After a sprucing-up for 2021, we don’t expect much in the way of changes for the 2022 Tesla Model S.
There’s no question the Model S is the catalyst for the current crop of electric vehicles (EVs). It led the way and continues to dominate the EV conversation.
We like it for its over-the-air software updates, ballistic-missile acceleration, huge cargo capacity, solid range, and available semi-autonomous-driving technology.
We do, however, have a couple of gripes: First, when prices exceed the $100,000 mark, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should be givens. Not one Tesla model offers them.
Second, although the 17-inch touchscreen is futuristic, it is frustrating that it hosts the controls to every system.
Tesla announced it would not add a Plaid+ option for 2022. Therefore, it looks as though the trim-level lineup will again be Long Range and Plaid.
Tesla makes its Autopilot group of driver aids standard on both grades.
They include forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
High-beam assist and adaptive cruise control are also included.
An enhanced Autopilot, which Tesla calls Full Self-Driving Capability ($12,000), is available for Long Range and Plaid.
It’s semi-autonomous; consequently, it requires a driver’s eyes to be on the road and hands to be on the wheel.
Its technologies are automatic lane changing, self-parking, remote parking, automatic traffic-light-and-stop-sign response, and automatic navigation.
Tesla provides smartphone access, which means you don’t need a key or a fob.
2022 Tesla Model S Long Range (Starting at $104,490)
The 2022 Tesla Model S shown driving in Obsidian Blue Metallic.
As one might hope at its price, the Long Range comes nicely equipped.
Two electric motors (one on each axle) and a lithium-ion battery pack beneath the passenger floor provide thrust.
Providing a range of up to 405 miles, the Long Range has a top speed of 155 miles per hour. It can scamper from a standstill to 60 mph in a heart-thumping 3.1 seconds.
The government uses a different formula to estimate mileage for vehicles capable of operating on electric-only propulsion. It’s called Miles Per Gallon equivalent (MPGe). Using this formula, the Long Range delivers a government-estimated 124 MPGe in the city, 115 MPGe on the highway, and 120 MPGe in combined driving.
The standard fare includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, a power liftgate, heated outboard mirrors, a panoramic roof, and LED headlights.
Also included are an adjustable yoke steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated seats fore and aft, and 12-way power-adjustable ventilated front seats.
The infotainment system has a 17-inch touchscreen, 22-speaker audio system, 8-inch rear video display, streaming gaming capability, and wireless phone charging.
You can increase the wheel size to 21 inches for $4,500.
We probably don’t need to tell you that our pick of the two trims is the Long Range grade for three main reasons.
First is the 57 or so extra miles of range. Second, it costs $36,000 less than the Plaid. Third, do you really need a car that does zero to 60 mph in 2.0 seconds?
Adding the $1,200 destination fee to the Long Range base price equals $105,690. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $1,899 per month. See 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range cars for sale
2022 Tesla Model S Long Range Includes:
- Up to 405 miles of range – On a full charge, the electric propulsion system can go up to 405 miles. The top speed is 155 mph.
- Over-the-air updates – Updating the software is performed remotely, removing the need to go somewhere to install the latest software.
- 17-inch touchscreen – Every system control is housed in this mammoth touchscreen.
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid (Starting at $140,490)
The 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid in Red Multi-Coat.
Plaid is basically dressed out like the Long Range, though it does add torque vectoring and carbon-sleeved brake rotors.
Rather than just two motors, Tesla gives the Plaid grade a third motor situated in the back. Consequently, it blasts to 60 mph from a stop in about 2.0 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph.
Using the MPGe formula, the government estimates its mileage at 102 MPGe city/99 MPGe highway/101 MPGe combined.
The estimated range is up to 348 miles.
Adding the $1,200 destination fee to the Plaid base price brings the total to $141,690. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $2,546 per month. See 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid cars for sale
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid Includes:
- Up to 348 miles of range – The electric propulsion system can travel up to 348 miles on a full charge. The top speed is 200 mph.
- Carbon-sleeved brake rotors – Improving thermal stability, these rotors are less likely to warp from the heat.
- Third motor – Increasing performance and decreasing mileage, a third motor is added to the rear.
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