What is it?
The Model S is the car that built Tesla's reputation, now in second generation form with the MY26 mid cycle refresh adding new bumpers, revised interior trim and acoustic glass. Tesla Australia does not sell it, so any AU plated example is a private import. Two trims globally: Long Range AWD at 493 kW with 634 km WLTP, and Plaid tri motor at 760 kW and 2.1 second 0 to 100 km/h. Yoke or round wheel option, 17 inch landscape touchscreen, no CarPlay or Android Auto, 250 kW Supercharger V3 access via VIN registration.
The lineup runs from Long Range AWD at $180,000 plus on-roads, through to Plaid at $240,000 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 4 years, 80,000 km (vehicle).
Interior and Technology
Plaid 2.1 second 0 to 100 km/h remains a production EV benchmark. Long Range 634 km WLTP is competitive with the latest German rivals. 250 kW Supercharger V3 access via VIN registration is genuinely usable on Australian road trips. 793 L boot plus an 89 L frunk is exceptional in a sedan. Tesla software stack remains the most polished in the segment.
Not sold by Tesla Australia. No factory warranty or dealer support, complicated insurance, compromised resale, and the lottery of finding a clean right hand drive example or a quality RHD conversion. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Yoke steering is divisive on tight urban roads.
Should you buy the Model S?
Reasons to buy
- Plaid 2.1 second 0 to 100 km/h remains a production EV benchmark. Long Range 634 km WLTP is competitive with the latest German rivals. 250 kW Supercharger V3 access via VIN registration is genuinely usable on Australian road trips. 793 L boot plus an 89 L frunk is exceptional in a sedan. Tesla software stack remains the most polished in the segment.
- Warranty: No Tesla Australia coverage. US base warranty (4 years, 80,000 km vehicle; 8 years, 240,000 km battery) does not transfer..
- 793 L (plus 89 L frunk) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Not sold by Tesla Australia. No factory warranty or dealer support, complicated insurance, compromised resale, and the lottery of finding a clean right hand drive example or a quality RHD conversion. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Yoke steering is divisive on tight urban roads.
- You want factory warranty and dealer support, you need CarPlay or Android Auto, you want a round wheel rather than the yoke as standard, or you can live with the (much cheaper) Model 3 Performance.
- Use a licensed Australian import specialist, get a written compliance and conversion plan before paying. Confirm VIN can be registered against the Tesla app for Supercharger access. Factor specialist insurance and RHD parts availability into ownership costs.
- Top trim climbs to $240,000 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Tesla Model S is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
