The Tesla Model S was the first vehicle to use the name “Plaid” for its high-performance powertrain.
Tesla introduced the Model S Plaid in 2021 as a three-motor performance version of its luxury electric sedan. It used one motor at the front and two at the rear, allowing independent torque delivery to the rear wheels and very rapid acceleration. Tesla positioned Plaid above the Long Range version in performance.
The name was inspired by the comedy film Spaceballs, in which “plaid” represents an absurdly high speed. Tesla later applied the Plaid name to the Model X, extending the performance branding to its larger SUV.
Plaid is a powertrain designation, not a separate vehicle model. The Model S remained the underlying car, just as Model X Plaid remained a Model X. This distinction matters because Tesla also uses names such as Long Range and Performance for different versions and equipment levels.