93 MPGe combined. That figure puts the 2015 Tesla Model S P85D in the same efficiency class as some economy cars. This isn’t a stripped-down commuter car, though, designed for squeezing every last mile from a gallon (or its equivalent). This is a performance flagship, a technological marvel with all-wheel-drive and enough power to rival supercars. The efficiency of an electric powertrain, combined with Tesla’s focus on optimization, delivers this astonishing economy figure, a major factor in the vehicle’s overall appeal.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the P85D at 89 MPGe in the city and 98 MPGe on the highway. This difference reflects how electric vehicles operate. In stop-and-go city driving, regenerative braking captures kinetic energy, feeding it back into the battery and boosting efficiency. On the highway, where speeds are higher and regenerative braking opportunities are fewer, the car relies more on direct energy draw to overcome wind resistance, resulting in the slightly lower MPGe figure. For owners, this equals efficient commuting and impressive long-distance range, minimizing charging stops on road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual “fuel” cost for the 2015 Tesla Model S P85D is $800. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average electricity prices to charge the vehicle. This low figure shows one of the key ownership benefits of an electric vehicle: a reduction in running costs compared to a gasoline-powered equivalent. It impacts the total cost of ownership, making even a premium-priced vehicle like the P85D economical over the long term.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a benchmark, but real-world energy consumption varies depending on driving style, climate, and terrain. Aggressive acceleration, particularly using the P85D’s “Insane Mode”, reduces efficiency and range. Cold weather impacts battery performance, decreasing range, and using features like cabin heat draws down the battery. Still, many owners report achieving range close to the EPA estimates, which makes the P85D reliable for daily driving and longer journeys that require using Tesla’s Supercharger infrastructure.

How it compares

The 2015 Tesla Model S P85D stands alone in its performance and efficiency class. The 2015 BMW M5, a high-performance sedan with a gasoline engine, gets approximately 17 MPG combined, putting its annual fuel cost at many times that of the Tesla. A comparable Porsche Panamera Turbo, a performance-oriented luxury sedan, achieves around 18 MPG combined. The Toyota Prius, a dedicated hybrid, earns around 50 MPG combined. Its gasoline consumption is lower than these performance sedans, but its focus is economy. This shows the P85D buyer’s priority: performance and luxury never before associated with cars that rival the efficiency of smaller economy cars. If you want to see other all Tesla fuel economy data, review our official page for the marquee. For a more in-depth look, consider reviewing the MODEL MPG across all years to observe how performance is related to overall fuel consumption ratings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration maximizes range in the P85D. Avoid aggressive use of the accelerator, particularly “Insane Mode,” which depletes the battery rapidly. Anticipate traffic flow and regenerative braking helps, allowing the car to slow down naturally and recapture energy.

Pre-conditioning your Tesla while it’s plugged in improves efficiency, particularly in cold weather. Pre-heating the battery and cabin using grid power minimizes the energy draw from the battery when you start driving.

Tire inflation is important for efficiency. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as lower tire pressure increases rolling resistance and energy consumption.

Minimize aerodynamic drag by avoiding the use of roof racks or cargo carriers when possible. These accessories increase wind resistance and reduce efficiency on the highway.