Tesla Model S 90D

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model S 90D was a true game-changer, a premium electric liftback that showed the world EVs could be seriously quick and desirable. For its time, the 90D packed a serious punch with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, impressive range, and signature Tesla tech. It carved out a niche as *the* aspirational electric sedan. As a discontinued model, you can snag one on the used market, with prices around $14,950 as per Green Cars Compare data, offering a lot of electric swagger for the money.

What's New for 2017?

For 2017, the Model S 90D sported the sleeker, "nose-cone-less" front fascia introduced in mid-2016, giving it a more modern scowl. The big news, though, was the rollout of Autopilot Hardware 2 (HW2) from late 2016 builds. This upgraded sensor suite, including more cameras, was key for unlocking Enhanced Autopilot features. The 90kWh battery continued to be a strong selling point, offering that bit more juice, and a standard HEPA air filtration system became available, making the cabin a cleaner place to be.

Design & Exterior

This thing still looks slick! The 2017 Model S 90D boasts that iconic, slippery liftback silhouette that turns heads. Key dimensions are a commanding 195.7 inches in length, 77.3 inches wide, and a low-slung 56.9 inches tall. Features like the flush door handles that present themselves on approach and the optional massive panoramic glass roof scream futuristic luxury. Standard 19-inch "Slipstream" wheels helped with aero, and the subtle 90D badge let folks know you had the all-wheel-drive goodness.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 90D, and you're greeted by Tesla's signature minimalist cool, dominated by that whopping 17-inch central touchscreen – no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto then, but Tesla's own system was pretty slick. Passenger space is generous, with standard seating for five, though some had the quirky optional rear-facing seats for seven. Cargo? Oh yeah! You get a decent 26.3 ft³ in the trunk, expanding to a van-like 58.1 ft³ with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 ft³ frunk for your charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 90D wasn't just a pretty face; it could hustle! With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup (a PMSM upfront and an IM at the rear), it rocketed from 0-60 mph in a rapid 4.4 seconds. That's thanks to a combined 311 kW (around 417 hp) and a hefty 487 lb-ft of instant electric torque. The drive is incredibly smooth and quiet, with the standard air suspension soaking up bumps beautifully while still offering decent composure. Regenerative braking is strong, often allowing for one-pedal driving, which is mega satisfying.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice-wise, the Model S 90D packs an 85.5 kWh usable battery capacity. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 270 miles, which was pretty stellar for 2017, with an efficiency of 3.16 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger could top it up overnight in about 8-9 hours. Hook it up to a Tesla Supercharger using its NACS port, and it could gulp down electrons at up to 120 kW, meaning significant range added in under 40 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla always prioritized safety, and the Model S 90D scored a top-notch 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Beyond its strong structure, it came packed with standard active safety gear like automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance. Many 90Ds were optioned with Enhanced Autopilot (thanks to HW2), offering features like traffic-aware cruise control, Autosteer for highway driving, and auto lane change, making long hauls a doddle. Blind-spot monitoring was also part of the package, keeping you covered.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2017 Model S 90D typically came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Critically, the battery and drive unit were covered for a more reassuring 8 years with unlimited miles, a big plus for peace of mind. Maintenance is generally minimal compared to gas guzzlers – no oil changes here! Over-the-air software updates kept the car feeling fresh. While early Teslas had some teething issues, by 2017, reliability was steadily improving, making it a solid used buy.