Skip to main content

The Tesla Model S is rumored to get new features and a higher base price

Tesla Model S
Consumers in the market for a high-end electric sedan might want to consider pulling the trigger a little sooner than expected. Tesla stores all across the nation have allegedly been warning prospective buyers that the Model S is just a few weeks away from getting a higher base price.

Posting on the Tesla Motors Club forum, several shoppers report that they’ve been told to order a car before the end of March in order to lock in a lower price. More specific details haven’t been posted yet, and it’s too early to tell how much of an increase we should expect, or precisely when the more expensive S will arrive. Currently, the entry-level Model S 70D carries a base price of $75,000, before incentives and a mandatory $1,200 destination charge are factored in, while the range-topping P90D starts at $108,000.

Some forum members speculate that the price increase will be accompanied by a mid-cycle facelift that will give the S a new front fascia inspired by the one found on the recently introduced Model X crossover, among other visual tweaks. Others believe the more expensive model that stores are referring to is simply the P100D, whose existence was revealed by a hacker a couple of weeks ago. The range-topping model is said to boast a 100kWh battery pack that stores enough juice to power the S for over 300 miles on a single charge.

Unsurprisingly, Tesla is remaining tight-lipped about what the future holds for the Model S. We expect to learn more next week when the California-based firm unveils the hotly-anticipated Model 3 during an event held in the Los Angeles area. The 3 Series-sized 3 will carry a base price of $35,000 before incentives are taken into account. It will go on sale a few hours before the event, but the first deliveries aren’t scheduled to start until late 2017.

Editors' Recommendations

Why you should consider a plug-in hybrid in 2023
2020 audi q5 tfsi e first drive review phev 19

EVs are all the rage — and it makes sense. Electric vehicles allow you to avoid high gas prices and feel good about not impacting the environment as much, plus they’re usually sleek, stylish, and fast.

But in 2023, owning an EV isn’t for everyone. After all, charging stations, while improving, still aren’t as common as they should be -- and depending on your car, they sometimes aren’t all that fast. If you’re worried about those issues, there’s an alternative — a plug-in hybrid (also known as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV). These are cars that essentially offer the best of both worlds: A battery and electric motor for quick, clean trips around town, and a gas engine for longer road trips.
What makes a PHEV so great?

Read more
Tesla Destination Chargers vs. Superchargers: What’s the difference?
tesla starts opening its supercharger network to other evs

One of the best things about owning a Tesla is being able to take advantage of the massive network of chargers to quickly and easily charge up your car. Charging a Tesla is extremely easy — all you have to do is plug in your car, and all of the costs and payments are handled automatically.

But did you know there are actually different kinds of Tesla chargers? Tesla Destination Charging and Superchargers are the two main options, but there are some key differences between the two. Understanding these differences will help you make sure you’re taking advantage of the best charger for your needs.

Read more
10 electric cars with the longest range
Lucid Air

Electric cars are becoming increasingly common, but there’s still one issue that new EV buyers run into — range anxiety. Because charging isn’t as easy or as quick as filling up a tank of gas, range can make or break an EV — it dictates how far you’ll be able to drive before you run out of juice.

Electric cars will continue to gain longer and longer ranges over time, but there are already some impressively long-range cars available. Here’s a look at the electric cars with the longest range.
Lucid Air Dream Edition

Read more