Tesla
Tesla Model S
Tesla's discontinued flagship sedan — now a used-market buy
2026 Tesla Model S — 2 trims available
Quick Specs
Trims & Variants (2 available)
| Trim | MSRP | Range | 0-60 | Seats | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $94,990 | 410 mi | 3.1s | 5 | AWD |
| Plaid | $109,990 | 348–368 mi | 1.99s | 5 | AWD |
Highlights
Base
Discontinued in 2026 — production ended ~spring 2026 (Fremont line repurposed for Optimus). 410 mi was the longest-range Tesla; final inventory ran ~$15K over base
Plaid
Discontinued in 2026 — tri-motor 1,020 hp with sub-2-second 0-60; final inventory ran ~$15K over base
The Charge Port's Take
Hand-written editorial · last updated April 2026
Who the used Model S is for in 2026
With production wound down in Q2 2026, the Model S is now a used-market proposition: a luxury performance sedan that still has the longest range of any Tesla ever sold. The typical buyer is cross-shopping a used BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, or Audi A6 — and is usually on their second or third EV. Because there's no new car to order, the decision is now about finding the right used example: a recent low-mileage car with battery and drive-unit warranty remaining, versus an older, cheaper one. The Model S makes sense for drivers who do long highway trips regularly and want to minimize charging stops, or for anyone who values Tesla's Supercharger network and the 0-60 performance that makes most sports cars look slow.
Range leadership and the Plaid factor
Late Model S builds carried a 410-mile EPA-rated range on the Long Range — still the longest of any Tesla. The Plaid was rated 348–368 miles depending on wheel size, a 42–62 mile hit for the privilege of a tri-motor powertrain. Real-world highway range at 70 mph is closer to 340–360 miles for the Long Range and 300–320 for the Plaid. The Plaid's 1.99-second 0-60 time makes it one of the quickest production cars ever made, regardless of powertrain. On the used market the Long Range is the better daily driver for most buyers; the Plaid is for people who want track-day bragging rights — just note that older used examples will show some battery degradation, so verify rated range on the specific car before buying.
What discontinuation means for Model S pricing
Tesla ended Model S production in Q2 2026, so there is no longer a published MSRP that maps to a car you can order. For reference, the final new-car pricing was about $94,990 for the Long Range and $109,990 for the Plaid before destination — down from a 2023 Long Range peak of $104,990 and above the 2022 low of $79,990. Those numbers now matter only as historical anchors. Used prices are set by the market: expect meaningful depreciation off the original MSRP, with the steepest drops on higher-mileage and older cars, and a premium for low-mileage examples with transferable warranty. Because Tesla is no longer building the car, watch for how parts and service availability evolve over the ownership period when you weigh an older example against a newer one.
The competition has arrived — does it matter?
The Lucid Air Grand Touring matches or exceeds the Model S on range (516 miles EPA) and interior luxury, but Lucid's service network is still sparse compared to Tesla's. The Mercedes EQS offers a more traditional luxury feel with superior ride quality, but its range trails at 350 miles and it charges more slowly. The Porsche Taycan is the driver's car of the group — sharper handling and better build quality — but the base range of 246 miles is a dealbreaker for road-trippers. The Model S wins on the combination of range + charging network + performance, even if individual competitors beat it in specific areas.
Charging at home with solar
With a larger battery pack (100 kWh), the Model S uses about 13–16 kWh per day for average commuting. That's $2.20–$2.70 per day at typical electricity rates, or about $900/year. A rooftop solar system sized to cover both home electricity and Model S charging (typically 8–10 kW) can offset this entirely in sunny states. The Tesla app's integrated energy dashboard shows solar production, Powerwall storage, home usage, and car charging in a single view — useful for tracking exactly how much of your driving is sun-powered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still buy a new 2026 Tesla Model S?
No. Tesla wound down Model S (and Model X) production in Q2 2026 — production stopped in early April 2026 and Tesla no longer accepts custom orders. Any remaining new units are limited existing inventory, so for most shoppers the Model S is now a used-market purchase rather than a build-to-order new car.
How much does a used Tesla Model S cost?
There's no longer a published MSRP for a new Model S you can order. The final pre-discontinuation pricing was around $94,990 (Long Range) and $109,990 (Plaid) before destination, but those are historical reference points, not current transaction prices. Used Model S pricing depends on model year, mileage, condition, and remaining warranty — check listings on Tesla's used inventory and third-party marketplaces for what comparable cars are actually selling for.
What's the difference between Model S Long Range and Plaid?
The Plaid was the higher-performance trim, with a tri-motor setup making 1,020 horsepower, a 1.99-second 0-60 time (versus 3.1 seconds for the Long Range), and a 200 mph top speed (versus 149 mph). The trade-off: range drops 42–62 miles to 348–368 miles EPA, because the third motor draws significant additional energy. On the used market the Plaid commands a premium over an equivalent Long Range.
Why did Tesla discontinue the Model S?
Tesla wound down Model S and Model X production in Q2 2026 as the aging, low-volume flagship sedan and SUV were deprioritized in favor of higher-volume models. Production ceased in early April 2026 and Tesla stopped accepting custom orders. Existing owners continue to get Supercharger access and over-the-air software updates; the change affects new sales, not cars already on the road.
Is a used Model S a good buy now that it's discontinued?
It can be. Discontinuation tends to push used prices down, which can make a low-mileage Model S with warranty remaining a strong value for the range and performance. The main cautions: confirm rated range on the specific car (older packs show degradation), check remaining battery and drive-unit warranty, and consider how parts and service availability may evolve over your ownership period now that the car is out of production.
Does the Model S qualify for the federal EV tax credit?
No. The federal Clean Vehicle Credit expired September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Even before that, the Model S exceeded the $55,000 MSRP cap for sedans, so it never qualified. Only state incentives apply now. California's Clean Cars 4 All offers up to $12,000 for income-qualified residents (Model S is typically above the MSRP cap), and Colorado offers a $750 base state credit with no MSRP cap.
Is the Tesla Model S worth it over a Model 3 or Model Y?
The Model S offers significantly more range (410 vs 363 miles for a Model 3 Long Range), faster charging, a larger and more refined interior, better sound insulation, and (on Plaid) hypercar-level acceleration. It does not get you meaningfully better technology — both cars run the same Autopilot/FSD software and share the same infotainment system. Note that the Model 3 and Model Y remain in production while the Model S does not, so the comparison is now between a used Model S and a new Model 3/Y. If you regularly drive 300+ miles in a day, the Model S range advantage matters.
How much does the 2026 Tesla Model S cost?
The 2026 Tesla Model S starts at $94,990 for the base trim and runs up to $109,990 for the top trim, across 2 available configurations. These prices are MSRP and exclude destination fee (typically $1,000–$1,500) plus state sales tax and options.
What is the range of the 2026 Tesla Model S?
The Tesla Model S offers EPA-estimated range between 348 and 410 miles, depending on trim and wheel size. Real-world highway range at 70 mph is typically 10–15% lower than the EPA rating, and cold-weather range can drop an additional 20–30% in sub-freezing temperatures.
How fast does the Tesla Model S accelerate 0-60 mph?
The Tesla Model S hits 0-60 mph in 1.99 to 3.1 seconds depending on trim — the performance variant is the quicker of the two. The top trim is in supercar-acceleration territory thanks to electric motors' instant torque.
How long does the Tesla Model S take to DC fast-charge?
On a DC fast charger, the Tesla Model S goes from 10% to 80% in roughly 29–30 minutes. At home on a Level 2 charger (240V), a full charge typically takes 7–11 hours depending on the battery pack size. Level 1 (standard 120V outlet) is impractical for most owners — about 3–5 days for a full charge.
Is the Tesla Model S available with all-wheel drive?
Yes, all Tesla Model S trims come standard with all-wheel drive. Dual-motor (or tri-motor on performance variants) setups deliver improved traction and faster acceleration than comparable RWD EVs.
How many people does the Tesla Model S seat?
The Tesla Model S seats 5.
Does the 2026 Tesla Model S qualify for a federal EV tax credit?
No. The federal Clean Vehicle Credit (IRC §30D) expired on September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — no new EVs purchased on or after October 1, 2025 qualify. State incentives remain available: see our /deals page for current rebates in California, Maine, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states. The Section 30C EV Charger Tax Credit (for home charger installation) expired June 30, 2026 — if your charger was placed in service on or before that date, you can still claim it (30% up to $1,000) on your 2026 return via IRS Form 8911.
How long will the Tesla Model S battery last?
Real-world data from EV fleets suggests modern lithium-ion EV batteries (2020+) retain roughly 85–90% of their original capacity at 100,000 miles and 80–85% at 200,000 miles — comfortably above the 70% State-of-Health threshold most manufacturer battery warranties guarantee. The Tesla Model S comes with a battery warranty (typically 8–10 years / 100,000+ miles) that covers defects and excessive capacity loss during that window.
The 2026 Tesla Model S is a fullsize electric sedan starting at $94,990 MSRP. Available in 2 trims ranging from $94,990 to $109,990, it offers up to 410 miles of EPA-estimated range and a 1.99-second 0-60 mph time with available all-wheel drive. DC fast charging can add significant range in as little as 29 minutes.
With 25 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to 5, the Model S competes in the growing electric sedan segment. Whether you prioritize range, performance, or value, there is a Model S trim to match your needs.
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