“Side mirrors are very wide -- check your garage width. Vehicle software has been glitchy. Vehicle app has been glitchy. Regular radio is subpar. Legroom is great.”
2018 Tesla Model S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2018 Model S change is an updated media control unit that makes the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster respond more smoothly. This is a light-update year, not a redesign.
About the 2018 Tesla Model S
1st generation (2012-2020), late-cycle year after the 2016 facelift and before the 2019 Raven update.
Tesla positioned the Model S as a premium electric sedan built around long driving range, strong performance, and a tech-heavy cabin. In Tesla’s own corporate description, it was a fully electric five-passenger sedan with compelling range and high performance. What set it apart from other luxury sedans was not traditional button-rich luxury, but instant electric acceleration, a huge touchscreen-centered interior, hatchback cargo flexibility, and the charging-network ecosystem that made long-distance EV travel more realistic than rivals at the time.
The 75D is the everyday entry point, with dual-motor AWD, hatchback cargo access, and a 17-inch touchscreen with navigation. The 100D is the long-range version, rated at 335 miles, while the P100D emphasizes Ludicrous acceleration and Launch Mode. All three use adaptive air suspension and have heated power front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The lineup was narrowed to the dual-motor AWD 75D, 100D, and P100D. The 60, 60D, rear-wheel-drive 75, and 90D were dropped, but there was no major lineup-wide powertrain hardware update.
Styling
Fog lights and the panoramic power moonroof changed from optional to standard across the lineup. The P100D's rear spoiler also became standard.
Tech
An updated media control unit improved touchscreen and digital instrument-cluster response. On the P100D, the heated steering wheel and premium audio changed from optional to standard; ventilated front seats and several interior trim upgrades were also reported for 2018.
2018 Tesla Model S specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 249 | 335 | 315 |
| MPGe Combined | 103 | 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 | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Tesla Model S redesigned?
No. The 2018 Model S remains part of the first generation and receives a light update rather than a redesign. It comes after the 2016 exterior facelift and before the larger 2019 Raven mechanical update.
What changed with the 2018 Model S touchscreen?
The 2018 Model S received an updated media control unit. Its main benefit is smoother response from the 17-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.
Which versions make up the 2018 Tesla Model S lineup?
The 2018 lineup consists of the dual-motor AWD 75D, 100D, and P100D. The 60, 60D, rear-wheel-drive 75, and 90D were dropped, leaving the 75D as the entry model, the 100D as the range-focused version, and the P100D as the performance model.
Did the 2018 Model S receive a major powertrain update?
No. The 75D, 100D, and P100D continued with dual-motor electric AWD, and there was no major lineup-wide powertrain hardware update. The main mechanical-lineup change was the removal of four earlier variants.
What equipment became standard on the 2018 Model S?
Fog lights and the panoramic power moonroof became standard across the 2018 lineup. The P100D also made its heated steering wheel, premium audio, and rear spoiler standard, though equipment can vary by build date because Tesla made running changes during the year.
2018 Tesla Model S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Tesla Model S.
4.4
2018 Tesla Model S
(113 reviews)
“The driving experience with this vehicle is like no other I've ever driven or expect to drive in my lifetime. The feeling of driving a zero emissions vehicle exceeded my expectations. I look for opportunities to go places now and enjoy the drive there and back!”
“A dream car, technologically advanced with excellent performance and style. An environmentally sensible car that we all should be driving for our children's and our grandchildren's sakes.”