Tesla · Model S

Model S (2016)

Released 2016

The first Model S facelift, with a revised front end and adaptive headlights, covering the battery-badged versions before the 2019 drivetrain and suspension update.

Body: Saloon
Powertrain: Electric
Power: 315–605 bhp
Range: –
Boot: –

Electric

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise the rapid acceleration, quiet driving and spacious cabin, while finding the finish below similarly priced rivals. Auto Express highlights grip but criticises the materials; L’argus likes the balance of ride comfort and handling, while finding brake feel difficult to judge and the rear bench low.

From autoexpress.co.uk and largus.fr

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric
Power: 315–605 bhp
0–62 mph: 2.7–5.8 s
Top speed: 130–155 mph
Engine or motors: Configuration power figures are from EV Database: 235 kW (60 and 75), 245 kW (60D), 350 kW (later 75D), 311 kW (90D), 345 kW (P90D), 397 kW (P90D Ludicrous) and 451 kW (100D), converted to bhp. Its P100D power is explicitly estimated and is omitted. These represent the listed configurations during their production periods, not a single launch specification.
Gearbox: Single-speed fixed gear
Drive: Rear-wheel drive on 60 and 75; front and rear motors with all-wheel drive on D versions

Range and charging

Fastest charging: 120–145 kW
Range detail: These versions use NEDC rather than WLTP. EV Database lists 249 miles (60), 254 miles (60D), 298 miles (75), 304 miles (75D), 557 km (90D), 509 km (P90D), 316 miles (P90D Ludicrous) and 393 miles (100D). No NEDC or estimated real-world range is placed in the WLTP comparison field.
Charging: Maximum DC charging figures are from EV Database: 120 kW for the listed 60–90 kWh configurations and 145 kW for 100D/P100D; output varies during charging. Tesla confirms that the 2016 60 and 60D had batteries upgradeable to 75 kWh by a paid software update. Model badges are not usable battery capacities, and EV Database’s estimated usable capacities are omitted.

Practicality

Body: Saloon
Seats: 5
Length: 4,970 mm
Width: 1,964 mm
Size: Tesla’s historical 2012–2020 North American manual gives 4,970 mm length, 1,964 mm width without mirrors, 2,189 mm with mirrors and 2,960 mm wheelbase. Its software documentation is updated, so features must be checked against the vehicle’s build date and options.

Tech and safety

Infotainment: 17-inch portrait centre touchscreen and a separate instrument display. The April 2016 hardware update included a new front fascia, adaptive headlights and access to optional HEPA filtration. Autopilot hardware and software differ by build date and purchased options.

Pros and cons

Pros

Five seats and a large hatchback opening
Rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor configurations
Software battery upgrade offered on the 2016 60 and 60D

Cons

NEDC range figures are not comparable with modern WLTP ratings
Performance and charging specifications changed during production
HEPA filtration and Autopilot equipment depend on options and build date

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
TeslaModel 3 (2017)	Saloon	Electric	–	254–348 mi	–	Jul 2017
PorscheTaycan	Saloon	Electric	429–1,019 bhp	347–434 mi	407 l	Dec 2019
TeslaModel S (2019)	Saloon	Electric	534–778 bhp	283–405 mi	–	2019

Sources

Photo: Tesla; official April 2016 Model S refresh photograph embedded in Q1 2016 shareholder letter, page 2; complete supplied scene

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