2017 Tesla Model S Electric

header-image
$68,000 - $134,500
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Good driving range

Resale value - Not determined

100 kWh battery replaces the 60-kWh battery.

Abundant cargo space

Long-term reliability

Premium Tesla seats.

Quiet and comfortable cabin room

Lacks the luxury polish of similar sedans

Improved in-car experience and user interface.

Specs & Features

$68,000

price

382 hp

horsepower

317 lb.-ft.

torque

1-Speed Direct Drive

transmission

electric RWD 1-Speed

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model S comes with seven trims to offer, they get three powertrain options, 259 hp, 362 hp, and 502 hp generating electric motors. For the seven trims, the price ranges from $68,000 and goes all the way up to $134,500 for the high-end P100D trim. One could choose between RWD and AWD drivetrains as per their personal choices. 

The interiors of the Tesla Model S are no doubt futuristic and feature-packed, the design of the 2017 Tesla Model S is also futuristic and stylish. It does face competition from rivals such as the 2017 Toyota Mirai and the 2017 Honda Clarity The competitors are offered at half the asking price of the Tesla or even lesser, but they also offer similar power outputs and performances.

Buying Advice

Among the trim levels, the 90D is an outstanding car. With its carbon-fiber rear spoiler and 21-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires, it is the best value for money trim. The 90 kWh battery will make you want to push your limits on any road trip. The revised suspension tuning is a cherry on the top while you devour this $87,500 cake!

The upgradation for this trim is 100D which you should focus on if want to upgrade. It provides you more electrons and juice with a 100-kWh battery pack, making it the perfect getaway car just for a little under $5000.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Offered in a total of seven trims and with three electric power units, the 2017 Tesla Model S is priced at an MSRP range of $68,000-$134,500. The car puts up some mind-boggling acceleration numbers on the chart, this is despite its humongous dimensions. The power units churn out 259 hp,362 hp, and 503 hp each.

On the inside the cabin room for the passengers is well-spaced and bolstered, offering a fine grip and enough comfort. The cargo space offering is the best in class. Even in terms of safety, the offering is way ahead of its competitors as it gets recognition from IIHS. Overall. the Tesla Model S is a perfect package of performance, comfort, and safety, however, it might come across as expensive to some, but it is economical in the long run.

Features
9.0/10

"The right Model S for you depends on how far you need to travel on a single charge." - Edmunds

There are a total of seven trims that the 2017 Tesla Model offers. The trims offered are given in two types, a numeric and an alpha numeric trim name. The digits depict the kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity of its battery while the "D" is meant for the dual-motor. Other than the 60 trim all the others come with an AWD drivetrain.

As you climb up the trim ladder of the Model S, you get better features, of course at a higher price. The High-end P100D model ranges at MSRP $134,500. while the basic trim, the 60, is priced at $68,000. The mid-range 90D trim is priced at an MSRP of $87,500.

Trim 60 75 90D 100D P100D
MSRP $68,000 $69,500 $87,500 $92,500 $134,500
MSRP (D) $73,000 $74,500 NA NA NA
Key Features 19-inch wheels with w/All-season tires 75D models are simply 60 and 60D models with software that maximizes battery function and capacity 90D, which also offers options such as a carbon-fiber rear spoiler  100D uses a larger 100-kWh battery pack for increased range 100D uses the same battery pack and a second electric motor on the rear wheels
  LED headlights Driver Vanity Mirror Driver Vanity Mirror Wireless Cell Phone Hookup Power Driver Seat
  Access to Tesla's Supercharger network  Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers Power Driver Seat Rear Parking Aid Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror
  Dual-zone automatic climate control Power Driver Seat Rear Head Air Bag

Dual Moonroof (Optional)

Panoramic Roof

Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers
  17-inch touchscreen Rear Head Air Bag Power-folding and heated side mirrors 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Rear Head Air Bag
  Navigation system Premium Synthetic Seats (Optional) Cloth and premium vinyl upholstery  Bucket Seats Cloth and premium vinyl upholstery 
  Rearview camera k Power-folding and heated side mirrors  Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers Power-folding and heated side mirrors  Power-folding and heated side mirrors 
  Keyless entry  Cloth and premium vinyl upholstery  Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column  Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers 60/40-split folding rear seats 
  Parking sensors p Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column  Trip Computer Vehicle Anti-Theft System Vehicle Anti-Theft System
  Power-folding and heated side mirrors  Vehicle Anti-Theft System Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror 60/40-split folding rear seats  Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column 
  Blind-spot warning a   Vehicle Anti-Theft System    
  Automatic emergency braking        

We Recommend

If you are looking for a Value-for-money offering, then we would suggest you go in for the 75 models as it comes in at $69,500 for the single motor car. The 75D is offered at $74,500. It comes with fine features like Premium interiors and seating, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, premium vinyl upholstery.

Fuel Economy
9.9/10

"The EPA rates the Tesla’s electric efficiency between 98 and 104 MPGe." - Cars.USnews

Delivering a decent range of 98 MPGe in the city, 101 MPGe on highways, and 96 MPGe as its combined reading puts Tesla in the "A" category. However, it isn't the best offering in its class, but it sure is better than the 2017 Toyota Mirai.

Models 2017 Tesla Model S 2017 Toyota Mirai Sedan 2017 Honda Clarity Sedan
MPG (city) 98 66 126
MPG (highway) 101 66 103
MPG (combined) 96 66 NA

Honda clarity delivers the most in terms of range, but this is solely due to its lower power generation figures. It is a value for money offering which lacks performance. The 2017 Toyota Mirai on the other hand delivers only 66 MPGe and hence is the lowest in the segment.

Interior
8.0/10

“The Tesla's interior is a very special place to spend time, with a wide-open feel and lovely materials. Owing to the advanced features in this car, there is a bit of a learning curve. But Tesla focused on the user interface and it shows.”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort of the 2017 Tesla Model S

The interiors of the 2017 Tesla Model S are fine in the front row, it is well-bolstered, providing grip and comfort. The rear tire is slightly cramped and offers comfort just the same. The materials used are excellent and luxurious, the legroom and the headroom offered are adequate and almost the same as the other Sedans provide.​

Models 2017 Tesla Model S 2017 Toyota Mirai Sedan 2017 Honda Clarity Sedan
Passenger capacity 5 4 5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 38.8/57.7/42.7 38.5/54.3/42.5 39.1/59.6/42.2
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 35.3/55/35.4 36.8/53.5/30.1 37.1/57.2/36.7

In terms of interior space, it is the Honda Clarity Sedan that offers the most headroom, shoulder room, and legroom. With a margin of less than a couple of inches ranks the 2017 Tesla Model S. Finally, with the least interior cabin room to offer we have the Toyota Mirai.

Infotainment System of the 2017 Tesla Model S

The 2017 Tesla Model S Sedan swoons you with keyless ignition, one-touch power windows, Bluetooth connectivity, power-adjustable front seats, wi-fi connectivity, a rearview camera, and a humongous 17-inch touchscreen with navigation. Some of the features are listed below -

  • Premium audio system.
  • Appealing sound quality.
  • Internet radio.
  • Scrolling and playlist creation.
  • Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone with voice control.
  • Screen depicting the proximity of objects near you when parking.
  • Adaptive cruise control.
  • Full autopilot.

Cargo Capacity of the 2017 Tesla Model S

After stunning its audience with its outstanding performance, miles range, and acceleration, the 2017 Tesla Model S also outperforms its peers in this aspect of the Cargo space. It offers a mind-boggling 31.6 cubic feet of cargo room.

Models 2017 Tesla Model S 2017 Toyota Mirai Sedan 2017 Honda Clarity Sedan
Cargo Volume to seats 1 (ft.3) 31.6 12.8 11.8

It goes without saying that the 2017 Tesla Model S offers the best in class cargo room, followed by the Toyota Mirai which offers a cargo room that measures 12.8 cubic feet. Lastly, we have the Honda clarity that features 11.8 cubic feet of cargo room.

Exterior
8.0/10

“The exterior sheet metal is sleek and muscular and cuts an efficient hole through the air thanks to its engineering. Its fastback shape and long windshield are impressive, but so too is its interior shape and seating for four.”- The Car Connection

Dimension and weight of the 2017 Tesla Model S

The 2017 Tesla Model S will sport the same design and will amaze its audience just the same. We sure have not got enough of it. No doubt it is designed and styled like a sports machine, while it offers to accommodate four individuals. The Model S is indeed a versatile machine that delivers on all fronts.

Model 2017 Tesla Model S 2017 Toyota Mirai Sedan 2017 Honda Clarity Sedan
Curb weight (lbs.) 4469 4075 4134
Length(in) 196.0 192.5 192.7
Width(in) 77.3 71.5 73.9
Height(in) 56.5 60.5 58.2
Ground clearance (in) 5.3 5.1 NA
Wheelbase (in) 116.5 109.4 108.3
Track width (in) F/R 65.4/66.9 61.8/60.5 62.5/62.2

As the numbers speak, Tesla proves to be the heaviest of all the cars considered however it is simply spectacular that it manages to be the quickest to accelerate and come to a standstill. It is also the longest and widest vehicle while being the shortest too. 

Exterior Features of the 2017 Tesla Model S

With the longest wheelbase to offer Tesla surprisingly also provides the highest ground clearance, it is further equipped with several features some of which are mentioned below:

  • Automatic Exterior light control
  • Standard Delay-off headlamps
  • Standard Headlight washer
  • Optional Cornering lights
  • Standard Daytime running lights
  • Directionally adaptive headlights
  • LED brake lights
  • Door curb lights
  • Parking assist
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Door locks 2 stage

Safety
7.0/10

"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2017 Tesla Model S the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the small overlap front crash test, as well as the top rating of Good in four other crash tests." - Cars.USnews

The Tesla Model S Sedan has aced every federal test that there is. The IIHS rated the 2017 Tesla Model S and rated it a "Superior" grade overall. However, it should mention that it scored "Poor" in the aspect of Headlights.

Advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warnings are standard on the Model S. Some of the other features are listed below -

  • Air Bag-Frontal-Drive
  • Air Bag-Frontal-Passenger
  • Air Bag-Passenger Switch
  • Air Bag-Side Body-Front
  • Air Bag-Side Body-Rear
  • Air Bag-Side Head-Front
  • Air Bag-Side Head-Rear
  • Brakes-ABS
  • Child Safety Rear Door Locks

Competition
7.0/10

2017 Tesla Model S Sedan vs 2017 Toyota Mirai

The 2017 Toyota Mirai is a car with a high price that does not deliver in terms of performance or in terms of interiors, it does have a good safety offering and a reliability record to bank on. We would recommend the 2017 Tesla Model S any day over the Toyota Mirai.

2017 Tesla Model S Sedan vs 2017 Honda Clarity

The 2017 Honda Clarity is a good value for money product that delivers a decent power offering for its price range. It is priced nearly at half the price of the Tesla Model S. The interiors of the Honda Clarity are the most spacious in the segment and it also delivers good cargo space. If you are not inclined to electric power you could consider the Clarity

Final Verdict

The 2017 Tesla Model S sedan seems like a vehicle that doesn’t get heavy on your pockets but on other superfast cars. If you are tired of spending on gas and want a vehicle that is better than your current automobile and requires almost no maintenance, this car should be on your mind while you are brainstorming on what to buy for this week.

Trims

    60
    $68,000 onwards
    • 17-Inch touchscreen
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Keyless entry
    • Led headlights
    • Navigation system
    • Parking sensors
    • Rearview camera
    75
    $69,500 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Sunroof
    60D
    $73,000 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1-Speed
    • Horsepower: 518 hp hp
    • Torque: 387 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 104 mpg
    75D
    $74,500 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1-Speed
    • Horsepower: 518 hp hp
    • Torque: 387 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 104 mpg
    90D
    $87,500 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1-Speed
    • Horsepower: 691 hp hp
    • Torque: 485 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 3.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 105 mpg
    100D
    $92,500 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1-Speed
    • Horsepower: 577 hp hp
    • Torque: 508 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 3.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 102 mpg
    P100D
    $134,500 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1-Speed
    • Horsepower: 762 hp hp
    • Torque: 722 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 2.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 99 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$35,000- $44,000

Engine

electric

Rating

9.17

Horsepower

258 hp

Torque

-

Capacity

5

Read Review

$68,000- $134,500

electric

8.42

762 hp

722 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.1 sec15.9 sec140 mph
    5.59 sec--

    2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      SourceCompare
      98 mpg101 mpg100 mpg
      127 mpg120 mpg124 mpg

      2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        196 in.77.3 in.56.5 in.5.5 in.116.5 in.
        184.8 in.72.8 in.56.8 in.5.5 in.113.2 in.

        2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          -94 cu.ft.58.1 cu.ft.
          17 cu.ft.97 cu.ft.-

          2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            58.1 cu.ft.-58.1 cu.ft.
            -17 cu.ft.-

            2017 Tesla Model S Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              954 lbs.4469 lbs.
              1252 lbs.3549 lbs.

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              #2

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