If you’re looking at premium electric sedans, a 2024 Tesla Model S will almost certainly land on your shortlist, especially now that more of them are entering the used market. The question is whether this long-running flagship still justifies its price in 2026, and how it stacks up as a used luxury EV versus newer competitors from Mercedes, Porsche, and Lucid.
Big picture
2024 Tesla Model S overview
For 2024 in the U.S., the Tesla Model S lineup is simple: a dual‑motor Long Range all‑wheel‑drive model and the tri‑motor Plaid. Both are large hatchback sedans with a huge glass roof, massive center touchscreen, and a minimalist interior. There was no separate "Standard Range" 2024 Model S in the U.S.; that came later in 2025 as a price‑leader variant.
- Body style: 5‑door liftback (large luxury sedan footprint)
- Seating: 5 adults (optional rear-facing jump seats were discontinued years earlier)
- Drivetrain: Dual‑motor AWD (Long Range) or tri‑motor AWD (Plaid)
- Battery: Large‑capacity lithium‑ion pack (roughly mid‑90s kWh usable)
- DC fast charging: Up to 250 kW on Tesla Superchargers (NACS connector)
- Over‑the‑air software updates and available driver-assistance suite (Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and optional Full Self‑Driving capability)
Important 2024 context
2024 Model S at a glance
Key specs: range, performance & charging
The 2024 Tesla Model S sticks with what made it famous: long range and shocking acceleration. There are two main trims you’ll encounter when you’re shopping new leftovers or late‑model used cars.
2024 Tesla Model S Long Range vs. Plaid
EPA range and performance vary with wheel choice; 19‑inch wheels are the efficiency picks.
| Trim | Drive | EPA range (19" wheels) | EPA range (21" wheels) | 0–60 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range AWD | Dual‑motor AWD | 402 mi | 380 mi | 3.1 s | 149 mph |
| Plaid | Tri‑motor AWD | 359 mi | 320 mi | 1.99 s* | 200 mph |
Official figures for 2024 reflect the EPA’s updated methodology.
About that 1.99‑second claim
Both versions deliver legitimate road‑trip range, especially if you stick with the 19‑inch wheels. The Long Range with 19s is one of the few EVs that can realistically approach 300–330 miles between fast charges at highway speeds when driven reasonably. The Plaid trades some of that distance for power, particularly if it’s riding on the thirsty 21‑inch wheels.
Driving experience: quiet speed, firm ride
On the road, every 2024 Model S feels quick. The Long Range surges forward with effortless, quiet torque that will be more than enough for most drivers. The Plaid turns things up to supercar levels; full‑throttle launches demand your full attention and a healthy respect for physics.
Ride & handling
- Adaptive air suspension does a good job smoothing highway expansion joints.
- In town, the car can feel firmer and more brittle than some German luxury sedans.
- The low center of gravity (big battery pack) keeps body roll in check.
- Steering is quick but not especially talkative; you drive it with fingertips, not feel.
Noise & comfort
- Wind and road noise are impressively low at speed.
- Optional 21‑inch wheels add noticeable tire roar and sharp impacts over broken pavement.
- The cabin is calm and relaxed at 75 mph+, a natural long‑distance cruiser.
Wheel choice matters
Interior, comfort & tech
The 2024 Tesla Model S sticks with the brand’s minimalist playbook: a clean dash, almost no buttons, and a 17‑inch center touchscreen that handles nearly every function, navigation, climate, drive modes, even glovebox access. Some shoppers love the futuristic look; others find it a learning curve.
2024 Model S interior highlights
Strengths and trade‑offs you should know before you buy
Spacious cabin
Plenty of legroom front and rear, and the glass roof makes the cabin feel airy. The hatchback design and fold‑flat rear seats create a massive cargo area for luggage or home‑improvement runs.
Screen‑first controls
The central touchscreen looks great and responds quickly, but almost everything runs through it. If you prefer physical buttons and knobs, this interface can feel like too much.
Yoke vs. wheel
Early 2024 cars leaned heavily on the controversial yoke steering device. Many later 2024 builds (and some retrofits) use a conventional round wheel, which most drivers find easier to live with.
Check which wheel your car has
Tech is a strong suit. The 2024 Model S offers a robust navigation system with Supercharger routing, games and streaming apps, and one of the better EV smartphone apps on the market. Over‑the‑air updates can add features or refine behavior long after the car leaves the factory, one reason used Teslas often feel more modern than their model‑year suggests.
Charging and real-world ownership
Day to day, charging and energy costs are where the 2024 Model S can save you serious money versus a gas performance sedan, if you set things up correctly. The car is most convenient when you have reliable home charging and use DC fast chargers primarily for road trips.
Charging a 2024 Model S: what to expect
1. Install home Level 2 charging
A 240‑volt Level 2 charger (or a 14‑50 outlet with Tesla’s mobile connector) can add roughly 30–40 miles of range per hour. For most owners, that means refilling a typical commute overnight.
2. Use scheduled charging
In many U.S. regions, electricity is cheaper late at night. The Model S lets you schedule charging so you automatically take advantage of off‑peak rates without thinking about it.
3. Superchargers for road trips
The 2024 Model S can charge at up to 250 kW on compatible Tesla Superchargers, bringing the pack from a low state of charge to roughly 60–70% in well under 30 minutes in ideal conditions.
4. Plan around cold weather
In winter, preconditioning the battery and cabin while plugged in can reduce range loss and keep Supercharging speeds higher. Expect more consumption in sustained cold climates.
5. Understand NACS dominance
The Model S uses Tesla’s NACS plug, which many other automakers are now adopting. That makes the 2024 car’s charging connector effectively future‑proof in North America.
Road‑trip advantage
Reliability, battery health & depreciation
Tesla doesn’t publish long‑term degradation data, but independent owners and fleet studies suggest Model S packs tend to lose range slowly after an initial drop in the first few years, then level off. For a 2024 car now a couple of years old, what matters is how it’s been driven and charged, not just the odometer reading.
Battery & drivetrain
- Most Model S packs respond well to daily charging to 70–80% rather than 100%.
- Frequent DC fast charging isn’t automatically bad, but it can accelerate wear if the pack is always charged to full.
- Tesla’s warranty coverage for the battery and drive unit (typically 8 years with a mileage limit and minimum capacity retention) is a big safety net for used shoppers.
Reliability & repairs
- Common complaints include trim squeaks, minor leaks or wind noise, and the occasional infotainment quirk.
- Out‑of‑warranty repairs, especially for suspension or electronics, can be pricey at Tesla service centers.
- For a used buyer, a pre‑purchase inspection by an EV‑savvy shop is money well spent.
What a 2024 Model S is worth now
Don’t guess on battery health
2024 Tesla Model S vs. key rivals
By 2024, the Model S faced serious competition from other long‑range luxury EVs. That’s good news for buyers: you have choices, and it puts pressure on pricing. Here’s how the Tesla stacks up in broad strokes.
How the 2024 Model S compares
Approximate specs and positioning for major luxury EV rivals.
| Model | EPA range (max) | 0–60 mph (quickest trim) | Charging network experience | Interior vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S (LR/Plaid) | Up to ~402 mi | As low as ~2.0 s | Class‑leading Supercharger access; simple routing | Minimalist, tech‑centric, huge screens |
| Lucid Air | 400–425+ mi on some trims | Around 3.0 s | CCS fast‑charging, strong speeds but fewer seamless routes | Airy, ultra‑modern, more traditional controls |
| Mercedes‑Benz EQE/EQS Sedan | 300–350 mi | Low‑to‑mid 4s | CCS networks; improving but less integrated | Luxurious, quiet, lots of physical touchpoints |
| Porsche Taycan | 250–300 mi | Around 2.5 s | Very fast charging on CCS; denser networks in some regions | Sporty cockpit, driver‑focused, high quality |
Exact numbers vary by configuration; this table focuses on the long‑range trims most cross‑shopped with the Model S.
Where the Model S still wins
Is the 2024 Tesla Model S a good used buy?
In today’s market, a 2024 Tesla Model S can be a very smart purchase, if you shop carefully. EV prices have cooled off from their 2021–2022 highs, and in some periods used Teslas have even softened faster than the overall market. That creates opportunity for buyers who are willing to look beyond a showroom‑fresh car.
Pros and cons of a used 2024 Model S
What you’re signing up for as a second (or third) owner
Major advantages
- Outstanding range and charging access compared with most used EVs.
- Performance that shames many new sports cars, even in Long Range form.
- Over‑the‑air updates keep the car feeling current longer.
- Early‑life depreciation means you avoid the steepest drop in value.
Key drawbacks
- Build quality and interior materials still trail some German rivals.
- Out‑of‑warranty repairs can be expensive and concentrated at Tesla service centers.
- Battery and drivetrain issues, while not widespread, are costly if they occur outside warranty.
- Insurance premiums can be higher than average for a large, powerful EV.
Used 2024 Model S buying checklist
1. Verify battery health with data
Don’t rely on guesswork. Look for a vehicle with a recent <strong>battery health report</strong> or have one performed. Tools like the Recharged Score capture remaining capacity and DC fast‑charge history so you know what you’re getting.
2. Check software and feature set
Confirm which driver‑assistance and infotainment features are active on the VIN. Options like Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self‑Driving capability may or may not transfer; value them realistically, not on Tesla’s list price.
3. Inspect wheels, tires & suspension
21‑inch wheels look great but are more prone to curb rash and bent rims. Listen for clunks over bumps and examine tire wear patterns, suspension repairs on a heavy, fast EV aren’t cheap.
4. Test all doors, seals and glass
Walk around the car checking panel alignment, door closures, hatch operation, and wind‑noise at highway speed. Minor issues are fixable, but they’re negotiation leverage and can hint at previous repairs.
5. Confirm Supercharging history
A car that lived on Superchargers exclusively might show more battery wear. Occasional fast charging is normal; an EV‑specialist inspection can help you interpret the data correctly.
6. Run the numbers on TCO
Compare a used Model S not just on purchase price but on <strong>energy, insurance, and maintenance</strong>. In many cases, a used luxury EV can undercut a new gas performance sedan on monthly cost once you factor in fuel savings.
How Recharged helps you shop a used Model S
A 2024 Tesla Model S isn’t a car you want to buy on a hunch. You’re dealing with a sophisticated battery pack, complex software, and serious performance potential. That’s where a specialist marketplace like Recharged can tilt the odds in your favor.
Recharged Score & expert inspection
Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, charging history insights, and a check for warning lights or stored faults. That helps you compare two 2024 Model S sedans on more than just mileage and photos.
Our EV‑specialist team can also walk you through what the numbers mean, whether you’re buying your first Tesla or adding another EV to the garage.
Financing, trade‑in & delivery
Recharged offers financing options tailored to used EVs, plus trade‑in and instant‑offer paths if you’re moving out of a gas car or older EV. Prefer to keep control of the sale? Consignment options and nationwide delivery help you shop the right Model S regardless of where you live.
If you’d rather see a vehicle in person, Recharged also operates an Experience Center in Richmond, VA, where you can get hands‑on with EVs before you decide.
Why shop a Model S with Recharged
2024 Tesla Model S FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Tesla Model S
Bottom line: the 2024 Tesla Model S remains a benchmark for long‑range, high‑performance electric sedans, and a well‑chosen used example can deliver a lot of car for the money. But it rewards informed shoppers. If you pair Tesla’s strengths, range, charging, and software, with a clear view of battery health, depreciation, and long‑term costs, you can enjoy one of the most capable EVs on the road without overpaying or over‑promising on what it can do.
