2012–2025 Tesla Model S: Year-to-Year Changes & Generations
Model S Generations and Refreshes
Year-by-Year Changes (2012–2025)
2012–2013: Founders Series and First Updates
2014: Mid-Life Update and Autopilot Hardware
2015: Power Upgrades and Interior Changes
2016: First Major Refresh and Software Updates
2017: Upgraded Seats and Suspension
2018: Interior Refinements and New HW
2019: “Raven” Upgrade and HW3
2020: Long Range+ and Plaid Announcement
2021: Model S Refresh (“Palladium”)
2022: Minor Changes and Updates
2023: Steering Wheel Change and New Features
2024: Updates and Luxury Package
2025: Luxury Package and Minor Upgrades
Model S Versions and Performance Comparison
Model S Generations and Refreshes
The Model S has seen four major generations or design iterations since its debut . These generations are defined by major design changes and powertrain overhauls:
-
First Generation (2012–2016): The original Model S, launched in 2012, featured the “Nosecone” front design (with a black nose cone trim) and early battery options. Early versions had a rear-drive 40 kWh battery and later 60, 85, and 85D (dual-motor) models. This generation included the 2012 “Founders Series” and early 2013–2015 models. A minor facelift in 2014 improved the rear door hinges and interior, but the body remained largely unchanged until 2016. The first generation culminated with the introduction of the P90D in 2015 and the P100D in 2016, introducing Ludicrous Mode performance upgrades .
-
Second Generation (2016–2019): In 2016, Tesla released the first major design refresh, often referred to as the “Facelift” generation. It dropped the black nose cone, adopted a new front fascia similar to the Model X, and introduced LED headlights, a true HEPA cabin air filter (with “Bioweapon Defense Mode”), and a smaller front trunk to accommodate the filter . This generation also included hardware updates like Autopilot (initially with Mobileye) and a new Premium Interior with leather seating options. The second generation lasted through 2019 and saw the introduction of the Model S P100D (2016) and the Model S 75D, 100D, and P100D (2017–2018). In mid-2019, Tesla performed a significant powertrain upgrade (codenamed “Raven”), which included replacing the front motor with a more efficient permanent-magnet motor and improving battery thermal management . The Raven update gave the Model S improved range and performance (e.g. 0–60 mph in ~2.5 seconds for the 100D and ~2.2 seconds for the P100D). This period also introduced the Model S 100D and the high-performance P100D, which set new acceleration records.
-
Third Generation (2020–2022): The third generation, often known as the “Raven” generation, refers to Model S vehicles from late 2019 onward that received the powertrain upgrade and adaptive suspension. These cars use the new Raven hardware (permanent-magnet front motor, improved battery pack, adaptive air suspension) and are identified by a slight change in model numbering (e.g. Long Range, Performance). The Raven generation included the Model S 75D (phased out in 2019), 100D (phased out in 2020), and the Long Range and Performance models from 2020–2021. This generation saw Tesla shift from referring to battery sizes to using “Standard Range,” “Long Range,” and “Performance” designations. Notably, the Model S Long Range+ was introduced in 2020 with a small range boost (achieved by improving battery chemistry) . The third generation ended in 2022 as Tesla prepared for a full redesign.
-
Fourth Generation (2023–present): The fourth generation is the fully redesigned Model S, launched in 2021 as the “Palladium” refresh. This generation features a completely new interior (with a yoke steering wheel, large infotainment screen, and new rear entertainment screen), a revised powertrain (three-motor Plaid variant added), and significant improvements in performance and range . The 2021–2022 Model S Plaid (Palladium) can accelerate 0–60 mph in under 2 seconds and reach over 200 mph, while the Long Range model has a 400+ mile EPA range . This generation is still in production, with minor updates in 2023 and 2024 (discussed below). The 2023 refresh added a round steering wheel option and updated braking for the Plaid, and in 2024 Tesla introduced a “Luxury Package” that bundles perks like free supercharging and premium connectivity . The fourth generation is often considered the third generation in some contexts, but Tesla has officially designated the 2021 refresh as a new iteration .
Year-by-Year Changes (2020–2025)
Below is a detailed timeline of the Tesla Model S’s evolution year by year, including hardware changes, software updates, and performance milestones:
2020: Long Range+ and Plaid Announcement
-
2020 brought a few key updates. Tesla improved the battery chemistry of the Long Range model, increasing its EPA range slightly to 390 miles (now dubbed “Long Range+”) . This was achieved by using a new battery cell chemistry (code-named “BTXA”) that improved energy density. Tesla also announced the highly anticipated Model S Plaid and Plaid+ in 2020. The Plaid (3-motor) model was set to offer even higher performance and range, while the Plaid+ (with a 4680 battery) was rumored to have over 520 miles of range. Production of the Plaid was expected in late 2021, but it was delayed due to supply chain issues. In terms of software, Tesla introduced features like “Sentry Mode” (which used the car’s cameras to record incidents when parked) and “Dog Mode” (keeping the car’s climate running while the owner is away, with a message on the screen). The Autopilot system was refined with version 10.2, adding the ability to automatically stop at red lights and stop signs in some countries. Tesla also removed the “Enhanced Autopilot” (EAP) option and included its features in the standard “Autopilot” package, and shifted supercharging and premium connectivity to a subscription model for used cars . The Model S lineup for 2020 included the Long Range (390 mi EPA), Performance (340 mi EPA), and the Long Range+ (390 mi EPA). The Plaid was announced but not yet delivered.
2021: Model S Refresh (“Palladium”)
-
2021 was a landmark year for the Model S, as Tesla finally launched the long-awaited refresh. Production of the refreshed Model S began in early 2021, and the car was rebranded as the “Palladium” version. The most significant changes were inside the cabin: the Model S received a completely new interior design with a large, horizontal 17-inch infotainment screen, a yoke-style steering wheel (with a central horn button), and an 8-inch rear entertainment screen for passengers . The instrument cluster was removed in favor of a full-screen driver display. The interior materials and design were improved, with a more minimalist look and the addition of a rear center console and armrest. Externally, the Model S had only minor updates (slightly redesigned headlights and taillights, and new wheel options), but the changes were understated. Under the hood, the Plaid model was introduced with three electric motors (two at the rear, one at the front) delivering a combined 1,020 horsepower . This enabled a 0–60 mph time of under 2 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph. The Long Range model also received a performance boost (0–60 mph in ~3.1 seconds) and a slightly increased range (405–412 miles EPA) . The refresh included new suspension tuning and thermal management improvements to handle the higher performance. Tesla also introduced a new “Cheetah Stance” launch mode for the Plaid (which lowers the front suspension for better traction) and improved braking systems. In terms of technology, the refreshed Model S was equipped with Tesla’s latest “Autopilot” (now HW4) and “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) hardware, and it began offering a new round steering wheel as an option (to replace the yoke for those who prefer a traditional wheel) . The 2021 Model S (Palladium) was the start of the fourth generation, and it received generally positive reviews for its improved interior and performance. However, it also faced some issues, such as a software bug in early Plaid cars that affected top speed, which was later fixed via an over-the-air update.
2022: Minor Changes and Updates
-
2022 was a quieter year for the Model S, with Tesla focusing on production and minor tweaks. The Model S Plaid was delivered to customers in late 2021 and early 2022. Tesla made a few design changes to the Model S for international markets: the charge port was redesigned to allow a native CCS connector in markets that use it . The car’s exterior trim was updated (e.g. the charge flap design was revised, and the rear light details were slightly changed) . The rear screen’s trim was made thinner. Internally, Tesla increased the infotainment system’s memory to 16 GB and continued to improve software. The Model S received over-the-air updates for features like an improved rear entertainment system and better cabin air filtration. By late 2022, Tesla had phased out the Long Range+ model and the Plaid+ (the Plaid+ was canceled in 2021 due to cost and complexity) . The 2022 Model S lineup consisted of the Long Range (405–412 mi EPA) and the Plaid (390 mi EPA). Overall, 2022 was a year of stabilization and minor refinements as Tesla prepared for future updates.
2023: Steering Wheel Change and New Features
-
2023 brought a few notable updates. In early 2023, Tesla began offering the option of a round steering wheel (instead of the yoke) on the Model S . This was a response to customer feedback, and it was made available on new orders. Tesla also updated the brakes on the Plaid model, reportedly improving pedal feel and reducing fade during high-performance driving. Internally, Tesla made some minor adjustments: the rear entertainment screen was updated to run on a newer version of the infotainment software, and the car’s software was updated to include features like the ability to unlock the car via Bluetooth and improved in-car navigation. Tesla continued to refine its Autopilot system, and by late 2023, the Model S was receiving updates for features like improved Autopilot lane centering and the introduction of a new “AI4” hardware suite (a rebranding of HW4) . The Model S 2023 model year saw no significant design changes, but it benefited from Tesla’s ongoing software improvements. Overall, 2023 was a year of fine-tuning and addressing customer preferences (such as offering the round steering wheel).
2024: Updates and Luxury Package
-
2024 introduced a couple of key updates. In early 2024, Tesla increased the price of the Model S by $5,000 and introduced a new “Luxury Package” for the Long Range and Plaid models . The Luxury Package included perks like free Supercharging and free premium connectivity for the life of the car, as well as upgraded interior trim and a heated steering wheel (which was previously optional) . This package was available on cars with a 2026 VIN, effectively adding value to the higher trims. The Model S’s range and performance remained similar to the previous year, with the Long Range still rated around 412 miles EPA and the Plaid around 390 miles EPA. Tesla continued to improve software: the car received updates for features like improved cabin ventilation and new sound system settings. The Model S also saw a slight increase in its maximum speed (likely due to software tweaks for the carbon ceramic brakes, which became available as an option). Overall, 2024 was a year of pricing adjustments and bundling perks rather than major design changes.
2025: Luxury Package and Minor Upgrades
-
2025 brought a minor facelift and additional features. Tesla introduced a new color option (Frost Blue Metallic) for the Model S . The car’s interior was updated with dynamic ambient lighting and a new front fascia camera for enhanced driver monitoring . The cabin noise was improved, and Tesla offered new wheel designs. Additionally, the Luxury Package was made available on the 2025 Model S, ensuring all new Long Range and Plaid models included the free perks . The Model S’s range and performance specs remained the same as 2024. Tesla continued to refine its software: the car received updates for features like improved voice recognition and new audio settings. By late 2025, Tesla was also preparing for the introduction of the next-generation Model S (code-named “Highland”), which is expected to debut around 2026. In summary, 2025 was a year of small improvements and refinements, keeping the Model S competitive as Tesla’s flagship EV.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model S has evolved significantly from its 2012 debut to the present day. Over the years, Tesla has introduced multiple design generations and powertrain upgrades, transforming the Model S into a more powerful, efficient, and technologically advanced vehicle. From the early Nosecone models to the sleek, futuristic 2021 refresh, the Model S has set benchmarks in the electric car industry.
Langue
English
français
Deutsch
русский
español
português
Réseau IPv6 pris en charge