2018 Tesla Model S review

Color options

Exterior colors:

• Deep Blue Metallic

• Midnight Silver Metallic

• Obsidian Black Metallic

• Pearl White Multi-Coat

• Red Multi-Coat

• Silver Metallic

• Solid Black

Interior colors:

• Black

• Cream (75D and 100D)

• White

Interior details

Ever since it was introduced in 2012, a highlight of the Model S has been its minimalist interior, dominated by a huge central touchscreen. Looking and operating as a giant tablet, the 17-inch portrait orientation touchscreen on the 2018 Tesla Model S has a wow factor that cannot be denied, but the fact that almost all of the car's controls are accessed through it won't suit everyone. It is slick, though, and most functions can be found without too much effort. 

The 2018 Tesla Model S can seat five passengers in two rows as standard. However, an optional pair of rear-facing foldaway jump seats in the luggage area turn it into an occasional seven-seater, although the seats are really only suitable for children. The 2018 Tesla Model S interior has 26.3 cu-ft of rear trunk space, with an additional 2.1 cu-ft of capacity under the hood or 'frunk'. Fold the rear seats down for a total luggage space of 58.1 cu-ft. Front legroom of the 2018 Model S is a generous 42.7 inches, with 35.4 inches for rear-seat passengers.

Child seat details

Tesla provides two full sets of LATCH car-seat system fittings in the 2018 Model S interior on the outer rear seats with a top tether anchor for the middle seat, although they are far from the easiest to access. A pair of child car seats can be accommodated in the rear seat row of the 2018 Model S, including infant rear seats, forward and rear-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. 

Performance

A clue to the 2018 Tesla Model S range and performance is denoted by the numbering in the differing trim level nomenclature. The entry-level 2018 Model S 75D has a 75 kWh battery which is good for an official EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge.

 The Model S 100D has a 100 kWh battery, which gives an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles, and while the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D is also fitted with a 100 kWh battery, it has an EPA-estimated 315 miles of range as it has more power and performance (both on a full charge).

Performance is one thing the Tesla Model S is known for, its truly mind-bending power and acceleration nudging that of many sports cars. Power output of the 2018 Model S 75D is 518 hp, with zero to 60 mph reached in just 4.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The Model S 100D has 618 hp, which shoots it to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), while the Model S P100D has 762 hp and a 2.2-second time from zero to 60 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). In a difference from earlier rear-wheel-drive variants, all 2018 Tesla Model S versions are fitted with all-wheel drive, two electric motors, and a single-speed transmission.

Year comparison

2012-2022 Tesla Model S (First generation)

Tesla has only tweaked the Model S since it first hit US roads in 2012. Rather than change specifications annually in line with model years, Tesla chooses to update its vehicles on a constant and ongoing basis, evolving battery capacities, trim, and performance levels as it sees fit. The 2012 Tesla Model S launched with 40, 60, and 85 kWh battery options, with power ranging from 235 hp to 416 hp. The 40-kWh battery was dropped in 2013, with all-wheel drive 'D' models added in 2014. A pair of 70 kWh and 90 kWh battery options joined the line-up in 2015, along with the 'Ludicrous Package' which posted a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds on P90D cars. 

The 85-kWh battery was discontinued in 2016, and the body was refreshed in 2017, losing the large front grille. In 2019, Tesla shuffled trim levels to become Standard Range (later Long Range), Extended Range, and Performance, the latter with 762 hp. The 2020 Long Range Plus Model S tipped over the 400-mile mark, with an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles on a full charge.

The 2021 Tesla Model S saw big overhauls, with updated exterior revisions and a new interior, with a horizontal touchscreen, replacing the previous portrait version. A three-motor Model S Plaid was added with its 1,020 hp, and zero-to-60 mph time of 2 seconds (when new). Even with this amount of power, the 2021 Model S Plaid has an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles.