93 MPG combined. That’s the EPA’s fuel economy rating for the 2016 Tesla Model S P85D, a figure that places this high-performance sedan alongside economy cars. The P85D isn’t about saving money; it’s about changing how people view electric cars. This vehicle is for those who want fast acceleration and the satisfaction of not needing gas stations.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Tesla Model S P85D achieves 89 MPG in the city and 98 MPG on the highway. These numbers show the advantages of electric powertrains. In cities, regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration, sending it back to the battery, which reduces energy use. On the highway, the P85D’s aerodynamic design and efficient electric motors help it maintain efficiency at consistent speeds. While these numbers are impressive, aggressive driving and frequent use of the P85D’s ludicrous mode will significantly decrease them.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Tesla Model S P85D at $800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average electricity prices from the most recent data. Your actual cost will depend on your local electricity rates and driving habits. Charging at home is usually cheaper than public charging stations, so home charging is important for maximizing fuel savings.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers provide a standard, but real-world electric car fuel economy depends on many things. Air temperature affects battery performance, and colder weather reduces range. Driving style is also important. Accelerating quickly to experience the P85D’s speed will drain the battery faster than normal driving. The weight in the car, tire pressure, and accessories like air conditioning can affect efficiency. Owners who manage their energy use carefully can often match or exceed the EPA estimates, while others might see numbers closer to the low 80s. Drivers can check MODEL MPG across all years to compare this year’s numbers to future models.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sedans of its time, the 2016 Tesla Model S P85D is unique. The BMW M5, for example, gets about 17 MPG combined, and the Mercedes-AMG E63 S averages around 18 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo, another luxury performance competitor, gets about 22 MPG combined. These numbers show the P85D’s fuel economy advantage, especially for city drivers. Even more economical hybrids like the Lexus GS 450h (31 MPG combined) aren’t as efficient as the P85D. The P85D offers a new possibility for performance vehicles, and you can compare models by checking all Tesla fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use regenerative braking. The Tesla Model S P85D allows you to adjust regenerative braking. Try different settings to find what works best for you, which will maximize energy recovery when slowing down.

Precondition the battery. In cold weather, precondition the battery using the Tesla app before driving. This warms the battery, improving performance and range while using less energy than driving without preconditioning.

Track your energy use. The Tesla’s energy graph shows your driving habits. Pay attention to things that affect efficiency, like speed, acceleration, and climate control, and adjust your driving.

Keep tires properly inflated. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

Avoid frequent rapid acceleration. The P85D’s instant power is appealing, but accelerating quickly drains the battery fast. Try not to use ludicrous mode all the time to improve efficiency.