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Tesla has been at the forefront of electric vehicle production for over a decade. The 2023 Tesla Model S isn’t the company’s top-selling model but it is the most fun out of the line-up. Tesla has been producing the Model S since 2012, with the latest iteration, the Plaid, being the quickest production vehicle available. Not only is the Model S extremely fast, but it is also the most reliable electric vehicle on the market.

How reliable is the 2023 Tesla Model S?

2023 Tesla Model S on track
2023 Tesla Model S | Tesla

Since Tesla has produced the Model S for over a decade, they have had plenty of time to develop a reliable electric vehicle. While some newer companies like Lucid have teething issues, Tesla has the tenure and experience. A standard Model S is expected to last at least 140,000 miles, according to iSeeCars. Luckily for electric vehicles, maintenance required to keep them on the road isn’t as difficult as a gas-powered car. Updates to the system are sent over the air, with the occasional need to bring it by a dealership.

As for the 2023 Model S, it scores a reliability rating of 9.4 out of 10 from iSeeCars. Not only does it score high in reliability, it also places number 1 out of 11 best luxury electric cars and number 1 out of 11 most reliable luxury electric cars. For the starting price of just under $100,000, it is nice to know your purchase will last a long time.

Is the Tesla Model S a luxury car?

2023 Tesla Model S interior sunroof
2023 Tesla Model S | Tesla

The Tesla Model S is marketed as an all-electric luxury sedan. Beginning production in 2012, the Model S is Tesla’s first vehicle developed from the ground up by the company. Tesla produced the original Roadster model before the Model S, based on a Lotus Elise chassis. The 2023 Model S is a four-seater sedan with a mid-luxe interior. Material quality, like the plastics and leather used throughout the interior, is good but not great.

With the six-figure price tag, it is normal to expect a certain level of luxury inside the Model S. The design is sleek but does not feel like a contender against others like the Mercedes E-class. Every Model S has a recognizable shape with a sloping roofline that hides a rear hatch. Inside the rear hatch, you gain a massive 26-cubic foot trunk to store luggage. Minimalist interior design means everything is controlled from the enormous center screen. Unfortunately, the positioning of the screen is awkward, causing some drivers to lean forward to reach all of the controls.

How fast is the Model S?

2023 Tesla Model S Blue
2023 Tesla Model S | Tesla

A 2023 Tesla Model S comes in two flavors. First is the standard Model S, which starts at $96,630, or the Model S Plaid, which starts at $116,630. An electric motor dedicated to each front and rear axles give the Model S full-time all-wheel drive, no matter which one you choose. A standard Model S will rocket you from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds. If that isn’t enough for you, the Model S Plaid adds a third electric motor, boosting power to 1020 horsepower and sufficient for an eye-watering 2.1 second 0-60 mph. This acceleration makes the Model S Plaid the quickest production vehicle in the world. Although, Lucid has their sights set on beating the Plaid.

Is the Tesla Model S worth buying?

If you are after the most performance from an electric vehicle, the Model S Plaid is one of the only options. The numbers don’t lie, although others may beat it reasonably soon. However, the six-figure price tag leaves much to be desired regarding interior design and quality. Its minimalist design may be favorable to some, but if you want a bit more luxury, it would be wise to look at options from Mercedes or Lucid.

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