Tesla Model S Plaid could be delayed until 2023 in Australia

The world’s quickest production sedan – the Tesla Model S Plaid – could still be at least 18 months away from arriving in Australian showrooms, Drive understands.  

While the manufacturer’s online configurator tool suggests the high-performance electric vehicle is due towards the “end of 2022,” when Drive anonymously contacted a Tesla service centre, a representative said "at the moment, that’s probably not [going to happen]."

Other Tesla outlets contacted by Drive noted a delay had been discussed internally, however they said it was yet to be confirmed.

Priced from $219,646 before on-road costs and order/delivery fees (but including Luxury Car Tax) locally, the Plaid is currently Tesla's most expensive model (however, if built, the perpetually-delayed Roadster is certain to overtake it). The total number of current pre-orders in Australia are unknown.

Three independent electric motors – two on the rear axle, and one on the front – send a combined 761kW/1400Nm to all four wheels, making it more powerful than many petrol-powered hypercars.

This allows the 2162kg vehicle to launch from 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.1 seconds (with one foot/30cm of drag-strip roll-out subtracted). For reference, the $AU5.5 million W16-powered Bugatti Chiron takes 2.4 seconds – 14 per cent longer than the Plaid – to complete the same benchmark sprint.

Top speed in the Tesla is electronically limited to 262km/h for the time being, with an update promised when new tyres and wheels are fitted. A circa-100kWh lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the floor permits a maximum driving range of 560km in between charges on the EPA's testing cycle.

The Long Range Model S and Model X SUV – which start from $161,146 and $187,146 before on-road costs, respectively – reportedly remain on track for launch before the end of next year. Updated timing for the $174,990 before on-road costs Model X Plaid is unclear, though the online configurator suggests the first examples will also arrive at the end of 2022.

Tesla Australia declined to comment on estimated arrival timing. This story will be updated if more information becomes available.