Is the Tesla Model S a four-wheel drive?

[OElliot]

The dual-motor version of the Tesla Model S is four-wheel drive, while the single-motor version is rear-wheel drive. Taking the 2021 Tesla Model S as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4975mm, width 1964mm, height 1445mm, wheelbase 2960mm, luggage compartment volume 793l, and curb weight 2069kg. The 2021 Tesla Model S is equipped with a permanent magnet rear AC motor, with a maximum horsepower of 617ps, maximum power of 493kw, maximum torque of 755nm, and is matched with a 1-speed fixed gear ratio transmission.

[KathrynDella]

As someone who frequently researches electric vehicles, I've noticed that the Tesla Model S has now all been upgraded to all-wheel drive. The older models had rear-wheel drive versions, but the new models since 2020 all feature dual-motor or tri-motor all-wheel drive systems. The Long Range version uses a front and rear dual-motor setup, allowing both the front and rear wheels to be driven independently. This all-wheel drive design is particularly well-suited for slippery road conditions, providing significantly better traction in rain or snow. The Plaid performance version is even more impressive, adding a third motor to create a tri-motor all-wheel drive system, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds. So now, whether it's the base model or the high-performance version, the Tesla Model S comes with all-wheel drive configuration.

[DiLeo]

I've driven my friend's Model S Long Range, and it's indeed a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Last time on the highway in the rain, I could clearly feel the motors distributing power to both front and rear wheels simultaneously, with exceptional body stability. Tesla switched the entire Model S lineup to dual-motor design quite early, with the front motor managing the front wheels and the rear motor handling the rear wheels, which responds much faster than traditional mechanical four-wheel drive. I heard their motor control system can adjust torque distribution hundreds of times per second, preventing wheel slip even when climbing snowy slopes. The only thing to note is that it consumes slightly more power than a single-motor setup, but for friends in northern regions, the practicality of four-wheel drive is absolutely worth it.

[KateMarie]

The Tesla Model S is now only available in dual-motor and tri-motor versions, meaning all models are four-wheel drive. The base version uses two independent motors at the front and rear, allowing each wheel to be controlled individually. The higher-performance Plaid version adds an additional motor on the front axle, forming a tri-motor four-wheel drive system. In actual driving, the advantages of this electric four-wheel drive system are evident – without a driveshaft structure, the power response is swift, and torque distribution between the front and rear axles can be precisely controlled. However, electric four-wheel drive differs from that in fuel-powered vehicles; it relies on direct motor drive, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components like transfer cases and differential locks.

[LeAnderson]

Research on electric vehicle specifications reveals that all currently available Tesla Model S models come standard with all-wheel drive systems. There are two specific configurations: the Long Range version features a Dual Motor setup with one motor independently operating on each axle, while the Plaid version adds an extra motor on the front axle, achieving a three-motor all-wheel drive system. This design offers a key advantage: the ability to distribute different torque levels to each wheel in real-time, providing exceptional cornering agility. When selecting a vehicle, it's advisable to consider the impact of this configuration on range. The dual-motor version typically offers about 10% less range compared to single-motor variants, but delivers all-weather driving stability in return.