Tesla Model S 90D

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model S 90D was a game-changing executive liftback, blending blistering pace with zero-emission cred. As a key player in Tesla's lineup, the 90D offered a compelling mix of all-wheel-drive grip, substantial range, and that signature Tesla tech-fest inside. It carved a niche for those wanting premium electric motoring before the market exploded with options. Although discontinued, it remains a sought-after used buy, with prices in the EU around €26,900. Its sleek looks and potent performance still turn heads and offer a cracking driving experience for the money.

What's New for 2017?

For 2017, the Model S 90D sported the refreshed "facelift" design introduced mid-2016, ditching the old nose cone for a sleeker front end. This update also brought an improved HEPA air filtration system, making the cabin an even nicer place to be. Under the skin, many 2017 models came equipped with Tesla's updated Autopilot Hardware 2.0, promising enhanced driver-assistance capabilities. The 90D variant itself, with its then-generous 90kWh nominal battery, continued to be a strong performer in the lineup, offering a great balance of range and oomph.

Design & Exterior

The 2017 Model S 90D boasts that iconic, slippery silhouette that still looks futuristic. With the facelift, its front became cleaner, more akin to the Model X. Flush door handles and a panoramic glass roof (often optioned) add to its premium, high-tech vibe. Standard wheels were typically 19-inch alloys, contributing to its poised stance. Dimension-wise, it’s a sizeable machine: 4970 mm long, 1964 mm wide (mirrors excluded), and 1445 mm tall, giving it serious road presence. LED lighting all around completes its sophisticated, modern look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Slide inside the 90D and you’re greeted by a minimalist cabin dominated by a massive 17-inch central touchscreen – the command centre for almost everything. Material quality is generally good, with a spacious feel for five adults; some models even offer optional rear-facing child seats, boosting capacity to seven. For your luggage, there's a whopping 745 litres in the boot, expanding to 1645 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk up front. Tesla’s proprietary infotainment is slick, though no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Model S 90D is properly quick! Thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup – a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor at the front and an AC Induction Motor at the rear – it rockets from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. With a combined 311 kW and a hefty 660 Nm of instant torque, overtaking is effortless. The driving experience is smooth and refined, with adjustable air suspension (often fitted) soaking up bumps. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving much of the time, making it a doddle in traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 90D packs an 85.5 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 434 km – plenty for most journeys. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 5.08 km/kWh. Charging in Europe is via its Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port, handling up to 11 kW AC for an 8-hour full charge. For rapid top-ups, it connects to Tesla Superchargers or other DC chargers (possibly with an adapter) at up to 120 kW, meaning significant range can be added quickly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a Tesla strong suit, and the Model S 90D scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard kit usually included autonomous emergency braking and collision avoidance. Many 90Ds were optioned with Tesla's "Enhanced Autopilot," which added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, auto lane change, and self-parking. While not full self-driving by today's aspirations, it was cutting-edge for 2017, offering a significant helping hand on long drives and making the daily commute a bit less stressful.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Tesla typically offered a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty for the Model S. Critically, the battery and drive unit were covered for a more generous 8 years with unlimited kilometres, a big peace-of-mind factor. Tesla doesn't follow traditional maintenance schedules; servicing is generally on an as-needed basis, often prompted by the car itself. Reliability for this era of Model S has been mixed, with some common issues reported, but many owners enjoy trouble-free motoring, especially with the robust drivetrain.