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2021 Tesla Model S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Tesla Model S is a major mid-year redesign that brought a new chassis, fresh styling, a completely revised cabin, and the new Plaid model. It is a split year, so early 2021 cars still have the older design while later cars receive the full update.
About the 2021 Tesla Model S
1st generation (2012-present), but 2021 is the major mid-cycle overhaul year. It is a split-year: early cars were the last pre-refresh Model S versions, and later 2021 cars were the redesigned Model S and new Plaid.
Tesla positions the Model S as its flagship electric sedan: very quick, very long-legged on a charge, and more useful day to day than many luxury sedans because of its hatchback body and front-and-rear cargo areas. The big draw versus rivals is the mix of straight-line speed, fast long-distance charging through Tesla’s network, and a cabin built around large screens and software-driven controls rather than traditional luxury-sedan design.
Early 2021 Long Range Plus and Performance cars are the final versions of the older Model S, with dual-motor AWD, adaptive air suspension, and a 17-inch portrait touchscreen. Refreshed Long Range and Plaid cars use a 17-inch horizontal touchscreen plus separate driver and rear-passenger displays. Plaid is the performance flagship, pairing three motors and AWD with a dedicated Track Mode.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Early Long Range Plus and Performance cars retained the previous dual-motor AWD setup. The refreshed lineup brought an updated dual-motor Long Range and added the three-motor Plaid flagship.
Styling
Later 2021 cars received redesigned exterior surfacing and details. Early 2021 cars kept the previous body and cabin design.
Tech
The refreshed cabin replaced the portrait center touchscreen with a wide horizontal display and added separate screens for the driver and rear passengers.
Structural
The later 2021 redesign introduced a new chassis, while early-year cars retained the previous setup.
2021 Tesla Model S specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Triple AC Electric Motors | 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 | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 348 | 405 | 387 | 405 |
| MPGe Combined | 101 | 120 | 110 | 120 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model S fully redesigned?
Yes, but the redesign arrived during the model year. Early 2021 cars retain the older body, cabin, chassis, and powertrain setup, while later cars have the substantial refresh.
How can I tell an early 2021 Model S from a refreshed one?
The center screen is the clearest clue. Early 2021 cars have the older vertical touchscreen, while refreshed cars have a wide horizontal center screen and a separate rear-passenger display.
Did the Tesla Model S Plaid debut for 2021?
Yes. Plaid joined the Model S lineup for 2021 with three electric motors, AWD, the redesigned cabin and exterior, and a dedicated Track Mode.
Are all 2021 Tesla Model S cars the refreshed version?
No. The 2021 Model S is a split-year model: early Long Range Plus and Performance cars use the older design, while later Long Range and Plaid cars have the refresh.
Is a 2021 Tesla Model S meaningfully different from a 2020 model?
A refreshed 2021 car is meaningfully different, with a new chassis, revised exterior, horizontal center screen, rear screen, and updated powertrains. An early 2021 Long Range Plus or Performance is much closer to a 2020 car.
2021 Tesla Model S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Tesla Model S.
4.3
2021 Tesla Model S
(293 reviews)
“It doesn't have a spare which makes it very difficult and sometimes scary if a flat or blowout occurs. Especially if your time is limited or in a hurry somewhere.”
“The driving experience is a dream with this car, the tech experience not so much. It's a computer on wheels with a lot of bugs and each time you step into the car you never know what is going to work or not work. Not what you would expect when spending 150K on a car. A big let down after dreaming of owning this car for years.”
Sources
- digitalassets.tesla.com — Upload / IR / TSLA Q4 2020 Update
- afdc.energy.gov — Vehicles / Search
- tesla.com — 2012 2020 Models / En Us / GUID A5F2B9D0 E7C8 40F5 9642 58F3657B123E
- tesla.com — 2012 2020 Models / En Us / GUID 518C51C1 E9AC 4A68 AE12 07F4FF8C881E
- tesla.com — 2012 2020 Models / En Us / GUID F1B6801A 8946 41AD 8CF9 7A963CDA38E4
- tesla.com — 2012 2020 Models / En Us / GUID 50331432 B914 400D B93D 556EAD66FD0B