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2020 Tesla Model S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Model S was not a full redesign. Its headline change was the midyear Long Range Plus, which replaced Long Range and raised EPA range from 373 to 402 miles.
About the 2020 Tesla Model S
1st generation (2012-2020), late-cycle final year before the 2021 redesign
Tesla positioned the Model S as its premium electric sedan for buyers who wanted both long-distance EV usability and very quick acceleration in one car. Its core appeal was big real-world road-trip potential, dual-motor all-wheel drive, a large touchscreen-focused cabin, over-the-air software updates, and hatchback practicality. Compared with rival luxury sedans, the Model S leaned harder into range, charging access, and tech-first ownership than traditional luxury trim-and-finish.
The range-focused Long Range and Long Range Plus paired dual-motor AWD with adaptive air suspension, a 17-inch touchscreen, navigation, and heated front and rear seats. Performance emphasized acceleration instead, with a 2.4-second 0-60 mph time and a 348-mile EPA range while retaining the roomy hatchback layout and tech-heavy cabin.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Tesla revised the front drive unit and introduced Long Range Plus midyear with a 402-mile EPA range, up from the Long Range trim’s 373 miles. Its extra efficiency came from lighter components, lower-drag aerodynamic hardware, more efficient drive units, and revised regenerative braking, which recovers energy while slowing. Performance rose to a 348-mile EPA rating. The older 75D, 100D, P100D, and Standard trims did not return for 2020.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking changed from optional to standard equipment across the lineup.
Tech
The 2020 Model S gained support for faster V3 Supercharging through software updates.
Structural
Adaptive air suspension joined the 2020 lineup, while weight reduction contributed to the Long Range Plus trim’s improved efficiency.
2020 Tesla Model S specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors, High Performance Rear | Dual AC Electric Motors |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 373–402 | 348 | 402 |
| MPGe Combined | 111 | 104 | 117 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2020 Tesla Model S?
The biggest change was the midyear arrival of Long Range Plus. It replaced Long Range and increased the EPA range from 373 to 402 miles, making it the first production electric vehicle rated above 400 miles.
Was the 2020 Tesla Model S a full redesign?
No. The 2020 Model S kept the same late-first-generation body and cabin, although it received efficiency, suspension, charging, and standard safety-equipment updates before the 2021 redesign.
What is the difference between the 2020 Model S Long Range and Long Range Plus?
Long Range Plus is the later, more efficient version. Its EPA range is 402 miles versus 373 miles for Long Range, thanks to lighter components, lower-drag aerodynamic hardware, more efficient drive units, and revised energy recovery while slowing.
Did the 2020 Model S get more standard safety equipment?
Yes. Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking moved from optional to standard equipment across the 2020 lineup.
Did the 2020 Model S Performance change?
Yes. The 2020 Performance trim received the revised front drive unit and adaptive air suspension, supported faster V3 Supercharging, and carried a 348-mile EPA range rating.
2020 Tesla Model S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Tesla Model S.
4.5
2020 Tesla Model S
(158 reviews)
“I loved my first test was so much good after six years bought another one to upgrade to self driving.”
“A Tesla S is much more than an Electric Vehicle. It's engineering is superior and innovation unmatched.”