A decade ago, Tesla rocketed to fame with its Model S — the upstart company took a left-field approach that has, looking back, paid dividends. Named after Nikola Tesla, who is best known for pioneering the alternating-current (AC) electrical system, the EV company has added new models over the years.
The range has grown to include Model 3 and Model S cars, along with the Model Y and Model X crossovers. All are blessed with a long driving range and a rapid turn of speed. On the horizon are the Roadster and radical Cybertruck, though Elon Musk says the latter has been delayed until 2023.
The one thing Tesla does not do very well is spell out the specifications of each model. For the purposes of keeping things on an even keel, the horsepower, expected driving range, charge time, and consumption numbers we’ve listed here all come from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The actual driving range will vary according to the driving conditions and options installed — where available, the larger wheels and additional seating positions drop the driving range.
An option offered on all models is Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Capability. This $10,600 add-on brings semi-autonomous highway driving with Auto Lane change. It is about to be augmented with Autosteer on city streets. If this sounds like it is on the verge of a full autonomous drive, you’re not alone in thinking so, though many others would warn that’s a mis-characterization of the software’s capabilities. Tesla’s most common complaint is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported.
Here’s how the 2022 Tesla lineup shakes out.
Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
The company’s entry point is the Model 3 rear-drive with a single electric motor ($59,990). It develops 283 horsepower, which is enough to see it run to 100 kilometres an hour in 6.1 seconds; and offers a driving range of 438 kilometres. It takes 8.5 hours to fully recharge the battery. The sweet spot in the lineup is the Long-Range dual-motor ($66,990) tested recently. Adding the second electric motor ups the net output to 449 hp. This not only drops the run to 100 km/h to 4.4 seconds, it adds an all-wheel-drive extension. It boasts a driving range of 576 km with a 10-hour charge time.
For those looking for more, there’s the dual-motor Performance model ($76,990). It ups the output to 480 hp, which cuts the acceleration time to 3.3 seconds. Yes, it drops the expected range to 507 km, but, by today’s standards, that’s still very good.
Regardless of which Model 3 you pick, the suspension setup balances the ride and handling parts very well. It soaks up the rough bits without allowing the body to roll into a corner. The all-wheel-drive models add to the overall sense of stability and directional poise, so the second electric motor is a wise investment for more than the obvious improvements in performance and range.
The Tesla Model 3 Photo by Tesla
Peek inside and the impression is loud and clear. It’s minimalist all the way. There are only four controls — the turn signal and shifter levers, along with two thumb-wheels on the steering wheel. Everything else is done through the oversized 15-inch touchscreen. There is decent rear seat room for a pair of adults, as long as the front seats are not fully rearward, along with 425 litres of cargo space when trunk and frunk (front trunk) are added together.
Consumption: The Model 3 rear-drive is rated at 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres-equivalent city; and 1.9 Le/100 km highway. The Long Range is rated at 1.8 Le/100 km city and 1.9 Le/100 km highway. The Performance is rated at 2.0 Le/100 km city and 2.2 Le/100 km highway.
Annual charge cost: $474, $480, and $558, for rear-drive, Long Range, and Performance, respectively.
Key option: 19-inch wheels ($2,000).
Model S
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Model S was extensively updated for 2021 and is offered two ways — nuts and insane. “Nuts” is found in the dual-motor S ($121,990). It arrives with 662 hp and boasts an extended driving range of 652 km. Yes, it takes 15 hours to recharge, but the driving range banishes anxiety. “Insane” is defined by the Model S Plaid ($169,990). It ups the output to 1,005 hp by adding a third electric motor. This chops the run from rest to 100 km/h run to 2.1 seconds; and bumps the top speed from 250 km/h to an insane 322 km/h. The penalty you ask? The Plaid’s range drops to 637- km, which really is not a penalty at all.
Both models feature all-wheel-drive; however, the Plaid’s third motor adds real-time torque vectoring to the rear axle. This improves the handling — it is sharp in base form, and tenacious in the Plaid. In spite of the acceleration at play, the Model S and its adaptive air suspension delivers a plush ride in the city, yet there’s little body roll when pushed into a corner.
The Tesla Model S Photo by Tesla
The Model S’s updated cabin follows the minimalist theme, albeit in a more lavish and controversial form. The 12.3-inch screen ahead of the driver forms the instrumentation panel; to the right is an enormous 17-inch display that looks after most functions. The oddity is the traditional steering wheel has gone away in favour of a steering yoke. The rework also dispenses with the turn signal and shifter levers. The turn signals, along with other functions like the horn, washers, and cruise, are now touch points on the steering yoke. How it will all work on a daily basis is still open for debate.
The S’ hatchback body brings lots of flexibility. There’s 793L of cargo space with the seats up; and 1,645L when folded. The frunk adds 150L.
Consumption: The dual-motor S is rated at 1.9 Le/100 km city and 2.1 Le/100 km highway. The Plaid tri-motor is rated at 2.0 Le/100 km city and 2.1 Le/100 km highway.
Annual charge cost: $525 and $543, respectively.
Key option: 21-inch wheels ($5,900).
Model Y
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
While the Model Y shares much of its makeup with the Model 3, it takes the sedan format and adds the flexibility of a crossover. At this point, it is offered in two models. As with the Model 3, the sweet spot is found in the Long Range dual-motor ($76,990). It balances comfort with performance and range. The battery delivers a driving range of 531 km and takes 10 hours to recharge. The two electric motors combine to produce 480 hp and a run to 100 km/h of five seconds flat, which is quick by any standard.
The Performance model ($85,290) has, according to NRCan, the same 480 hp output; however, it drops the run to 100 km/h to 3.7 seconds and bumps the top speed from 217 km/h to 250 km/h. However, the added oomph drops the driving to 488 km.
The Model Y brings nimble handling. The steering is light, but quick to respond, and body roll is controlled. It is not overly sporty, but it holds its own when driven with purpose. In town, the Y’s manners are smooth and refined, with the one-pedal drive allowing the driver to control things through the accelerator pedal alone.
The Performance model adds a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, and performance brakes to the mix. This suspension/wheel combo has led some to say the ride is a little too stiff for everyday use.
The Y’s cabin embraces Tesla’s minimalistic approach. As with the Model 3, the Y has just four controls, with everything else being accessed and operated through the 15-inch central screen.
The Tesla Model Y Photo by Tesla
Slide rearward and there’s enough space for three friends to sit in relative comfort — there is enough headroom for a six-footer and decent legroom as long as the front seats are not fully rearward. The sense of space is accentuated by the large glass roof panel. There is a third-row option on the Long Range model, but it’s more about offering a third row than it is about accommodating people. The cargo space measures 1,925L when the seats are folded flat — Tesla says it has more than 2,100L, but that includes the frunk’s space, too.
Consumption: Long Range Dual Motor AWD is rated at 1.9 Le/100 km city and 2.0 Le/100 km highway. The Performance Dual Motor AWD is rated at 2.0 city and 2.2 highway.
Annual charge cost: $516 and $567, respectively.
Key Options: Seven seats ($4,000), 20-inch wheels ($2,600), tow hitch ($1,300)
Model X
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The Model X is, arguably, the most out-there crossover available, with its lift-and-hover rear doors — Mercedes may have gull-wings, but Tesla says the X has “falcon wings.” They rise up proud of the roof, so make sure there is enough height in the garage! The Model X Long Range dual-motor ($132,990) is offered in five-, six-, and seven-seat models; the uber-fast Plaid ($168,490) has six seats.
The Long Range dual-motor delivers a driving range of 560 km and has a charge time of 14 hours. The two motors combine to produce 662 hp, which is enough to spirit the X to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. “Fast” is an understatement!
However, for those with a need for overt speed, there’s the Plaid tri-motor. As with the Model S, the third motor not only brings a bolder burst of speed, it adds real-time torque vectoring to the rear axle. The numbers are crazy — 1,005 hp and a run to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds. That, for a 2,455-kg crossover, is off-the-charts quick. It also ups the top speed to 262 km/h, a gain of some 12 km/h.
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
The X’s precise steering and adaptive suspension impart a nimble feel to the drive. In town it’s comfortable; on a twisty road it keeps body roll to a minimum. The Plaid’s torque vectoring adds to the sense of agility.
The Model X’s interior mirrors that of the S. This means a 12.3-inch instrumentation panel that’s fronted by a steering yoke rather than a conventional steering wheel. To the right is a 17-inch screen. It differs from most in that along with the infotainment and navigation functions, it does practically everything else. The controversial move is deleting the column-mounted turn signal and shifter levers in favour of the touch points found on the yoke.
The Tesla Model X Photo by Tesla
Utility is where the Model X Long Range excels. There’s plenty of room in the first two rows; the third row is typical in that it is best left to kids, or in the folded position to take advantage of the storage space. The cargo numbers do get confusing because the different seating configurations change the available space. Anyway, Tesla lists the maximum seats-folded volume as 2,577L in the five- and seven-seat units. The pedestal-mounted captain’s buckets in the six-seater models do not fold flat.
Consumption: Model X Long Range is rated at 2.2 Le/100 km city and 2.4 Le/100 km on the highway. The Plaid tri-motor is rated at 2.3 Le/100 km city and 2.5 Le/100 km highway.
Annual charge cost: $618 and $642, respectively.
Key options: 22-inch wheels ($7,200), six seats ($8,500), seven seats ($4,600).
Keyword: Showroom Stock: A look at Tesla's model range for 2022