With the death of the 75 kWh battery, the model S saw a price bump. The cheapest Model S, the Standard Range, now starts at $80,200 (all prices include the $1,200 destination charge and exclude any tax credits).
A good deal of luxury comes with the price tag. In addition to the standard infotainment system, the Model S Standard Range gets an 11-speaker audio system, remote control via app, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and heated leather seats for both rows. Navigation is standard, as is onboard Wi-Fi, keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and dynamic LED headlights.
The Model S rolls on 19-inch rims, but 21-inchers can be had for an extra $4,500. In a cruel move, Tesla makes buyers pay at least $1,500 (and up to $2,500!) extra for any color other than black. Non-black interior colors are another $1,500.
The only available packages deal with Tesla’s autopilot software. Safety features like automatic emergency braking are standard, but for $3,000 Tesla will add the capability to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within a lane. For another $5,000 on top of that, a Model S can have full self-driving capabilities, including parking assist (for both parallel and perpendicular) and the ability to seek out its driver in a parking lot. It’s worth pointing out that self-driving abilities don’t absolve drivers of vigilance behind the wheel, and laws vary by state, so features may be limited in some areas.