Tesla has earned its spot as a premier electric vehicle company, with sleek designs and innovative technology that continues to captivate drivers. Their models range in price, catering to different budgets – but there’s no shortage of pricey options for those looking for high performance, luxury and style.
The Tesla Models Ranked From Least to Most Expensive – In Our Top 10 When Elon Musk introduced Tesla to the world, he wanted to make powerful electric vehicles that attracted people not just because they were sustainable and “green,” but because they’d thrill drivers and be desirable in ways gas-powered cars simply can’t match.
So while home runs like the Model 3 opened Tesla ownership up to a wider range of drivers, the company’s top trims and standalone high-performance models keep costs well into luxury car territory – with the benefit of innovative features and technology that continues pushing the industry forward.
Top 10 Most Expensive Tesla Cars
#10: Long Range All-Wheel Drive Performance Model Y
The crossover cousin to the ever-popular Model 3, the Model Y takes everything that works so well with the brand’s sports sedan and translates it into a sharper-handling compact SUV that seats 5 (or 7 optionally). The Long Range Performance version puts out a blazing quick 0-60 time of just 3.5 seconds, more than a second faster than the regular version.
With Tesla improving the Model Y’s aerodynamics, this Performance trim is faster both in off-the-line acceleration and at higher speeds with an improved 155 mph top speed. Plus with the $3,000 optional acceleration boost, its 0-60 time drops even further to 3 seconds flat – living up to Tesla’s “Insane Mode” reputation.
#9: Long Range All-Wheel Drive Performance Model 3
Tesla’s most popular car by far continues to impress drivers, making EVs exciting. The Model 3 delivers on that promise when you go for the higher “Performance” trim. It produces 450 horsepower and hits 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds – which is, in a word, bonkers. Handling is sharp too, thanks to stickier performance tires, a lowered suspension setup, alloy pedals and high-performance brakes.
For anyone worried about range, the Performance Model 3 offers over 315 miles per charge. And Tesla’s latest battery innovation, called 4680 cells, will make batteries even lighter, charge faster and gain more range according to Musk. While the Long Range remains the volume seller, the Performance is the Model 3 that makes drivers go “wow.”
#8: Model X Long Range With 6 Seat Interior
What’s better than an electric SUV? An electric SUV with unique falcon wing doors. The Model X is how you make a luxury family hauler that’s also a over-the-top head-turner. It’s got seating for up to 6 with the available 2nd row bench, or can be configured with individual captain’s chairs depending on how many passengers you need.
The fact that it accelerates to 60 mph in under 4 seconds is like the cherry on top. Especially in longer-range versions, the Model X can even tow up to 5,000 pounds – making it a legitimate substitute for a lot of drivers’ gas-powered SUVs and trucks. Buyers who want next-level thrills can also add the $20,000 Ludicrous Mode upgrade, which drops its 0-60 time down to a physics-defying 2.6 seconds.
#7: Long Range Model S With 6 Seat Interior
While the Model S isn’t Tesla’s newest or biggest sedan anymore, it remains a top choice for a ton of EV shoppers thanks to its sleek design and impressive luxury. The fact that it still keeps up with modern EVs in terms of performance and range speaks volumes to how advanced it’s always been.
Even aside from the fast acceleration and long range, the more you spend on a Model S the more tech-forward and almost space age it feels. Up front is a massive 17-inch center touchscreen with gaming-level graphics. In back are airplane-style seats with individual entertainment screens. There’s even an available yoke style steering wheel – taking the futuristic vibes to a whole new level.
#6: Plaid Model S With 6 Seat Interior
Talk about saving the best for last. In 2021 Tesla introduced the new tri-motor “Plaid” version of the freshly updated Model S, which firmly solidified it as the quickest accelerating production sedan…ever. We’re talking less than 2 seconds for its 0-60 mph time – putting even million-dollar supercars on notice.
This is achieved not just by the 1,020 horsepower being put down, but advances in power delivery, transmission design and weight savings. Aerodynamic tweaks have also boosted its top speed to a NASCAR-worthy 200 mph. The Model S Plaid is a four-door EV that drives like a space shuttle – rewriting expectations of both electric cars and high-performance sedans in one fell swoop.
#5: Model X Plaid With 6 Seat Interior
Maybe you love the Model X’s style and extra passenger room, but wished it was a touch…faster. That’s where the new for 2022 Model X Plaid comes roaring in. Same wild acceleration as the Model S Plaid, but in a more upright luxury SUV body. We’re still talking 200 mph potential with a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds.
Being an electric SUV, the Model X Plaid offers seating for up to 6 or 7 in its beautifully-appointed cabin. Everything feels upscale, especially in the higher trims. From the panoramic front windshield to the huge cargo space, the Model X Plaid takes everything buyers love about this EV crossover – then adds face-melting performance.
#4: Model S Plaid
Tesla isn’t done using the Model S to smash performance records. An upcoming Plaid+ trim has been teased as in development. Details remain closely guarded, but Musk indicated it may achieve a maximum range between 520 to 550 miles on a charge – the highest of any production EV. Horsepower could approach (or exceed) 1,100 as well with advancements to existing technology.
Most intriguing is Tesla’s claim that this Model S Plaid+ may become the first production electric vehicle to achieve a 0-60 mph time under 2 seconds – besting even the “regular” Model S Plaid. Tolerating those extreme launch forces would likely require special seats and harnesses, showing how uncompromising this ultra-performance sedan could be.
#3: Model S Plaid With Rear-Facing Third Row Seat
Yes, at first glance it seemed like an April Fool’s joke. But Musk himself confirmed that Tesla has tested Model S prototypes with two rear-facing seats effectively creating an ultra-exclusive station wagon variant. Details remain unofficial, but this version would likely retain Plaid-levels of performance.
Rear seat passengers would face the back window for a wild view. Cargo space would grow behind the third row with the rear hatch, also useful for carting longer items. Exactly how much this ultra-wagon version of the Plaid sedan would cost isn’t certain yet. But rare features like these third row seats would push the price tag even higher – easily cracking 6-figures in range.
#2: Next Generation Roadster Founders Series
Talk about ending on a cliffhanger. Way back in 2017, Tesla unveiled a next-gen Roadster prototype that would evolve their original electric sports car into a 1,000 horsepower legend. Outrageous performance targets were laid out like 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds and a top speed beyond 250 mph. Then…we didn’t hear much else officially.
But now Tesla’s website confirms that Roadster production is coming in 2023, for those lucky few who get their name on the Founders Series list. Just 1,000 examples will be built priced from $250,000 – promising insane acceleration from its triple motor setup and advances in battery tech since the concept’s reveal.
If those numbers hold true, the new Roadster won’t just dominate supercars in a drag race – it could set all-time lap records too. For that kind of money though, we’re hopeful Tesla lets buyers take their Roadster to the track now and then.
#1: Model X Plaid With Rear-Facing Third Row Seats
What could be better than the blisteringly quick Model X Plaid? The Model X Plaid…with jump seats for 2 extra passengers! Similar to rumors about the Model S Plaid adding rear-facing seats for kids or shorter adults, Tesla could have the same in store for its mega-SUV according to recent reports.
Details are slim, but odds are this ultra-rare version would retain the regular Model X Plaid’s performance. We’re talking 1,020 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a 200 mph top speed – but with room for up to 8. Rear cargo capacity could even still remain solid thanks to the extra storage behind the rear bench when folded down.