The Tesla Model S Has Officially Been On Sale For Ten Years

Surprise! Or, rather, here’s a reminder that the Tesla Model S has officially been on sale for ten years now.

The first Model S’s found their way into customers’ hands on June 22, 2012. It really was a landmark for the era, the company had seemingly done the impossible by following up its Lotus Elise-based electric Roadster, with a fully-fledged electric luxury sedan. Until the Model S came on the scene, the only electric cars on sale were expensive economy cars, that couldn’t go very fast or very far. Then, the Model S’s presence changed everything. Its sleek design and luxury interior proved to be an all-silent threat to established big sedans from BMW, Audi, and Cadillac.

True, not everything went according to plan. Early Model S’s didn’t have the strongest of interior quality, and internet denizens and potential customers alike let the company know. But, the model’s near supercar level performance impressed; Car and Driver achieved a 4.6 second 0-60 time, and the staff was shocked at the level of performance from the brand new automaker.

Now, ten years later after its first delivery, the Tesla Model S has marched on looking not too different from its introduction back in 2012. Well, sort of. There’s been two facelifts, the first in 2017 that saw the elimination of the faux grille insert. But, the second facelift in 2021, brought along some big controversy.

Initially debuting on the super speedy, outrageously fast Model S Plaid edition, the Tesla “yoke” saw the typical round wheel traded for a two-pronged, Knight Rider-style yoke. The yoke has garnered lots of negative press, alongside positive boosters, alleging safety and drivability concerns. Whatever the case, the Model S Plaid edition is one of the fastest production cars on the market, with more than 1000 horsepower headed to all four wheels, via a special tri-motor setup.

Whatever you feel about the Tesla Model S, it is undeniable the effect it has had on the automotive industry. Hopefully, an all-new follow-up to the sedan is coming soon.

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