Tesla Model S (2016) vs Tesla Model S (2021)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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Model S (2016) compared with Model S (2021)

	TeslaModel S (2016)	TeslaModel S (2021)
Overview
Released
Released	2016	June 2021
Performance
Powertrain
Powertrain	Electric	Electric
Power
Power	315–605 bhp	676–1,019 bhp (better)
0–62 mph
0–62 mph	2.7–5.8 s (better)	3.2 s
Top speed
Top speed	130–155 mph	155–175 mph (better)
Engine or motors
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.	Tesla’s 2021+ owner guide specifies permanent-magnet synchronous motors at both axles, with two carbon-fibre-wrapped rear motors on Plaid. The listed later European EV Database versions have 504 kW and 760 kW, converted to 676 and 1,019 bhp; these are not asserted as every launch-market specification.
Gearbox
Gearbox	Single-speed fixed gear	Single-speed fixed gear; front 7.56:1, rear 9.04:1 (Plaid 7.56:1)
Drive
Drive	Rear-wheel drive on 60 and 75; front and rear motors with all-wheel drive on D versions	All-wheel drive
Range and charging
Zero-emission range (WLTP)
Zero-emission range (WLTP)	–	373–403 miles
Fastest charging
Fastest charging	120–145 kW	250 kW (better)
Range detail
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.	WLTP combined ratings for EV Database’s European 2024–2025 versions: 394–403 miles Dual Motor, depending on wheels, and 373 miles Plaid. Plaid’s maker-reported 2.1-second 0–62 mph claim excludes rollout; the database’s adjusted 2.4-second figure is estimated and omitted from the main field.
Charging
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.	EV Database lists 11 kW AC for the specified European versions. Car and Driver’s actual 2021 Plaid charging test reached 250 kW for about five minutes. Dual Motor’s database DC limit and both usable battery capacities are marked estimates and omitted. Tesla’s owner guide specifies 407 V nominal voltage.
Efficiency
Efficiency	–	WLTP rated 282 Wh/mile (Dual Motor), 301 Wh/mile (Plaid) (EV Database)
CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions	–	0 g/km
Practicality
Body
Body	Saloon	Saloon
Seats
Seats	5	5
Boot
Boot	–	709 litres
Length
Length	4,970 mm	5,021 mm
Width
Width	1,964 mm	1,987 mm
Boot
Boot	–	Tesla’s GB 2021+ guide: 709 litres behind the rear seats, 1,739 litres with them folded, and a separate 89-litre front boot. The 1,828-litre combined maximum includes the front boot.
Size
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.	5,021 mm long, 1,987 mm wide (2,189 mm with mirrors), 1,431 mm high with the air suspension at medium; 2,960 mm wheelbase; 12.3 m turning circle (Tesla owner's manual)
Release and generation details
Release and generation details	–	Tesla confirms redesigned Model S deliveries began in Q2 2021; contemporaneous Reuters reporting confirms June customer handovers. Tesla’s January 2021 update explicitly says the Performance versions of Model S and Model X were replaced by tri-motor Plaid, supporting the link to the preceding 2019 generation without suggesting all versions immediately ceased sale. Auto Express tested UK left-hand-drive stock offered in 2023. Later configurations here precede the separate 2025 physical refresh.
Tech and safety
Infotainment
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.	Centre touchscreen, driver display and a rear touchscreen; yoke or steering wheel; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Safety rating
Safety rating	–	Euro NCAP 5 stars (2022): adult occupant 94%, child occupant 91%, vulnerable road users 85%, safety assist 98%