hamburger icon

2018 Tesla Model S

Change vehicle or year
Select a Year - Tesla Model S
OR
Change Vehicle
Make
Tesla
Model
Model S
Year
2018
GO
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Standard
Photos Colors
Used Car Price Range
$24,997 - $45,000
$24,997 $45,000
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 75D 4dr All-Wheel Drive Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $78,000
2018 100D 4dr All-Wheel Drive Hatchback Price:   -  From $96,000
2018 P100D 4dr All-Wheel Drive Hatchback Price:   -  From $135,000
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

See All Used Listings

Overview

Now five years young, the Tesla Model S remains one of the most revolutionary cars on the market. It’s still a fascinating blend of efficiency, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

What's New for 2018

Tesla tends to roll out updates year-round. Recent updates have included reshuffling powertrains so that the base battery is now a 75-kiloWatt-hour battery and the upper trims get a 100-kWh unit. Autopilot hardware continues to improve, although the functionality is still optional. Unlimited supercharging is no longer free; after 400-kWh in a year, drivers will have to pay their own way.

Tesla Model S

Choosing Your Tesla Model S

The Model S begins with its battery, which sits underneath the floor of the passenger cabin. The two options are a smaller 75-kWh unit or the premium 100-kWh option. Both are paired to a fixed-speed transmission, and while Tesla doesn’t provide exact horsepower or torque figures, expect both to be impressive. Obviously no Tesla runs on gas, but the EPA estimates energy usage as roughly equivalent to 90 mpg. All Tesla Model S cars are now all-wheel drive.

Tesla prides itself on the level of sophistication and technology in its cars, and the Model S is a fine example. All Model S cars come with suspension memory settings, GPS-enabled Homelink, and a rearview camera. Because of both front and rear trunks, cargo capacity is also a respectable 31.6 cubic feet.

Front and center on the interior is Tesla’s 17-inch touchscreen display, which controls almost everything in the car. Maps and navigation are standard, and there are two USB ports. Tesla updates its safety technology frequently via over-the-air updates, but all Model S trims feature collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.

Models are divided by battery and performance into three trims: 75D, 100D, and P100D.

Tesla Model S

75D

The cheapest Model S starts at $75,700 after a $1,200 destination fee, but Tesla is quick to remind buyers that they’ll get at least $7,500 as part of a federal income-tax credit. The 75-kWh batter gives an estimated range of 249 miles.

Even in base trim the Model S includes keyless entry, power-adjustable heated front seats, and ambient interior lighting. On the exterior are powered and heated side mirrors, dynamic cornering LED headlights, and a power liftgate.

19-inch wheels are standard, but 21-inchers are available for $4,500. The roof of the Model S is glass, and it can be converted into a sunroof for $2,000. Standard seats are a grippy textile, but leather is available for $3,300. Rear-facing seats behind the second row can make the Model S a seven-seater for $4,000.

The main features package is a Premium Upgrades package for $5,000. It includes a medical-grade HEPA filter with a terryifing-sounding “Bioweapon Defense Mode,” an upgraded sound system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wiper defrosters and washer fluid nozzle heaters. If you combine this package with the sunroof, Tesla throws in XM radio as well.

The other two packages deal with Tesla’s autopilot technology. The first level is Enhanced Autopilot, which adds three extra cameras and 12 ultrasonic sonar sensors, and a significantly upgraded computer processor. That hardware allows a Model S to match traffic speed, automatically change lanes, execute freeway transitions, park itself, and bring itself from a garage. Features will update continuously as they become available. The second level is Full Self-Driving Capability, which costs an additional $3,000 and includes an additional four cameras. As the name implies, this package allows a Model S to complete trips with no required action from the driver (although we feel it's necessary to point out that this doesn't free the driver from their behind-the-wheel responsibilities – pay attention when using AutoPilot). Self-driving laws vary widely across the country, so these features may be limited in some areas.

Tesla also offers home charging installation as part of the Model S bundle, but costs vary by home.

Tesla Model S

100D

Upgrading to the 100-kWh battery raises the starting price to $95,200 but extends range to 335 miles (and boosts performance as well). Otherwise, this trim is unchanged from the 75 D in features or package options.

Tesla Model S

P100D

Tesla’s premiere Model S starts at $136,200. It comes with the 100-kWh battery paired with performance-oriented software that drops the Model S’s 0-60 time to a shocking 2.5 seconds. Range also drops slightly to 315 miles. The Premium package is included, as is the buyer’s choice of premium leather interior and décor. Also included is a carbon-fiber spoiler at the rear. The autopilot packages remain unchanged.

CarsDirect Tip

Choosing a trim doesn’t change the features in the Model S, so only upgrade if you need the extra range. If you want to experience the closest a sedan has ever come to a rocket ship, make sure to check out the P100D.

Get your price on a Tesla Model S »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Would the electric car be considered cool if it wasn't for Tesla? It's doubtful – no electric other than the BMW i8 strikes any sort of emotional chord. But master showman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk managed to pull off what the 800-pound Gorillas of the industry couldn't figure out: building an electron-powered dream machine that regular people actually desire. Whether it's the sleek silhouette or the unfathomably fast Ludicrous mode, the 2018 Tesla Model S transcends the idea of zero-emission transportation, and remains as impressive and coveted as ever.

Best Value

Much has been ballyhooed about the P100D and it's 2.5-second zero to 60 mph time, but unlocking that performance demands forking over $130,000. What's much more reasonable – and still imminently capable – is the standard 100D. While it doesn't have the additional juice to bang off those nausea-inducing zero to 60 runs like it's hi-po sibling, it has the same 100 kWh battery and gives 355 miles of estimated range.

To the standard 100D, we'd add the Premium Upgrades Package. We'd also get the Home Charging Installation, though the price for this convenience is dependent on each buyer's garage and electrical setup. Here's our 100D after Tesla screws it all together:

  • Model: 2018 Tesla Model S 100D
  • Engine: 100 kWh battery; two 193 kW electric motors
  • Output: 386 kW (518 hp) / 387 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: Single-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • Options: Premium Upgrades Package ($5,000, medical-grade air-filtration system, two carbon purification filters, custom-tuned audio system, SiriusXM radio, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wiper blade defrosters, heated washer nozzles), Home Charging Installation (price N/A, invoiced separately; includes installation of wall charger at maximum charge rate that can be accommodated by the home)
  • Base Price: $95,200 (includes $1,200 destination charge; doesn't include $7,500 tax credit)
  • Best Value Price: $100,200

Performance

Tesla Model S

There's two aspects of electric cars that just about everyone is familiar with: efficiency and off-the-line power.

The Model S is no exception to these expectations; in fact, it redefines what off-the-line power means for a sedan. In P100D spec, with it's 100 kWh battery and single 375 kW (503 horsepower) rear motor, it's capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in only 2.5 seconds. To put it in perspective, this is in the same realm as heavies like the Porsche 918 Spyder, LaFerrari, and the Bugatti Chiron. It makes the 4.1 second zero to 60 time of the P75 and P100 models look downright sluggish. It's utterly astounding, and utterly addictive.

Don't expect to do any sort of long-distance driving after a couple of those runs, though – each Ludicrous mode sprint burns through electrons like stair climbing burns through calories. If you manage to keep your foot out of it, the Tesla has range of 259 miles (base P75 model) to 335 (P100). There's also a network of superchargers across the country to make coast-to-coast driving possible without any range anxiety. Just don't do too much off-the-cuff exploring – there's few charging stations in rural America beyond the interstates.

No matter how far you're going, the Model S promises to ride smooth and effortlessly. With a total lack of wind or ride noise and a totally-silent electrified powertrain, it's easy to reach highly illegal speeds in areas where it's highly inappropriate to do so.

Style

It's hard to believe that the Model S is now coming up to seven years of being on the market with few cosmetic changes. We imagine that as time goes by, the sleek sedan (with a slippery .23 coefficient of drag) will continue to look fresh and modern.

The same will probably be said of the interior, if the future eschews physical buttons and any extemporaneous styling. The innards of the Model S are defined by a massive 17-inch rectangular touchscreen that defines the center stack. Within it's haptic surface lies every control not managed by the two stalks jutting from steering column. While that might sound daunting, the screen is legible and the icons are large and clear. Tootling about with this system for a bit should familiarize you enough with it so you don't need to pull over just to change the volume.

Besides that all-powerful touchscreen, standard features include wi-fi and LTE connectivity, 12-way power heated front seats, and active safety features like collision avoidance and emergency braking. One notable option is the pair of kid-sized rearward-facing jump seats behind the second row, like old station wagons. Needless to say, we're concerned about the safety implications of putting kids directly under the hatchback glass.

The Best and Worst Things

Of all the accolades one can toss at the Model S, the acceleration still tops our list. It makes you feel as giddy as a schoolboy and as silly as a drunk. If there's one way to convince doubters of electrification, it's with a run or two at flat-out; nothing says the future like the quiet instantaneous torque of an electric car.

That rather barren interior looked state of the art in 2012. Today, it just looks stark. Lately, luxury marques from all continents have been crafting richly appointed cabins. With every additional step in this direction, the more Tesla looks like it's been the only one drinking the less-is-more kool-aid.

Right For? Wrong For?

Tesla Model S

This is the car to buy for those who are ready to leave the proletarian act of pumping gas behind, want to shout to the world their commitment to green energy, or are just hankering for the most luxurious pure-electric on the market.

However, those who live far from any major metropolitan area would find the Model S not well suited for them. In rural America, superchargers or workplace chargers are rare and range anxiety would be an ominous shadow over every major non-interstate trip.

The Bottom Line

No car has done as much to change the public perception toward electric cars as the Model S, and it was more than offbeat marketing or Elon Musk's tweeting. It was because the then-startup Tesla managed to build an alluring sedan with style and panache that boasted impressive hardware rather than wispy vaporware. For that, we can look past the rather uninspired interior and whatever other quibbles there may be. The 2018 Tesla Model S is still the luxury electric-car standard to beat, and the closest thing on the road to tomorrow's automotive wonders.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Horsepower/Torque
518 HP / 387 ft.lbs.
Transmission
1-spd auto
Drive Type
Automatic Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
102 / 105 / 103 Mpge
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Horsepower/Torque
518 HP / 387 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Automatic Full-time All Wheel
key
102 / 105 / 103 Mpge
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
Recommended Fuel Type
Electric
Average Cost To Fill Tank
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
60.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
94 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
196.0 "
Exterior Width
77.3 "
Exterior Height
56.5 "
Front Headroom
38.8 "
Rear Headroom
35.3 "
Front Legroom
42.7 "
Rear Legroom
35.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,647 Lbs.
Wheel Base
117 "
Turning Radius
20.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
19.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Gray Aluminum / 21.0 " Gray Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
None
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan
Speakers
12 Performance
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Autosteer W/auto Lane Change Hands-on (with Lane Change) Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Front And Rear / Autopark Automated
Security Systems
Sentry Mode
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
96 Months / Unlimited Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Tesla Model S for Sale

15 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Tesla
75D
Price

$24,997

Mileage

88,222 mi

Map location icon

Premium Autos (48 mi)

Phone: (951) 220-8952
Tesla
100D
Price

$24,998

Mileage

96,624 mi

Map location icon

Premium Autos (48 mi)

Phone: (951) 220-8952
Tesla
75D
Price

$25,200

Mileage

91,639 mi

Map location icon

Envision Ford of Oxnard (49 mi)

Tesla
75D 4dr All-Wheel Drive Hatchback
Color: Black
Price

$25,995

Mileage

84,672 mi

Map location icon

DCH Ford of Thousand Oaks (31 mi)

Phone: (818) 383-2869
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Model S. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.