Here is a detailed outline of the benefits of owning a 2018 Tesla Model S 100D (Dual Motor) with EU Autopilot.
This specific configuration represents a sweet spot in the pre-owned luxury EV market. It combines the flagship prestige of the Model S with the „uncorked“ performance of the 100 kWh battery pack, offering a compelling alternative to newer, but potentially more expensive, vehicles.
1. „The Flagship“ Prestige & Design
The Iconic Shape: The 2018 Model S is still widely regarded as one of the best-looking electric cars on the road. Its low, sleek, and aerodynamic „liftback“ design has aged gracefully and stands out more than the ubiquitous Model 3/Y.
Exclusivity & Status: As the car that put Tesla on the map, owning a Model S offers a sense of prestige and „Founders Club“ status that the mass-market models don’t quite replicate.
Liftback Practicality: Unlike a traditional saloon, the entire rear hatch opens, providing a massive loading aperture. Combined with the deep boot and the front trunk (frunk) , it offers surprising cargo versatility for a car that looks like a coupe.
2. The „100D“ Powertrain: The Sweet Spot
Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive: The „D“ provides superior traction and confidence in wet conditions, snow, or on gravel, making it a much more usable daily driver in European climates than the older rear-wheel-drive models.
The „100“ Battery Advantage: The 100 kWh battery pack was the largest and most advanced available at the time.
Exceptional Range: Even by today’s standards, the 100D offers competitive range. Expect a real-world range of 270–300+ miles (435–480+ km) , easily capable of long cross-country journeys without frequent charging stops.
„Uncorked“ Performance: In 2017/2018, Tesla „uncorked“ the 90D and 100D models via an over-the-air update, increasing power. The 100D offers brisk, silent acceleration (0-60 mph in the low 4-second range), providing thrilling performance without the tire wear or range penalty of the insane „P“ (Performance/Ludicrous) models.
Superb Ride Quality: The 2018 Model S (especially with optional Smart Air Suspension) offers a plush, quiet, and refined ride. It isolates passengers from the road far better than the firmer Model 3 or Y, making it a superior long-distance grand tourer.
3. Interior Space & Comfort
Hatchback Versatility: The liftback design allows you to fold the rear seats and haul surprisingly large items, from flat-pack furniture to sports equipment, that wouldn’t fit in a traditional saloon boot.
Rear Seat Comfort: The Model S offers a genuine five-adult-seat configuration. The rear seats are spacious and deeply padded, offering excellent comfort for passengers.
The Instrument Cluster: Unlike the Model 3/Y, the 2018 Model S features a dedicated driver’s instrument screen behind the steering wheel. This allows you to see your speed, navigation, and Autopilot status without looking at the center touchscreen—a feature many drivers strongly prefer.
4. The „EU Autopilot“ Advantage (Hardware 2.5/3)
The 2018 Model S is one of the best values in the used market because of its technology foundation.
Full Hardware Suite: A 2018 EU car was built with Hardware 2.5 (or potentially an upgraded 3.0 computer), which includes all the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors needed for advanced driver assistance.
Active Autopilot Features: With the „EU Autopilot“ package, you get the core features that make long-distance driving effortless:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Matches speed to traffic flow.
Autosteer: Keeps the car centered in its lane on motorways and main roads, drastically reducing driver fatigue.
Standard Safety: The hardware enables active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
Upgrade Path Potential: Because it has the necessary hardware, the car is capable of receiving paid upgrades. While the original owner may have just „Autopilot,“ a new owner could potentially purchase Enhanced Autopilot (for Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Summon) or Full Self-Driving later, should they wish, unlocking newer features (subject to EU regulations).
5. Ownership & Cost of Ownership
Low Maintenance: Like all Teslas, it benefits from the EV advantage of no oil changes, no timing belts, no exhaust systems, and dramatically reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking.
Free Supercharging (Critical Factor!): This is the single biggest potential financial benefit of a 2018 Model S.
Many 2017 and early 2018 Model S vehicles sold new came with Free Unlimited Supercharging for the life of the vehicle, and this benefit is often transferred to the new owner when the car is sold privately.
If this specific car has free Supercharging, it drastically reduces the cost of long-distance travel, making it cheaper to run than almost any other vehicle on the road.
Supercharger Access: As an EU car, it will use the CCS2 connector (or can be retrofitted), granting access to the vast and reliable Tesla Supercharger network across Europe.
6. The „Analog“ Sweet Spot (The Perfect Daily Driver?)
Retained Utility: The 2018 model is from an era before Tesla removed key features. It still has radar, which some drivers prefer for smoother Autopilot operation in certain conditions compared to the newer „Tesla Vision“ systems.
Physical Stalks: It retains traditional steering column stalks for wipers, lights, and indicators—a tactile convenience lost in the newer 2021+ „Plaid“ refresh, which moved some functions to the steering wheel.
Over-the-Air Updates: Despite its age, it remains a modern car. It still receives regular OTA software updates, adding new features, games, and improvements just like a brand-new Tesla.
Summary
The 2018 Tesla Model S 100D is widely considered the ultimate „smart buy“ in the used EV market. It offers the space and luxury of a flagship saloon, the all-weather grip of a dual-motor setup, and the long-range capability of the 100kWh pack. When combined with the EU Autopilot for effortless cruising and the potential for Free Unlimited Supercharging, it delivers a premium ownership experience and a value proposition that is hard to beat, even by much newer electric vehicles.