Tesla pumps Model S price

TESLA has jacked-up the price of its Model S super sedan for the second time this year, pushing the cost of an entry level 70D up by $4500 to $106,900, before on-road costs and LCT.

Middle of the range 85D variants now cost $114,200 or $121,000 when fitted with a second drive-motor and all-wheel drive, while top of the range P85D versions are up to $148,000 – an increase of $6400.

Factoring additional costs on Victorian turf brings the base model price to just under $132,000 driveaway, while the flagship nears $190,000.

Fluctuations in exchange rates are being cited as the reason for the latest round of price revisions, and as the Australian dollar continues to move against the greenback, future price corrections are likely.

A reversal of recent exchange rate trends could also bring price reductions for the range.

Tesla announced an new entry level variant would join the Model S range last month, but before the 70D has arrived it has already been affected by the price shift.

When it arrives, the base model will bring 245kW, a top speed of 225km/h and 442km range, mid-range Model S 85 versions get 270kW and the same top speed with 502km range, while the all-paw 85D has 315kW, 250km/h performance and the same range.

Opting for the flagship P85D brings a beefy 515kW, a range of 480km and supercar-like acceleration, getting to 100km/h from standstill in 3.3 seconds.

The performance hero arrives here in October.

The North American EV brand continues to grow its Australian presence with its latest 'store' and service centre opening in Melbourne last week, taking the local store count to three.

Another store will join the single Sydney Tesla centre before the end of the year, while the company continues to expand the network of charging and Supercharge points around the nation.

Tesla Model S pricing*

70D (a)	$106,900
85 (a)	$114,200
85D (a)	$121,000
P85D (a)	$148,000

*Excludes on-road costs and LCT.