The Tesla Model S has been the poster child for electric luxury sedans since it first shocked the world in 2012. Over a decade later, the 2025 Model S is still here, still sleek, and still packing enough tech to make a NASA engineer blush. But in a world now flooded with EVs from every automaker under the sun, does the Model S still hold its crown? Let’s take a relaxed cruise through what makes the 2025 Model S tick—and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Design: Familiar, But Still Fresh
Tesla hasn’t messed too much with the Model S’s winning formula. The 2025 version keeps the same low-slung, aerodynamic shape that made it an instant classic. Sure, it’s not as radical as the Cybertruck, but that’s a good thing—this is a sedan that whispers “I’ve got money” without screaming “LOOK AT ME!”
Updates are subtle: smoother LED lighting, a slightly wider stance, and new wheel designs that somehow make the car look faster even when parked. The interior? Still minimalist, still dominated by that massive horizontal touchscreen. If you hated Tesla’s no-buttons approach before, nothing here will change your mind. But if you love a clean, futuristic cabin, the Model S delivers.
Performance: Ludicrous Speed, Now With More Refinement
The 2025 Model S still offers the Plaid trim, which remains one of the quickest production cars on the planet. We’re talking 0-60 mph in under 1.99 seconds—a number that still feels like cheating physics. But what’s new is how refined the acceleration is. Early Plaid models could feel a little unhinged, but Tesla’s tweaked the throttle response to make launches smoother (if that’s even possible when you’re being rocket-slung into the horizon).
Handling is sharper than ever, thanks to revised adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering. The Model S isn’t a sports car, but it’s shockingly agile for something this big. And with up to 405 miles of EPA range, it’s also one of the few EVs that can genuinely replace a gas car for road trips.
Tech & Features: Smarter Than Your Phone
Tesla’s tech game has always been strong, and the 2025 Model S is no exception. The latest Hardware 5.0 computer means Full Self-Driving (FSD) is almost there—though, as always, “full self-driving” still requires you to pay attention. That said, highway assist is now scarily good, making long drives a breeze.
Inside, the 17-inch touchscreen is now even more responsive, with a new UI that’s less cluttered. Tesla also finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (gasp), though the native software is so good you might not even need it. And yes, you can still play Cyberpunk 2077 on the display while parked—because why not?
Charging & Practicality: Still the Best Network
One of the biggest reasons to buy a Tesla remains Supercharging. While other automakers are still playing catch-up, Tesla’s network is vast, reliable, and stupidly fast. A 15-minute stop can add 200+ miles of range, making cross-country trips actually doable without rage-inducing detours.
As for daily use, the Model S is spacious, with a huge frunk and trunk combo offering more cargo room than most SUVs. The rear seats are now even more comfortable, with better thigh support—important if you’re hauling adults regularly.
The Competition: Is the Model S Still the One?
The EV sedan market is no longer Tesla’s playground alone. The Lucid Air offers more range and luxury, the Porsche Taycan is the driver’s choice, and the Mercedes EQE coddles you in way more leather. But the Model S still strikes the best balance of performance, tech, and charging convenience.
Final Verdict: Old Dog, New Tricks
The 2025 Tesla Model S isn’t a revolution—it’s an evolution. But when the starting point was already this good, that’s not a bad thing. It’s still the electric sedan to beat if you want blistering speed, cutting-edge tech, and the best charging network around. Sure, rivals might do some things better, but as an all-around package? The Model S remains king.
Now, if only Tesla could finally deliver that promised 500-mile version…