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The 2023 Model S is the latest iteration in the California automaker’s longest-running electric vehicle (EV). However, the Model S has evolved over time, adopting and abandoning trim levels along the way. So, how much is a fully loaded 2023 Tesla Model S and its trim levels, including the fiendishly-fast all-wheel drive (AWD) Plaid?  

How much is a 2023 Tesla Model S?

The 2023 Tesla Model S is currently limited to two trims, the dual-motor AWD Model S and the launch-happy Plaid. 

  • 2023 Tesla Model S: $88,490
  • 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid: $108,490

While $30,000 seems like a dramatic difference between trims, the Plaid’s tri-motor platform develops 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Plaid is one of the fastest, most powerful electric cars on the market. 

Still, hefty price tags aren’t enough to keep owners from buying and putting lots of mileage on their EVs. According to iSeeCars data on average annual mileage, the Model S is the No. 4 most-driven electric vehicle on the market. Drivers logged an average of 9,340 miles per year, 281 miles over the American EV average. 

A Model S shows off its interior features, including a large touchscreen infotainment display.
A Tesla cockpit | Tesla

Here’s how much a fully loaded 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid will cost

Fully loading a 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid will push the starting price well above MSRP. For instance, adding Full Self-Driving capability (FSD), 21-inch Arachnid wheels, and Ultra Red paintwork could add as much as $22,500. After range-topping upgrades, a fully loaded Plaid could cost around $133,240.

FSD is by far the most expensive addition, at $15,000. However, the feature adds traffic light and stop sign control to the Basic and Enhanced Autopilot functions. Enhanced Autopilot includes automatic operations like Autopark and Auto Lane Change. Moreover, opting for the larger 21-inch Arachnid wheels adds $4,500, even if it drops the model’s range from 396 to 348 miles.

The cheapest add-on for the new Model S is the now-optional yoke steering wheel, which adds $250 to the price of the vehicle. However, the yoke-style wheel was a standard feature in earlier models. Tesla then made the steering yoke optional after the controversial feature divided fans, per Car and Driver.   

To get the most out of a Tesla Model S, the tri-motor Plaid is the only option

The 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid may add $30,000 to the base Model S, but it outperforms the standard trim by a sizable margin. For starters, Tesla says the Plaid will hit 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds under favorable conditions, around 1.2 seconds quicker than the standard model. 

A red, fully loaded 2023 Tesla Model S corners on a track.
Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla

Moreover, the tri-motor Plaid’s penchant for lunacy will take it all the way up to 200 mph, 51 ahead of the base Model S. Still, even with the Plaid’s wallet-busting starting point, the base Model S offers the highest range of any of the automaker’s EVs. Tesla says the Model S will cover 405 miles on a single charge. 

What do you think of the Model S? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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