2018 Tesla Model S Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$74,500 to $135,000

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(36 reviews)
2018 Tesla Model S Preview summaryImage

Tesla broke the luxury car market wide-open with its Model S in 2012, the first electric mass-market car able to comfortably seat five people and get a decent amount of range between recharges. Last year, the Model S got an extensive refresh, so there are fewer changes for 2018.

The biggest change is to the ownership experience. Tesla has officially ended free-for-all Supercharger network use on all Model S units purchased after 2017. The new program allots 400 free kilowatt-hours to each car;beyond that, there’s a per-kWh charge. Drivers who don’t live near a Supercharger and plan to use the Model S for in-town driving aren’t missing much—the free bank of charging credit amounts to about 1,000 miles. Tesla cites infrequent Supercharger use as the reason for discontinuing the free program. Owners who trade in a 2017-or-older Model S toward a new one retain free charging, as will up to five people they refer.

Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot function, which allows for near-autonomous driving on freeways, has been upgraded with better sensors, cameras, and processors. Enhanced Autopilot comes as a $5,000 option from the factory on all models. Every unit comes equipped with the hardware, so Enhanced Autopilot can be activated after purchase for $6,000. Tesla pushes software updates to the Enhanced Autopilot over the Internet, like a computer or smartphone, so drivers can skip the service center. On top of that, Tesla is allowing Model S shoppers to pre-pay for a Full Self-Driving Capability package, which allows the car to completely operate without intervention from the driver, including interactions with stop signs, traffic lights, roundabouts, and parking lots. It even has the ability to self-charge. Currently, Tesla is waiting until it has enough driving data and regulatory approval before it activates the Full Self-Driving Capability, but as of now, the package costs an additional $3,000 from the factory or $4,000 after the car is built and delivered.

Trims and powertrain packages remain largely unchanged for 2018. The base 60D has been discontinued, leaving the 75D as the entry point. The 75D employs a 75-kwH battery good for 259 miles of range, a 140-mph top speed, and a 0-to-60 time of 4.2 seconds. Next up is the 100D, with a 100-kWh that manages up to 335 miles of range, a top speed of 155 mph, and a 4.1-second run to 60. Lastly, there’s the top tier P100D. In exchange for a slightly lowered range of 315 miles, the P100D gets a interior upgrades and a special Ludicrous Speed Upgrade that shoots the Model S to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. All models come with all-wheel drive (AWD) made possible by a single motor for each axle.

Fewer options are available because they have been made standard for 2018. An air-suspension system, which raises and lowers the car according to GPS coordinates and a power liftgate now come in every configuration. Add-ons include XM Radio, a premium audio system, heated wiper nozzles, and heated rear seats. One remarkable package is the Bioweapon Defense Mode. It utilizes HEPA filtration to rid incoming cabin air of harmful bacteria, pollen, and pollution. Another uncommon feature, the Model S comes with a seating package that adds two rear-facing child jump seats in the cargo area to effectively make the car a seven-seater.

The Model S—with a noteworthy powertrain, gorgeous styling inside and out, and futuristic technologies—continues to be a singular choice for anyone shopping in the near-$100K league. The 4-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 8-year, unlimited-mile battery warranties should put drivers minds at ease. The Tesla Model S qualifies for the full $7,500 zero-emissions tax credit as well as additional state-specific incentives.

Kyree Rollerson
Published May 31, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
A CarGurus contributor since 2017, Kyree has always been fascinated with the automotive world, especially when it comes to premium European cars. But regardless of the vehicle—whether it's an efficient hybrid or the latest luxury sled—he's always ready to dispense information and advice.

User reviews for 2018 Tesla Model S

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User rating:
by Julious D
Dec 03, 2024
Excited about this car. It feels so futuristic and super luxurious. Hard to know what you’re missing if you’ve never experienced it firsthand… but I know now. It’s smooth, calm, and simple. The car is extremely powerful and so utilitarian. Very nice looking and intuitive too. Can’t say enough good things about it. People may say bad stuff about Tesla, but that’s probably all coming from the outside and not people who actually own these cars. Dec 03, 2024
by Christopher G
Jun 26, 2024
Great value for this Tesla model s 100dJun 26, 2024
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2024
This is my first S and so far I love it. It is more spacious than my Model 3 (of course) and there are some additional features I really like. The best part though is that the S is far more quiet vs the 3. We are taking the S on its first road trip this weekend so I will know more after that.Jan 29, 2024

2018 Tesla Model S Pricing

Original MSRP
$74,500 to $135,000
Price range
$22,865 to $23,952
Average price on CG
$23,305
YoY price change
$23,939 to $23,305

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · Radio: FM · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.34

Engine

EV battery capacity: 75 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 328 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 245 · Electric Motor Torque: 387 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 259

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 17 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.73

Engine

EV battery capacity: 100 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 463 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 345 · Electric Motor Torque: 713 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 335

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 17 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.73

Engine

EV battery capacity: 100 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 463 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 345 · Electric Motor Torque: 713 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 315

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 17 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: window operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (3)