Tesla Model S Plaid: 12 Years of Evolution and What's Next

Launched in 2012, the Tesla Model S – a large electric sedan – has contributed to the shift of the automotive industry to electrification. After more than a decade, the Model S is no longer the absolute leader, but Tesla still maintains its position with performance and software upgrades, along with a facelift in 2021. Competitive pressure now comes from rivals with superior specifications, while a new generation platform is said to be in the works.

Performance legacy: from P100D to Plaid

In 2016, the 762-horsepower P100D version with Ludicrous mode helped the Model S reach 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds, which was the fastest acceleration mark for a commercial vehicle at the time. Ludicrous Plus then further reduced that mark to 2.3 seconds, cementing the Model S’s image as a performance-first electric sedan.

The most recent upgrade took place in 2021 with a refined appearance, new light clusters and a more modern interior. The central screen layout changed to a 17-inch horizontal format, replacing the previous vertical style. Also in this period, the Model S Plaid appeared, becoming the most powerful variant in the history of the car.

Current position: performance and range race

While the Model S retains its performance-oriented luxury sedan image, new rivals have surpassed it in key metrics. The Lucid Air Sapphire is described as the world's fastest electric sedan, while the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT boasts significantly better track performance. Additionally, standard versions of the Lucid Air have a longer range, narrowing the Model S's advantage.

Long life cycle strategy: continuous updates instead of new generations

For a traditional automaker, a 12-year-old model would have been discontinued. Tesla has chosen a different approach: keeping the Model S around for the long haul, constantly updating its software and performance. This approach has helped the Model S remain relevant in the premium electric sedan segment, despite increasingly fierce competition.

Redwood and the NV9X platform: the next generation direction

An all-new generation of Model S is likely in the works, though Tesla has not confirmed it. According to leaked information, the internal project, codenamed “Redwood,” is built on Tesla’s next-generation electric vehicle platform. In a January 2024 financial meeting, Elon Musk said that the first car of the new generation will begin production at the Giga Texas factory (Austin) in mid-2025.

The platform is expected to support not only compact cars but also large luxury sedans, most likely including the next-generation Model S. According to Reuters, the new generation platform, codenamed NV9X, will be shared with at least two other models, not just crossovers or SUVs. These facts reinforce the possibility that Tesla's flagship sedan is preparing for a platform change.

Requirements for the Model S successor

The current Model S still looks luxurious and sporty , but has lacked a major design change since 2016. A new generation – if it ever makes it to market – will need a more efficient platform, longer range, and more impressive acceleration for Tesla to cement its position in the premium electric sedan segment.

Notable performance milestones and upgrades

Year	Version/Upgrade	Main parameters
2016	Model S P100D (Ludicrous)	762 horsepower; 0–60 mph: 2.5 seconds
After 2016	Ludicrous Plus	0–96 km/h: 2.3 seconds
2021	Design refresh; Plaid debuts	New headlight cluster; modern interior; 17-inch horizontal screen

Conclude

The Model S has been around for 12 years, thanks to a software and performance upgrade cycle, a 2021 refresh, and a Plaid variant. With pressure from the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, signs of the Redwood/NV9X project and a mid-2025 production date at Giga Texas suggest Tesla may be preparing for the next step for its flagship sedan. A new-generation Model S, if it ever comes out, will need to be more efficient, have more range, and perform more impressively to reassert its position.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/tesla-model-s-plaid-12-nam-tien-hoa-va-buoc-tiep-theo-10311138.html