2020 TESLA MODEL S | 5YJSA1E48LF390844

2020 TESLA MODEL S | 5YJSA1E48LF390844

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Specifications

Engine Versions
6
Original Highest MSRP
~$130,000
The most powerful engine version for models
Model S Plaid
Engine: Single or dual electric motors
Torque: ~1,400 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~2.1 s

The Tesla Model S Plaid is not just the fastest Model S—it's among the fastest production cars in the world. With a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup and over 1,000 horsepower on tap, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.1 seconds, leaving behind not only luxury sedans but even many purpose-built supercars. This astonishing straight-line performance is backed by continuous torque delivery and immediate power from Tesla’s next-generation permanent magnet motors, allowing for relentless acceleration without traditional drivetrain losses.

Yet the Plaid isn’t only about drag-strip numbers. It incorporates significant chassis and software refinements, including a torque-vectoring system between the two rear motors, ensuring optimal grip and rotation through corners. The low-mounted battery pack contributes to a superbly low center of gravity, giving the vehicle balance and stability even at high speeds. Tesla’s track-oriented software modes—including adaptive damping simulation and temperature management—let the Plaid stretch its legs beyond public roads, proving itself on circuits around the world.

Perhaps most notably, the Model S Plaid accomplishes all this in the body of a four-door executive sedan with seating for five adults and luggage. It’s a car that can crush lap times at Laguna Seca and then quietly cruise through the city in traffic. The minimalistic cabin, yoke steering (in early versions), and continuously improving software ecosystem emphasize Tesla’s philosophy: performance is as much about algorithms as it is about horsepower. The Plaid is an electric revolution in sedan form—disruptive, absurdly fast, and yet remarkably refined.

Body Styles

Five-door electric fastback liftback sedan, with full-width rear hatch, frameless doors, flush handles, and coupe-like proportions. Offers a massive cargo area with fold-flat rear seats and optional rear-facing child seats in early models (up to 7-passenger capacity).

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The “Model S” was Tesla’s first in-house-designed vehicle and became the flagship electric luxury sedan. The “S” stands simply for “Sedan,” and forms the core of Tesla’s iconic S-3-X-Y lineup. Elon Musk originally envisioned the Model S as an EV that competes head-to-head with the Mercedes S-Class, but with sports car performance and cutting-edge software. Over the years, it evolved from a niche tech product into the benchmark electric executive car globally, especially with the 2021 refresh introducing the tri-motor Plaid drivetrain.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Model S” is deliberately minimal and scalable — easy to pronounce, type, and market across the globe. Tesla’s clean alphanumeric branding sidesteps translation issues and helps create a clear product ladder (Model S, 3, X, Y). The term “Plaid” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Spaceballs, symbolizing speeds beyond “Ludicrous” — and has become a cult status identifier for Tesla’s fastest variant.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Tesla Model S, launched in 2012 and continuously updated through the present, is Tesla’s flagship electric sedan — combining long-range performance, minimalist luxury, and cutting-edge technology. While its exterior has evolved subtly, the Model S has seen regular updates to its paint options, interior finishes, and wheel designs, especially following the 2021 “Plaid” refresh, which introduced a new interior layout and performance enhancements.

The body color palette of the Model S has always emphasized modern, high-tech simplicity. Tesla traditionally offers a tightly curated range of finishes: Pearl White Multi-Coat (included as standard), Solid Black, and Midnight Silver Metallic form the base of the lineup. Additional premium colors include Deep Blue Metallic and Ultra Red (introduced in 2023 as a vibrant, high-gloss alternative to previous reds). Stealth Grey, a modern matte-look alternative to silver/grey tones, offers a darker, more aggressive aesthetic. Over the years, Tesla has limited color variety to streamline production, but each paint is chosen to complement the sleek, minimalist design of the Model S.

Inside, the Model S cabin features a clean, futuristic layout, with nearly all functions operated via the center touchscreen and digital driver display. The 2021 interior refresh introduced a yoke-style steering control (with optional round steering wheel), a landscape-oriented 17-inch touchscreen, and a rear-seat infotainment display. Interior themes include All Black, Black and White, and Cream, all trimmed in vegan leather (Tesla’s proprietary premium material) with wood, carbon fiber, or satin metallic accents depending on the configuration. The minimalist design is accented with ambient lighting, a glass roof, and hidden air vents that provide a sleek and uncluttered feel. Heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and HEPA filtration come standard on upper trims.

Wheel and rim options enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamics. The base Long Range trim (prior to 2023) offered 19-inch Tempest wheels, designed to maximize efficiency and range. For a sportier look, buyers could upgrade to 21-inch Arachnid wheels, available in silver or dark gray finishes, which add visual drama but slightly reduce range. The high-performance Plaid model is typically paired with 21-inch Arachnids as standard, reinforcing its track-capable identity. All wheels feature Tesla’s signature aerodynamic covers or turbine-inspired designs to aid airflow and battery efficiency.

Top Expensive Options

  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: ~$12,000
  • Arachnid 21” Forged Performance Wheels: ~$4,500
  • Ultra Red Paint Finish (2023+): ~$3,000
  • Carbon Ceramic Track Brake Package (Plaid): ~$20,000
  • White Interior with Carbon Fiber Trim: ~$2,000
  • Enhanced Autopilot (partial FSD features): ~$6,000
  • Yoke Steering Wheel Conversion: no cost or ~$1,000 (retrofit)
  • Rear Passenger Display + Wireless Gamepad Support: standard
  • Bioweapon Defense HEPA Filtration Package: included (2021+)
  • Acceleration Boost (for Long Range): ~$2,000 (earlier trims)

vs Competitors

The Model S essentially created the modern premium EV segment, going head-to-head with Mercedes EQS, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and BMW i7. Where others emphasize material luxury and brand heritage, the Model S doubles down on range, speed, and software superiority. The Long Range still beats most competitors on single-charge distance, while the Plaid remains the fastest accelerating production sedan in the world. However, the Model S lags in tactile interior quality compared to German rivals. Tesla’s edge lies in the software experience, charging network (Supercharger access), and real-world performance that embarrasses supercars.

Fun Fact

The Model S Plaid’s tri-motor setup delivers more than 1,000 horsepower and sub-2.0 second 0–60 mph launches, making it faster than a Bugatti Chiron in short sprints. But the wildest part? It can do that with five adults and a week’s worth of luggage. The refreshed Model S also includes in-car gaming via Steam, Netflix/YouTube, and Tesla Arcade — making it arguably the first production car with built-in Elden Ring support (as long as you’re parked!).

Copart
Final Bid: $11,200
United States flag United States
VIN 5YJSA1E48LF390844

Lot Details

Final Bid Tesla Model S (2020)

Minimum Final Bid:
$10,200
Average Final Bid:
$16,345
Maximum Final Bid:
$46,750
Source Distribution:
Copart: 80% (8) | IAAI: 20% (2)

Specifications

Engine Versions
6
Original Highest MSRP
~$130,000
The most powerful engine version for models
Engine:
Torque:
0–100 km/h:

The Tesla Model S Plaid is not just the fastest Model S—it's among the fastest production cars in the world. With a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup and over 1,000 horsepower on tap, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.1 seconds, leaving behind not only luxury sedans but even many purpose-built supercars. This astonishing straight-line performance is backed by continuous torque delivery and immediate power from Tesla’s next-generation permanent magnet motors, allowing for relentless acceleration without traditional drivetrain losses.

Yet the Plaid isn’t only about drag-strip numbers. It incorporates significant chassis and software refinements, including a torque-vectoring system between the two rear motors, ensuring optimal grip and rotation through corners. The low-mounted battery pack contributes to a superbly low center of gravity, giving the vehicle balance and stability even at high speeds. Tesla’s track-oriented software modes—including adaptive damping simulation and temperature management—let the Plaid stretch its legs beyond public roads, proving itself on circuits around the world.

Perhaps most notably, the Model S Plaid accomplishes all this in the body of a four-door executive sedan with seating for five adults and luggage. It’s a car that can crush lap times at Laguna Seca and then quietly cruise through the city in traffic. The minimalistic cabin, yoke steering (in early versions), and continuously improving software ecosystem emphasize Tesla’s philosophy: performance is as much about algorithms as it is about horsepower. The Plaid is an electric revolution in sedan form—disruptive, absurdly fast, and yet remarkably refined.

Body Styles

Five-door electric fastback liftback sedan, with full-width rear hatch, frameless doors, flush handles, and coupe-like proportions. Offers a massive cargo area with fold-flat rear seats and optional rear-facing child seats in early models (up to 7-passenger capacity).

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The “Model S” was Tesla’s first in-house-designed vehicle and became the flagship electric luxury sedan. The “S” stands simply for “Sedan,” and forms the core of Tesla’s iconic S-3-X-Y lineup. Elon Musk originally envisioned the Model S as an EV that competes head-to-head with the Mercedes S-Class, but with sports car performance and cutting-edge software. Over the years, it evolved from a niche tech product into the benchmark electric executive car globally, especially with the 2021 refresh introducing the tri-motor Plaid drivetrain.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Model S” is deliberately minimal and scalable — easy to pronounce, type, and market across the globe. Tesla’s clean alphanumeric branding sidesteps translation issues and helps create a clear product ladder (Model S, 3, X, Y). The term “Plaid” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Spaceballs, symbolizing speeds beyond “Ludicrous” — and has become a cult status identifier for Tesla’s fastest variant.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Tesla Model S, launched in 2012 and continuously updated through the present, is Tesla’s flagship electric sedan — combining long-range performance, minimalist luxury, and cutting-edge technology. While its exterior has evolved subtly, the Model S has seen regular updates to its paint options, interior finishes, and wheel designs, especially following the 2021 “Plaid” refresh, which introduced a new interior layout and performance enhancements.

The body color palette of the Model S has always emphasized modern, high-tech simplicity. Tesla traditionally offers a tightly curated range of finishes: Pearl White Multi-Coat (included as standard), Solid Black, and Midnight Silver Metallic form the base of the lineup. Additional premium colors include Deep Blue Metallic and Ultra Red (introduced in 2023 as a vibrant, high-gloss alternative to previous reds). Stealth Grey, a modern matte-look alternative to silver/grey tones, offers a darker, more aggressive aesthetic. Over the years, Tesla has limited color variety to streamline production, but each paint is chosen to complement the sleek, minimalist design of the Model S.

Inside, the Model S cabin features a clean, futuristic layout, with nearly all functions operated via the center touchscreen and digital driver display. The 2021 interior refresh introduced a yoke-style steering control (with optional round steering wheel), a landscape-oriented 17-inch touchscreen, and a rear-seat infotainment display. Interior themes include All Black, Black and White, and Cream, all trimmed in vegan leather (Tesla’s proprietary premium material) with wood, carbon fiber, or satin metallic accents depending on the configuration. The minimalist design is accented with ambient lighting, a glass roof, and hidden air vents that provide a sleek and uncluttered feel. Heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and HEPA filtration come standard on upper trims.

Wheel and rim options enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamics. The base Long Range trim (prior to 2023) offered 19-inch Tempest wheels, designed to maximize efficiency and range. For a sportier look, buyers could upgrade to 21-inch Arachnid wheels, available in silver or dark gray finishes, which add visual drama but slightly reduce range. The high-performance Plaid model is typically paired with 21-inch Arachnids as standard, reinforcing its track-capable identity. All wheels feature Tesla’s signature aerodynamic covers or turbine-inspired designs to aid airflow and battery efficiency.

Top Expensive Options

  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: ~$12,000
  • Arachnid 21” Forged Performance Wheels: ~$4,500
  • Ultra Red Paint Finish (2023+): ~$3,000
  • Carbon Ceramic Track Brake Package (Plaid): ~$20,000
  • White Interior with Carbon Fiber Trim: ~$2,000
  • Enhanced Autopilot (partial FSD features): ~$6,000
  • Yoke Steering Wheel Conversion: no cost or ~$1,000 (retrofit)
  • Rear Passenger Display + Wireless Gamepad Support: standard
  • Bioweapon Defense HEPA Filtration Package: included (2021+)
  • Acceleration Boost (for Long Range): ~$2,000 (earlier trims)

vs Competitors

The Model S essentially created the modern premium EV segment, going head-to-head with Mercedes EQS, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and BMW i7. Where others emphasize material luxury and brand heritage, the Model S doubles down on range, speed, and software superiority. The Long Range still beats most competitors on single-charge distance, while the Plaid remains the fastest accelerating production sedan in the world. However, the Model S lags in tactile interior quality compared to German rivals. Tesla’s edge lies in the software experience, charging network (Supercharger access), and real-world performance that embarrasses supercars.

Fun Fact

The Model S Plaid’s tri-motor setup delivers more than 1,000 horsepower and sub-2.0 second 0–60 mph launches, making it faster than a Bugatti Chiron in short sprints. But the wildest part? It can do that with five adults and a week’s worth of luggage. The refreshed Model S also includes in-car gaming via Steam, Netflix/YouTube, and Tesla Arcade — making it arguably the first production car with built-in Elden Ring support (as long as you’re parked!).