps - Charging locationsShows available stalls and other info
Maps - Free updatesFor resident maps
Maps - Pinch to zoom, shrink, and rotateEasy to adjust map size
Maps - Points of InterestSelect on/off
Maps - Real-time Traffic MonitoringColor coded traffic levels, requires connectivity
Maps - Resident and Internet MapsKeeps maps accurate
Maps - Satellite ViewRequires connectivity
Route to DestinationShows arrival time and progress
Route via Needed Charge Points
Route with WaypointsSet multiple stops for a route
Traffic Aware RoutingDetermines the best route based on current traffic
Voiced Direction PromptsEnable or disable

Safety
Notes
Value
360 Degree Driving VisualizationShows cars, bicyclists and pedestrians
Airbags
8
All-Wheel DriveIndependent front/rear motors adds safety over clunky ICE AWD systems
Antilock BrakesImproves emergency stopping distance
Auto - High Beam Prevents blinding oncoming traffic
Automatic Emergency BrakingDetects cars or obstacles that the car may impact
Backup CameraWide angle
Bioweapon Defense ModeUses HEPA filter to rapidly clean cabin air
Blind-spot WarningWith visual vehicle placement
Cornering LightsLED
Daytime Running LightsLED
Electronic Stability ControlFar better than ICE, as motor control is almost instant
Electronic Traction ControlHelps maintain traction on slippery road surfaces
Five-star Crash RatingsNHTSA 5-stars In every category
Fog LightsLED
Front Collision WarningWarns of impending collisions with slower moving or stationary cars
HEPA air filtrationEliminates most pollutants in cabin
Lane Departure AvoidanceApplies corrective steering to keep your car in the intended lane
Low Rollover RiskVery low center of gravity
Obstacle Aware AccelerationReduces acceleration when an obstacle is detected in front of your car
Rear Seat ISO Child Seat LatchesFor attachment of child seats
Redundant Steering PowerFor improved Autopilot operation
Side Collision WarningWarns of potential collisions with obstacles alongside the car
Speed AssistWarning if you exceed the speed limit

Internal
Notes
Value
Adaptive Air SuspensionImproved ride comfort
Bluetooth Phone ConnectionFor hands-free talking, contacts, calendar
DashcamRecords four video streams
Extensive Sound InsulationReduces road noise in the cabin
Self-LevelingCompensates for uneven loads
Sentry ModeTheft reduction and records activity while parked
Theft AlarmAlarm sounds if doors, trunk or frunk open when locked
Tire Pressure By TireShows tire pressure for each specific tire
Tire Pressure MonitoringWarns if tire pressure is low or high
Washer Nozzle HeaterFor cold climates

Sources

The information listed here has been obtained from the Tesla website, the vehicle manuals, EPA, and our own vehicle analysis. Tesla does not always send out notifications of changes, but we do our best to maintain current information.  The last line of the specifications section shows the date when the information was collected for specific vehicles.

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