Used 2017 Tesla Model S 100D Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Tesla Model S 100D Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
MOST AMAZING CAR I'VE EVER DRIVEN OR OWNED
Matt, Lake Lure, NC, 08/29/2019
2017 Tesla Model S 100D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
The Tesla Model S is an ingenious work of art. I have heard Model 3 owners and Model X owners also rave about their vehicles, but have yet to drive either. Having driven or owned an Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, an M5 BMW, and Mercedes S500, I can tell you that none of these ICE vehicles hold a candle to the Model S in performance (acceleration and cornering on winding roads) and … especially, reliability (although the Audi was pretty reliable). I have put 51,000 miles on my Model S (in 2 years) and would absolutely never consider going back to an ICE vehicle. I get well over the gas equivalent of 100 mpg and supercharging (for the Model S and X) on road trips, is FREE. I plug my vehicle in at night, and it's charged and ready to go the next morning. You do need to install a NEMA 14-50 (220 v) plug in your garage/driveway, but that can be done easily by an electrician. Mine charges at about 23 mph (so that gives me over 200 miles of charge in 10 hours). My cost is about $1 for 200+ miles of charge, but I have solar panels. Before the panels, and in the winter when it's overcast, I'd estimate that it costed/costs about $4 per 200 miles of charge. I would say that Tesla has changed the way people think about electric cars 40 years ahead of its time. Tesla has also given away it's technology (by removing patents) for the greater good of our planet. I think that anyone who has the means to spend $50k on a car and does so without test driving a Tesla (or at least an electric car), is making a huge mistake. It's easy for "us" (baby boomers, Gen Xers) to go out and buy ICE vehicles without any regard for our planet, as the global warming problem may not affect us directly with that large of an impact. BUT, it will affect our kids and certainly their kids, but that's their problem, right? YOU should MAKE it YOUR problem too. Just TRY IT, YOU'll LIKE IT. I would also like to add some comments about road trips in the Model S 100D. I've taken several 5-8 hour trips (mainly from Asheville,NC to DC and the panhandle of of Florida) without a charging issue. By the 4th hour of driving (I'm a 54yo male), especially if drinking coffee, I'm ready for a break. We plan our road trips to start by 8 (after breakfast), usually get on the road by 9 and stop for lunch between 1230 and 2 pm, depending on the location of the supercharger. Yes, we have to STOP for 30 minutes to charge, but in doing so, we allow ourselves time to sit and eat at a restaurant and relax a bit. My one recommendation to Tesla for their next 1000 superchargers is to put them near (within 1/4 mile walk) of a GOOD restaurant. There are usually a handful, or at least one decent place to eat near them, which is OK for a road trip, but it would be nice to have something a bit nicer. Having weighed in on all of these factors: IF you are spending $50k on ICE vehicles, I feel you owe it to yourself, your kids, and your kids kids to at least test drive an electric vehicle and my vote is to make one of those test drives, a Tesla.
Impossible to compare to other cars
Don Lathrop, Mission Viejo, CA, 01/09/2018
2017 Tesla Model S 100D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
I read some of these other reviews on Edmunds. Some people miss the point. Comparing my Tesla S100D to a Mercedes or BMW is like comparing a horse to a bicycle. It makes no sense to me. I have owned expensive cars from all those companies. Since driving off in my Tesla I hope I never have to listen to a turbo, dual clutch, 9 speed, piston driven ANYTHING ever again. Period. To me, that … would be like going back to a '52 Edsel. Electric is better than any of that. There is no ICE that is as smooth. Spare me the "Interior wasn't quite up to the standards of $100k car" lines - my white (vegan) leather interior is gorgeous. I will take the Tesla over anything offered on any other car lot because it is the best electric car on the market. With solar panels on my roof I pass the gas station and laugh at the electric company. When I tromp on the skinny pedal I have no guilt because I didn't just burn a half gallon of gas for a little thrill. It's all good. With all-wheel drive I can drive slick roads without a single worry about grip, it holds on like glue. What about the life-span of the vehicle? Nobody wants a 4 year old BMW with 50k miles because there are a million parts that can wear out or break and they cost a fortune to replace. That's why the resale sucks. Tesla's resale is superior because there are a fraction of the parts to go wrong. They estimate the battery pack will still have 80% or more of its power over 300k miles. Simpler can be better, and in this case it is. As I stated, you can't compare an electric car to one with pistons and transmissions and a tailpipe. Electric is better and it has nothing to do with overly complex luxury cars trying to stack up to what an electric car does best: Go fast smoothly and effeciently. Porche can't match Tesla's low center of gravity, not at any price. Rolls Royce can't make a smoother engine. Toyota can't make a piston car as energy efficient. Cadillac can't make a car quieter. THAT is why I love my Tesla and I don't find it comparable to other $100k luxury sedans. I will consider them in the future when they offer me something without the archaic pistons.
100D 2018
Julie, Kihei, HI, 09/12/2018
2017 Tesla Model S 100D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Originally, I was waiting for the model 3 to save money but didn’t want to wait any longer after my lease was up. Living outside of Detroit, I expected people to be upset that I didn’t get something from GM, Ford or Chrysler. This car is unbelievable and I tell people about it all the time. Last year, I had a 60D and someone hit me driving at 45 mph. The car is a tank, I walked out of my … car without any injury. There was some damage to the car of course but wouldn’t get a different car. It amazes me every time I sit in it. There are constant updates to make things better. It’s performance is great. My husband will smile when he hops in to take it out instead of his truck.
Most Amazing Car I've ever owned! Still is!!
MattB, Lake Lure, NC, 10/16/2020
2017 Tesla Model S 100D 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
I purchased the 2017 Tesla Model S 100D in Nov 2017. I got a "deal" and paid only $94k, saving about 7k because it was a demo with 3400 miles on it. The rated miles per charge was 330 when I bought it and I could go somewhere in the 315 range, if I didn't drive it hard. I have driven it hard for the past 3 years, putting over 70,000 miles on it. The same car, now with a rating of 402 … miles, is now UNDER $70k! Incredible! Anyone who is going to spend $70k or more on a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, or other performance sedan needs to look at Tesla. the only maintenance I have done is 3 sets of tires (like I said, I drive it hard), and 2 sets of windshield wiper blades. That is it. It's electric and a blast to drive. Mine is 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, which is plenty fast...but where it really excels is going from 40-70 (onramps)..instantaneous torque and power! If you are driving on winding roads frequently, like I do, I would consider the Model 3, just because it's more nimble on curves. You give up some long distance comfort, but it's also about 20k less (nicely equipped at $50k). I have driven the model 3 (Turo rental) for a week and loved how it handles...almost 911 Porshe-like in it's handling. Just a fantastic car company...and , oh yea, it's American! Never in the history of American Automobiles has there been such a reliable car, that is so much fun to drive. As they use to tell Mikey, "Try IT, YOU'LL LIke IT!"
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Tesla Model S 100D Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Electric range is impressive on higher-end models
- Pro:Wicked quick acceleration on those models, too
- Pro:Abundant cargo space for a sedan
- Pro:Features advanced technology unavailable from other luxury brands
- Con:Lacks the convenience and luxury polish of similarly priced sedans
- Con:Jury is still out on long-term reliability
- Con:Small dealer network means few service centers nationwide
Which Model S does Edmunds recommend?
The right Model S for you depends on how far you need to travel on a single charge. Those who commute to an office 20 miles away could get a full week of commuting and then some on a full battery in a Model S 60 or Model S 75. Our pick, though, is the 90D. Its extra range (nearly 300 miles total) is worth the comparably small price increase from the 75. As for options, Autopilot will improve any commuter's life through the worst slow jams and crawls, and the Premium Upgrades package offers an impressive complement of leather, LED lights, advanced air filtration and a power liftgate.
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Tesla Model S Sedan
Driving
5.0If the Model S P85D simply accelerated with unbelievable speed yet did nothing else well, it would still get a top grade here. But that's not the case. All-wheel drive gives it a ton of grip, and it changes direction like a much lighter machine. It's a total blast to drive.
Comfort
4.0There are no obvious missteps for the Model S P85D. The seats are very good, the ride is firm but not abusive, and the road noise is reasonably quiet. The seats could offer more adjustability as well as a cooling function.
Interior
5.0The 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.
Utility
Optional third-row, rear-facing jump seats fold flat into the floor. With 26.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded, the Model S offers significantly more space than most large luxury sedans.
Technology
3.5From its powertrain to gadgetry, the Model S is a rolling monument to technology. Its massive central control display will feel familiar to anyone who uses a tablet. But some of its driver assistance features seem half-baked.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Tesla Model S in Ohio is:
not availableLegal