98 MPG is the combined fuel economy equivalent for the 2016 Tesla Model S AWD, P100D. Buyers of this fast sedan aren’t primarily concerned with saving money on gas. They value instant torque, groundbreaking technology, and a vision for the future of driving. The P100D’s impressive MPGe figures are a bonus to the performance and status Tesla provides, not the main reason someone buys it.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2016 Tesla Model S P100D AWD at 92 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe on the highway. The city rating reflects urban driving with stops, while the highway figure shows the strong regenerative braking system and the drivetrain efficiency at higher speeds. These are estimates, and aggressive acceleration, especially in Ludicrous mode, will lower them.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $800 for the 2016 Tesla Model S P100D AWD. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average electricity prices at the time of testing. Your electricity rate directly impacts your actual costs. Someone with access to off-peak charging or solar panels could lower this figure. Those relying on public charging stations in areas with high electricity rates might see their annual bill rise above the $800 estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a standard, but real-world MPGe for the P100D varies depending on driving style, temperature, and accessory use. Expect figures in the 80-110 MPGe range in mixed driving conditions.

Cold weather, which increases battery resistance and power consumption for heating, can decrease range and efficiency. Consistently using Ludicrous mode, even if it’s fun, will reduce efficiency. Check out all all Tesla fuel economy data to see trends across the brand.

How it compares

The 2016 Tesla Model S P100D beats its gasoline-powered luxury sedan competitors in fuel economy. The BMW 750i xDrive from the same year is rated at 19 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic manages just 20 MPG combined. Even hybrid alternatives like the Lexus LS 600hL, with its 20 MPG combined, are worse. This comparison shows P100D buyers prioritize performance and technology and get much lower running costs compared to traditional high-performance luxury cars. See other MODEL MPG across all years to compare year-to-year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistently use regenerative braking. The Model S offers adjustable regenerative braking settings, allowing you to optimize energy recapture during deceleration. Find the best settings for your driving style and traffic conditions.

Precondition the cabin while plugged in. Heating or cooling the interior of your Model S while it’s connected to a charger draws power from the grid, and preserves your driving range. Schedule preconditioning via the Tesla app for best results.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves energy efficiency. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Minimize aggressive acceleration. The P100D’s instant torque is fun, but frequent hard launches decrease MPGe. Smooth acceleration maximizes range and efficiency in everyday driving.

Plan your routes carefully, especially on long trips. The Tesla navigation system can route you via Superchargers and estimate power usage based on the roads you will be driving on.