You're looking at the Tesla website, and the numbers feel like they’re moving. One day it's one price, the next there's a "probable savings" figure that makes no sense. Honestly, figuring out how much is a tesla model s shouldn't require a degree in finance, but here we are in 2026, and the landscape has changed significantly.
The days of the $7,500 federal tax credit for this specific car are over. As of late 2025, the federal incentives for high-end EVs like the Model S were rescinded. You’re now paying the "sticker price," and that sticker has actually crept up a bit lately. If you’re looking for a new one today, you’re basically choosing between two very different animals: the standard Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive and the triple-motor monster known as the Plaid.
Breaking Down the 2026 Sticker Price
Let’s get the raw numbers out of the way first.
Currently, a new 2026 Tesla Model S starts at $94,990. That’s for the standard All-Wheel Drive version. If you want the version that can outrun most Italian supercars, the Model S Plaid starts at $109,990.
Keep in mind, these are base prices. Tesla has this habit of including "estimated gas savings" in their big bold text, but that doesn't help you at the dealership. You're writing a check for nearly six figures before you even look at the options list. And trust me, the options list is where the "reasonable" price starts to evaporate.
The True Cost of Customization
Most people don't buy a "naked" Tesla. You're probably going to want a color other than Stealth Grey (which is currently the only "free" color).
- Paint: If you want that deep Ultra Red or the sleek Lunar Silver, tack on another $2,500.
- Wheels: The 19-inch Tempest wheels are standard. They're fine. But the 21-inch Arachnid wheels? Those will cost you $4,500 and, honestly, they’ll probably make your ride a bit stiffer and eat into your range.
- Interior: Black is standard. If you want the Black and White or the Cream interior, that’s a $2,000 upgrade.
- Steering: The Yoke steering wheel—which people either love or absolutely despise—is a $1,000 add-on now.
When you add it all up, a "well-equipped" standard Model S is easily a $105,000 car. A Plaid with the fancy paint and wheels? You're looking at $120,000.
The Full Self-Driving (FSD) Question
Here is where it gets kinda weird. For a while, Full Self-Driving was a massive $12,000 or $15,000 upfront cost. Lately, Tesla has been playing with the pricing. As of early 2026, FSD (Supervised) is often bundled into the Plaid’s base price to justify that $110k tag, but for the standard model, it’s usually an $8,000 upgrade.
Is it worth it?
That depends on how much you enjoy being a "test pilot." It’s impressive, sure. It handles highway interchanges and city turns with an eerie smoothness most of the time. But it still requires you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands ready to take over. If you don't want to drop eight grand at once, there's always the subscription model, which usually hovers around $99 a month. It's a much better way to "try before you buy."
Hidden Fees and "The Tesla Tax"
The price you see on the screen isn't the price on the final invoice.
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First, there’s the $1,390 destination fee and the $250 order fee. Neither of these is negotiable. Then, you have to talk about taxes. In a state like California or New York, sales tax on a $100,000 car can easily add another $8,000 to $10,000 to your total.
Then there's the insurance.
Insuring a Tesla Model S isn't like insuring a Honda Accord. Because of the aluminum-intensive body and the specialized sensors, repair costs are high. National averages for 2026 suggest you’ll be paying somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000 a year just for insurance. Over five years, that’s $25,000—literally the price of a small car—just to keep it legal on the road.
The Used Market: A Smarter Play?
If you can’t stomach the $95k starting price, the used market is finally starting to look "normal" again. Back in 2022 and 2023, used Teslas were almost as expensive as new ones because of supply chain issues. That’s over.
You can find a 2022 or 2023 Model S (the "Refresh" version with the horizontal screen) for anywhere between $45,000 and $60,000 depending on mileage. That is a massive discount for a car that looks almost identical to the 2026 model.
Pro Tip: If you're looking at used models, check the hardware version. Cars built after mid-2023 usually have "Hardware 4," which has better cameras and a faster processor for FSD. If you care about the tech, don't buy anything older than a 2023.
For those on a real budget, the pre-refresh models (2018–2020) with the vertical screens are often under $30,000. Just be careful with the battery warranty; those older packs are starting to hit the age where capacity might start to dip.
Ownership Costs: Beyond the Sticker Price
We have to talk about depreciation. It’s the silent killer. A Model S is a luxury sedan, and luxury sedans lose value like a lead balloon. Data from CarEdge and Edmunds suggests that a new Model S will lose about 60% of its value over five years.
If you buy a new one for $100,000 today, it might only be worth $40,000 by 2031.
On the flip side, "fuel" costs are remarkably low. Even with electricity prices rising in some parts of the country, charging a Model S is still significantly cheaper than gassing up a BMW 5-Series or a Mercedes E-Class. Most owners spend about $450 to $600 a year on electricity if they charge at home. If you rely on Superchargers, that number doubles, but it's still a win for the wallet.
Maintenance is the Silver Lining
Unlike a gas car, there are no oil changes. No spark plugs. No timing belts. You basically just buy tires and windshield wiper fluid.
Tires, however, are a big deal. The Model S is heavy and has a massive amount of torque. You will chew through tires faster than you think—usually every 20,000 to 25,000 miles. A set of good Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires will run you about $1,500. Budget for that.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re serious about getting a Model S, don't just click "order" on the website. Here is how you actually play the game in 2026:
- Check Local Incentives: The federal credit is gone, but states like Colorado and New York still have rebates that can save you $2,000 to $5,000.
- Inventory Search: Check Tesla’s "Existing Inventory" page. They often discount "demo" cars or vehicles that were ordered but never picked up. You can sometimes shave $3,000 or $5,000 off the price just by taking a car that’s already sitting on a lot.
- Wait for Quarter-End: Tesla is notorious for "end-of-quarter" pushes. If you buy in late March, June, September, or December, they might throw in free Supercharging or a discount to hit their delivery targets.
- Quote Your Insurance First: Call your agent before you buy. Don't let a $500 monthly insurance premium be a surprise after you've already signed the papers.
- Skip the 21-inch Wheels: Unless you absolutely love the look, the 19-inch wheels provide a better ride, better range, and the tires are cheaper to replace.
The Tesla Model S remains a benchmark for electric luxury, but it's no longer the only game in town. With the Lucid Air and the Mercedes EQS providing stiff competition, the "Tesla price" is more of a moving target than ever. Plan for the total cost of ownership—insurance, tires, and depreciation—rather than just the monthly payment.