The Tesla Model S Plaid is, without a doubt, one of the fastest production sedans on the planet. With 1,020 horsepower, a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of just 2.1 seconds, and a top speed north of 320km/h (200mph), this electric luxury sedan offers performance that would make most supercars blush. It is a car that rewrites the rules of what a four-door sedan should be capable of, all while offering the comfort and refinement expected of a six-figure luxury vehicle.
However, raw power is only part of the equation. The Model S Plaid, like most factory vehicles, comes with a suspension, braking, and aerodynamic setup that is designed to cater to the widest possible audience. That means compromises. And for owners who want to extract even more performance from their Plaid, whether on a canyon road, a racetrack, or simply during spirited daily driving, the aftermarket has stepped up in a big way. Here are six of the best performance upgrades available for the Tesla Model S Plaid right now.
1. Unplugged Performance Carbon Ceramic Front Big Brake Kit (BBK)
When you are hauling a 4,800-pound sedan from triple-digit speeds, the factory brakes reach their thermal limits far sooner than the rest of the car. The Unplugged Performance Carbon Ceramic Front Big Brake Kit (BBK) for the Model S addresses this head-on. It delivers a staggering 93% increase in pad-to-rotor surface area, jumping from 77.5 cm to 149.4 cm. The kit also shaves over 25 pounds of unsprung weight, improving not only braking performance but also ride responsiveness and overall handling.
The system includes 6-piston calipers, 15.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors, brake pads, billet adapter brackets, and stainless steel brake lines. It fits factory 19-inch Tempest and 21-inch Arachnid wheels, as well as all Unplugged Performance wheels. Installation is recommended through UP’s LA facility or their authorized installer network. Pricing starts around $8,495.00 for the front kit, which is a serious investment but one that transforms the braking experience entirely.
- Fits all Tesla Model S Plaid and Model S Long Range 2021+ vehicles in any factory wheel configuration.
- Improve braking performance and feel.
- 93% Increase in brake pad to rotor surface area from 77.5cm² (standard equipment) to 149.4cm² while still fitting factory 19″ wheels.
- Reduction of 25lbs+ unsprung weight for better feel and improved efficiency
- Kit includes all components necessary for installation (high-performance brake fluid will need to be supplied by the buyer, and can be purchased at any automotive parts retailer)
- The default caliper color is red, but it can also be supplied in the original gloss black color or a wide range of custom colors. Custom colors are available for an additional fee.
- Designed to fit Tesla 19″ Tempest and 21″ Arachnid wheels as well as all Unplugged Performance wheels and every aftermarket 19″ or larger wheel that we have seen.
- Front Carbon Brake Kit – Rotor Diameter is 394mm x 36mm
- Rear Carbon Rotor Diameter is 365mm x 28mm
Shop the upgrade here: https://unpluggedperformance.com/product/model-s-plaid-carbon-ceramic-brake-kit/
2. Unplugged Performance High Performance Suspension Package
If there is one upgrade that transforms the way the Model S Plaid drives more than any other single purchase, it is the Unplugged Performance High Performance Suspension Package. This is a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that includes the UP Sports Dynamic Air Suspension Lowering Kit, front upper control arms (FUCA), billet rear trailing arms, rear traction arms, adjustable rear camber arms, rear lower arms, adjustable rear toe arms, and the UP rear sway bar. Combined, these components dramatically enhance cornering grip, stability, and control while reducing body roll and lowering the center of gravity.
The beauty of this package is that it gives Model S Plaid owners full control over the 1,020 horsepower their car produces. Every component is engineered in-house at Unplugged Performance’s Hawthorne, CA facility and is available individually as well, but the package pricing of $7,370 to $7,865 (depending on sway bar configuration) offers meaningful savings over buying each piece separately. Installation can be performed at UP’s facility or by any independent performance shop comfortable working on Tesla vehicles. This is the kind of upgrade that turns a fast car into a truly capable one.
Shop the upgrade here: https://unpluggedperformance.com/product/model-s-plaid-lr-suspension-package-1/
3. Vorsteiner VRS Aero Decklid Spoiler in Carbon Fiber
For Model S Plaid owners looking to add aerodynamic downforce and visual aggression without going full race car, the Vorsteiner VRS Aero Decklid Spoiler is a fantastic option. Vorsteiner is a name that needs no introduction in the high-end automotive world, known for producing some of the finest carbon fiber aerodynamic components for brands like BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Their Tesla Model S Plaid decklid spoiler is manufactured using a state-of-the-art aerospace autoclave process, resulting in a product that is 20% to 30% stiffer and stronger than a traditional wet-layup carbon fiber part.
The spoiler features a pre-preg 2×2 glossy carbon fiber weave that looks absolutely stunning on the Model S Plaid’s rear decklid, adding a subtle but purposeful aerodynamic element that complements the car’s aggressive lines. Fitment is engineered to match factory shut lines and contours precisely. Pricing is $1,099 and the spoiler ships within 1 to 2 business days. Professional installation is recommended. Please note that this specific decklid spoiler fits 2021 to 2022 Model S Plaid vehicles only, so check your model year before ordering.
Shop the upgrade here: https://vorsteiner.com/products/vrs-tesla-model-s-plaid-aero-decklid-spoiler-carbon-fiber-pp-2×2-glossy-2021-2022-only
4. Unplugged Performance UP-03 Lightweight Forged Wheels
Factory wheels on the Model S Plaid are cast and, frankly, heavier than they should be on a performance vehicle. The Unplugged Performance UP-03 lightweight forged wheels are CNC-machined from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, resulting in significant weight savings over stock. That reduction in unsprung and rotational mass translates directly into improved acceleration response, better braking, sharper handling, and even a slight bump in range.
The UP-03 wheels are compatible with OEM Tesla center caps, lug nuts, and TPMS sensors, making the swap completely seamless. Available in multiple sizes and finishes, a set of four starts at approximately $4,495. Installation is as simple as swapping your factory wheels.
Shop the upgrade here: https://unpluggedperformance.com/product/up-03-forged-wheel-model-s/
5. KW Suspensions DDC ECU Coilover Suspension
For Model S Plaid owners who want the most technologically advanced suspension upgrade available, the KW Suspensions DDC ECU Coilover system is in a league of its own. Made in Fichtenberg, Germany, this is not your typical coilover kit. The DDC ECU system features electronically controlled adaptive dampers that can be adjusted between three driving modes, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, via a cockpit-mounted button included with the kit. For even more granularity, an optional WLAN module allows real-time damper adjustment through the KW DDC smartphone app, letting you create personalized suspension setups without ever touching a wrench.
The system offers a lowering range of 0.2 to 1.2 inches front and rear, with KW’s signature dirt-resistant trapezoid thread and composite collar ensuring years of accessible adjustability. The kit fits all Tesla Model S variants, including Plaid, and comes with a 5-year warranty when installed at an authorized specialist dealer. Pricing is set from $5,899 and is available through European Auto Source in Anaheim, California. Installation should be handled by a qualified performance shop, and EAS offers professional installation at their facility.
Shop the upgrade here: https://europeanautosource.com/products/kw-suspensions-ddc-coilover-suspension-w-hls4-tesla-model-s
6. T Sportline TXL Fully Forged Lightweight Wheel and Tire Package
T Sportline has been in the Tesla aftermarket game since 2013, and their TXL fully forged lightweight wheels represent the top tier of their lineup. CNC-machined from a single 6061-T6 aluminum forging, these wheels are designed to Tesla factory specifications, meaning they work seamlessly with OEM center caps, lug nuts, and TPMS sensors. Available in 19-inch and 20-inch fitments with staggered or square setups, these wheels come in multiple finishes.
What makes the T Sportline offering particularly appealing is the option to buy complete wheel and tire packages, delivered ready to bolt on. Pricing for a set of four fully forged wheels starts around $4,195, with wheel and tire packages starting around $5,395. Professional installation is available at T Sportline’s Los Angeles and Atlanta facilities.
Shop the upgrade here: https://tsportline.com/collections/model-s-wheels
Why Upgrading Your Model S Plaid Suspension, Brakes, Aero, Wheels, and Tires is Worth It
The Tesla Model S Plaid is an incredible machine out of the box, but the factory setup is engineered for mass-market appeal rather than outright performance. Upgrading the suspension with quality coilovers or a comprehensive suspension package brings the center of gravity down, reduces body roll, and gives the driver far more confidence in corners. Better brakes, like a proper carbon ceramic big brake kit, ensure the car can stop as impressively as it accelerates, which is critical when you are dealing with a sedan that hits 100km/h in just 2.1 seconds.
Lightweight forged wheels reduce unsprung mass, sharpening every aspect of the driving experience from acceleration to braking to turn-in response. Aerodynamic improvements, such as a high-quality carbon fiber spoiler, help keep the car planted at speed while also improving range efficiency. Combined, these upgrades transform the Model S Plaid from a straight-line missile into a well-rounded performance machine that inspires confidence in every driving scenario. It is an investment that pays dividends every single time you get behind the wheel.
For more inspiration on how to modify your 2021+ Tesla Model S Plaid, please grab a look at the media gallery below.
