“It's a computer on wheels with sensors all around. And how about getting new features for next 5 years at least after the date of purchase? That's Tesla. Just like an iPhone which gets new features and improvements for several years after you purchase, this car is unique in the market. Most cars just offer navigation maps update and no other improvements to the car itself.”
2017 Tesla Model S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Tesla Model S is the new 100D, a dual-motor AWD version with a 100-kWh battery and an EPA-rated 335-mile range. Otherwise, this is a light lineup update rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Tesla Model S
First generation Model S (2012-2020), in the facelifted 2016-2020 phase. For 2017, it is the first full model year after the 2016 styling/equipment update and the first year with the new 100D trim.
Tesla positioned the Model S as a premium electric sedan built from the ground up as an EV, not a converted gas car. Its core appeal in 2017 was combining strong straight-line performance, long driving range, a roomy hatchback body with extra front cargo space, and access to Tesla’s fast-charging Supercharger network. Against traditional luxury sedans, the Model S stood out for software-driven updates, a giant central touchscreen, and the ability to cover real road-trip distances without gasoline.
The 100D serves as the distance-focused flagship, while the P100D puts acceleration first with a Tesla-quoted 2.5-second run from 0 to 60 mph. Lower trims range from the rear-wheel-drive 60 to the AWD 90D, and every version has a 17-inch touchscreen, front trunk, rear hatch, fast-charging capability, and over-the-air software updates.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The dual-motor AWD 100D joined the lineup with a 100-kWh battery and an EPA-rated 335-mile range. The 70, 70D, 85, 85D, P85D, and P90D trims were dropped.
2017 Tesla Model S specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors, High Performance Rear |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 249 | 249 | 294 | 294 | 294 | 294 | 315 |
| MPGe Combined | 99 | 98 | 104 | 103 | 104 | 102 | 98 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Tesla Model S?
The biggest change is the new 100D trim. It pairs dual-motor AWD with a 100-kWh battery and has an EPA-rated range of 335 miles.
Was the 2017 Tesla Model S redesigned?
No, the 2017 Model S was not redesigned. It is the first full model year after the styling and equipment update introduced during 2016 production.
Which Tesla Model S trims were dropped for 2017?
The 70, 70D, 85, 85D, P85D, and P90D trims were dropped for 2017. The lineup still extended from the shorter-range 60 models to the P100D performance flagship.
How do the 2017 Model S 100D and P100D differ?
The 100D is the range-focused version, with an EPA-rated 335 miles and a Tesla-quoted 4.2-second run from 0 to 60 mph. The P100D is the performance model, rated at 315 miles and quoted at 2.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
2017 Tesla Model S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Tesla Model S.
4.7
2017 Tesla Model S
(136 reviews)
“It is a fantastic purchase if it fits your price range. Driving EVs is a much better experience than internal combustion engines and you would not want to return to standard cars after driving an EV for an extended period of time.”
“Amazing acceleration. Beautiful body style, Kid seats in back are my favorite feature.”
Sources
- ir.tesla.com — Press Release / Tesla Motors Delivers Worlds First Premium Electric Sedan
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38557
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38523
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38558
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38524
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38569
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38640
- energystar.gov — Electric Vehicles And Hybrids / Details / 38525
- ir.tesla.com — S3 / Sec / D273228D8K Gen 0