When it comes to Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, the Model S sedan and the mid-sized crossover Model Y are the most unique from one another. That being said, there are pros and cons to purchasing either of these EVs. Here is a detailed comparison to help any consumers who might be trying to decide what model is likely to be best for them.
Tesla's Model S is its longest running vehicle in production. Introduced in 2012, it has been pivotal in getting the Tesla name the publicity (and the funding) it has acquired over the years. Last year, Motor Trend declared Tesla's 2013 Model S the ultimate "Car of the Year" in its seventy year history. The Model Y's resume is quite a bit shorter. As Tesla's newest model to drive off the assembly line this past March, it still has much to prove as a popular EV. However, after lowering its price by $3,000 this past July, Tesla has revealed big plans for its global production. It's safe to say that increased production and sales of the Model Y are two of Tesla's largest focuses right now.
A side by side comparison on three distinct options: the two more "standard" options are Long Range Plus and Performance. Both come with dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD). The Model Y comes standard equipped with dual motor AWD on both of its powertrains - Long Range and Performance. Next, is performance and features to see how different these two Tesla EVs truly are.
Break Out With The Old, Or Get In With The New?
The Model S might be the oldest Tesla to date, but it sure doesn't drive like it. Starting at a tasteful $69,420, the Long Range Plus powertrain can travel a range of 402 miles on a single charge and reach a top speed of 155 mph. If someone were to venture out of the standard white paint and black interior however, the price tag begins to increase. With all available add-ons included, the Long Range Plus goes for $85,920. As for the Performance Model S, that starts even higher at $91,990, but it can go 334 miles, tops out at 163 mph, and race 0-60 in 2.3 seconds. Add custom paint, interior, along with Full Self-Driving, and the purchase price becomes $108,490.
The Model Y is a much more affordable option (in comparison), but with less impressive performance. For the Long Range option, the Model Y has a range of 326 miles on a charge and a top speed of 135 mph. This bare bones option starts at $49,990 but can go as high as $62,990 with all available add-ons, such as paint, interior, wheels, and a tow hitch. Elon Musk recently made an announcement that a seven-seat option would be rolling out this December. Although it is visible on Tesla's site, it is not yet an actual option. However, for the sake of inevitability, it has been included here to show the maximum price of the Long Range including seven seats at $65,990. The Model Y's Performance powertrain starts at $59,990 and can travel a 303 mile range with an impressive top speed of 155 mph (still 8 mph lower than the Performance Model S though). With all add-ons included, this one comes in at $70,990 (and $73,990 with December's seven-seat option).
If it wasn't glaringly obvious already, these two Tesla's are quite different inside and out. While most of Tesla customization options are the same, there are some additional differences. One is the $1,000 tow hitch available on the Model Y. Another feature for the Model Y is the aforementioned seven seats. While five seats come standard in both Teslas, the seven-seat option gives the Model Y a leg up. For those that noticed the third powertrain option on the Model S mentioned above was never explained, there's a reason for that. The Model S' key feature over the Model Y and any other EV on Earth is its "Plaid" powertrain that boasts tri motor AWD, goes 0-60 in under two seconds, and can go 200 mph. That being said, the Plaid will run anywhere between $139,990 and $156,490 all-in.
In the end, what truly sets these two Tesla EVs apart is their style. One is a sleek speedy sedan, and the other is a streamlined crossover version of the bulkier Model X. Overall, the Model Y offers more room, an optional seventh seat with towing capacity, and a more than adequate mile range. The Model S is smaller, sleeker, and by all means, pricier. That being said, those who crave speed and acceleration would argue the Tesla Model S is worth every penny.
Source: Tesla