2017 Tesla Model S review
Tesla Model S highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- No more stopping at the gas station
- You can use Tesla's extensive Supercharger network
- It's powerful and handles well
Cons
- A tight squeeze for taller passengers in the rear
- It's not as refined as other luxury sedans
- Missing smartphone integration
210 - 335 miles
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A spacious EV with a high-tech cabin
If you're looking for an all-electric sedan to take on quick outings and long adventures, the Tesla Model S deserves a spot on your list. Equipped with an electric powertrain offering four battery options, the 2017 Model S delivers incredible long-distance range allowing you to travel where you want to go. Its airy, high-tech cabin offers plenty of room for five passengers with the ability to add a pair of optional rear-facing jump seats to carry seven occupants. There's also no shortage of standard comfort and convenience features, which are sure to enhance your time on the road.
All Tesla Model S years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Tesla Model S generation from 2012 to 2025
What is new for the 2017 Tesla Model S?
- The Model S is available in a new trim called the 100D.
- The 70, 70D, 85, 85D, P85D, and P90D trims have been discontinued for 2017.
- Model S trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Spoiler, and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment this year.
- The 60 trim now comes with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment.
- The 60D trim now comes with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment.
- The 75 trim now comes with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment.
- The 75D trim now comes with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment.
2017 Tesla Model S trims
60
Includes a 60-kWh battery, 19-inch wheels, heated power-adjustable front seats, a 17-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, and more.
60D
Includes the same features as the 60, but adds a second motor for all-wheel drive capabilities.
7D
Adds a 75-kWh battery and software to maximize battery function and capacity.
75D
Includes the same features as the 75, but adds a second motor for all-wheel drive capabilities.
90D
Adds a 90-kWh battery, 21-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a Smart Air suspension package, revised suspension tuning, and more.
100D
Adds a 100-kWh battery.
P100D
Adds a more powerful electric motor on the rear wheels.
Tesla Model S photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Tesla Model S
1. Incredible range
If you're looking for an electric vehicle with an impressive driving range, the 2017 Tesla Model S provides the freedom of long-distance travel. The base 60 model comes standard with an electric motor, rear-wheel drive, and 60-kWh battery that achieves an EPA-estimated range of 210 miles on a full charge.
2. Electrifying performance
The 2017 Tesla Model S' all-electric powertrain and low center of gravity are the foundation of the EV's amazing performance. A step up from the base level is the 2017 Model S 75D, which uses dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a 75-kWh battery that can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). If you want more hair-raising electric performance, consider the 2017 Model S P100D, which splits the 75D's time in half with a zero to 60 mph time of 2.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Whether cruising through the city or enjoying the open road, the 2017 Model S has the zero-emissions performance you want with the power to match.
3. Premium cabin
Boasting an impressive cabin with an abundance of premium materials, the 2017 Tesla Model S offers no shortage of sophistication. The supportive seats come standard with leatherette upholstery, but leather interior surfaces can be added with the optional Premium Upgrade package. Standard heated front seats with 12-way power adjustment provide customized comfort as you go about your drive. There's also a standard seven-speaker sound system with dual USB ports to enjoy your favorite tunes. Other optional features in the 2017 Model S include a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, a power liftgate, and an enhanced cabin air filtration system.
4. Room to spare
For daily driving or special trips, the 2017 Tesla Model S boasts a spacious and airy cabin that you'll look forward to riding in. With 42.7 inches of front-seat legroom and 35.4 inches in the back row, you and your passengers will enjoy generous stretch-out space inside this sedan. There is also a pair of optional rear-facing seats with five-point harnesses that expand the sedan's capacity from five to seven passengers. When not in use, these rear jump seats conveniently fold into the trunk's floor, allowing you to store 26.3 cu ft of cargo volume behind the second row. There is also a 5.3 cu ft front storage compartment located under the hood of the 2017 Model S.
5. Cool technologies
A focal point inside all trims of the 2017 Tesla Model S is the oversized 17-inch interactive display that proudly anchors the sedan's dash. Boasting standard features, including navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a rearview monitor, you'll have easy access to cabin controls using the large central display. This EV also offers a host of standard driver aids to inspire confidence when behind the wheel, including a blind-spot monitoring system, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Tesla Model S, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for an all-electric midsize luxury SUV with an optional third row, the Tesla Model X blends zero-emissions performance with cabin space. 2017–2019 models come standard with two rows of seating for five passengers but adding the available third-row increases capacity to seven passengers. Pairing an electric motor with a 75-kWh battery, base level 2017–2019 Model Xs provide an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge, which is ideal for longer trips.
Air suspension system
Falcon wing doors
Power liftgate
17-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system
Need an entry-level Tesla? The five-passenger Model 3 is an electrifying sedan worth considering. 2017–2019 Long Range models gain their power from a single electric motor and a long-range lithium battery that can travel an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles on a full charge.
18-inch wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
60/40-split folding rear seats
15-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system
The Lexus LC 500h is a luxury hybrid sports coupe with an enticing combination of performance, comfort, and alluring style. 2018–2019 models use a 3.5L V6 and an electric motor, which allows the LC 500h to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Inside the long-slung cabin, you'll find standard leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation (2018–2019 models). There are also aluminum pedals and magnesium paddle shifters in the 2018–2019 LC 500h for sports car flair. The 2018–2019 Lexus LC 500h is offered in a single trim, which includes these standard features:
20-inch wheels
Adaptive cruise control
Driver seat memory settings
10.3-inch display with navigation system
12-speaker audio system
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model S features and specs
60 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Adjustable Suspension
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Skylight(s)
- Third Row Seat
Battery details Size
60.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
210 miles
Estimated range today
181 - 205 miles
Est. range in 3 years
177 - 201 miles
Is this battery range helpful?Other specifications Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
116.5"
Overall length
196"
Width
77.3"
Height
56.5"
Leg room
F 42.7"/R 35.4"
Head room
F 38.8"/R 35.3"
Front tires
P245/45WR19
Rear tires
P245/45WR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Tesla Model S FAQ
Yes, you can charge the 2017 Tesla Model S's lithium-ion battery at home using a 120- or 240-volt outlet.
The Tesla wall connector features 11.5 kW charging.
The Tesla Model S is an electric vehicle and does not require oil, fuel filters, spark plug replacements, or emission checks.
The 2017 Tesla Model S is available with four different battery sizes: 60 kWh, 75 kWh, 90 kWh, and 100 kWh.
The base 2017 Model S 60 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), while the high-performance 2017 Model S P100D variant can travel from zero 60 mph in 2.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
Yes, the 2017 Model S is equipped with an autopilot system, which allows for limited hands-free driving. Features include automatic lane changes using the turn signal indicator, semi-autonomous steering, parking spot detection, and hands-free parallel parking functions.
In 2019, Tesla released Camp Mode, which allows drivers to use their electric vehicle's systems to maintain airflow and temperature, run interior lighting, play music, and power devices while enjoying the outdoors.
More about the 2017 Tesla Model S
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
Tan
White
Interior description
The 2017 Tesla Model S is a five-passenger luxury electric sedan with a pair of optional rear-facing child seats that expand capacity to seven passengers. Leatherette upholstery comes standard in the 2017 model, but leather interior surfaces are available with the Premium Upgrade package. All 2017 Model S' also include heated front seats with 12-way power adjustments, while heated rear seats are optional. Cargo volume behind the back seats is 26.3 cu ft, but folding the rear seats brings the capacity to 58.1 cu ft. There is an additional 5.3 cu ft of cargo volume in the front trunk, which is located under the 2017 Model S' hood.
Vehicle dimensions
The 2017 Tesla Model S measures 196 inches long by 77.3 inches wide by 56.5 inches high.
Child seat details
The 2017 Tesla Model S offers seating for five passengers with two optional rear-facing jump seats for older children, which increases seating capacity to seven. The 2017 model includes two lower LATCH locations in the rear outboard seating positions and three top tether locations for all rear seating positions. Due to the 2017 Model S' sloped roof, taller child seats and boosters installed in the outboard seating positions may not be able to extend the headrests to the full height.
Performance
The 2017 Tesla Model S is offered in seven configurations, which correspond to the EV's kWh-battery size: 60, 60D, 75, 75D, 90D, 100D, and P100D. 60 and 75 models are equipped with a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, while the 60D, 75D, 90D, and P100D come standard with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. In terms of driving distance, the 2017 Model S 60 and 60D have an EPA-estimated range of 210 miles and 218 miles, respectively, on a full charge.
Year comparisons
2013–2015 Tesla Model S (First Generation)
First available in 60, 85, and P85+ variants in 2013, the Tesla Model S line-up changed in 2014 to include all-wheel drive versions of the Model S 60, 80, and P85. Starting in 2014, Tesla also added an autopilot feature, a lane-centering system, and adaptive cruise control. In 2015, the 60 and 60 D models were replaced with the 75 and 75D and the P85 was discontinued. 90 and 90D, as well as the P90D with Ludicrous mode, were also introduced in 2015.
2016-Present Tesla Model S (Second Generation)
The Tesla Model S received a mid-cycle refresh in 2016, which included extensive restyling of the sedan's exterior front fascia and the addition of a more robust autopilot feature. The 60 and 60D also made a brief comeback in 2016, along with the new high-performance P100D, while the 100D launched in early 2017. In 2018, the Model S was available in 75D, 100D, and P100D variants before a new trim structure was introduced the following year to include base, Extended Range, Performance, and Performance with Ludicrous Mode variants. The trims were further streamlined in 2020, offering Model S Long Range Plus, and Performance models, followed by the 2021 Model only being offered as a Long Range trim.
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