2020 Tesla Model S and Model X Get Range Boosts And More Power

The Tesla Model S now gets up to 370 miles on a charge

Tesla Model S. [Photo: Tesla]

The improvements stem from a new motor design.

While most of the spotlight has been on the Tesla Model 3 and impending Model Y for the past several months, the company hasn’t forgotten about the cars that really got the ball rolling. The 2020 Tesla Model S and Model X have received improvements and both range and power. The newest models set to come off the line this week are getting a boost thanks to a more efficient motor design, according to Tesla.

The latest generation models use an optimized permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, as well as silicon carbide power electronics. Better lubrication, cooling, bearings and gear designs all result in a 10 percent improvement in range.

The new Model S Long Range can now drive 370 miles on a single charge. That’s 35 miles further than its predecessor, using the same 100-kWh battery pack. The Model X Long Range also sees an improvement to 325 miles on a charge. The Performance models of the Model S and Model X get a longer range of 345 miles and 289 miles, respectively.

Tesla also claims the new motor design improves power and torque “significantly” across all Model S and Model X variants, including the Standard Range models. Now, the 2020 Tesla Model S Standard Range will sprint to 60 in 4.0 seconds. The Long Range will do it in 3.7 seconds. As for the Model X, the Standard Range will do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. The Long Range model will make the run in 4.4 seconds, according to Tesla.

Tesla also re-introduced the Standard Range models for both cars.

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Tesla Model X. [Photo: Tesla]

Improved charging and lower price models

While the battery capacity did not change, Tesla did improve charging on the Model S and Model X. Both are capable of pulling up to 200 kW on V3 Tesla Superchargers, and 145 kW on V2 Superchargers. Tesla claims that nets a 50 percent improvement in charging times.

The Standard Range models offer a slightly lower barrier to entry for Tesla buyers interested in either model. The 2020 Tesla Model S Standard Range starts at $78,000 before any incentives. The Model X starts at $83,000. If you buy the new Performance model of either car, Tesla will now include Ludicrous Mode — otherwise a $20,000 option — free of charge.

Speaking of range and price, check out our long-term Model 3 against one of its main competitors below: