The Tesla Model S is one of the most advanced automotive innovations of our time. The car features Tesla’s advanced electric powertrain which allows for zero-emissions all-electric driving while providing you exhilarating performance.
When you compare the all-electric Tesla Model S trim levels to cars using a gasoline internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving parts, the Model S become a clear technological advancement. Why? Well, Tesla’s electric motors have only one moving piece: the rotor. With that in mind, the Tesla Model S offers a quick, silent and comfortable drive.
So if you’re in the market for a Tesla Model S you’re probably wondering which trim level is the best fit for your needs. Let us help it break it down for you.
The Tesla Model S is available in three main trim levels including 70, 85, and P85D. Let’s explore each trim level.
Tesla Model S 70/70D: The Tesla Model S 70 carries a starting price tag of $70,000 or $54,500 after incentives and gas savings (available in CA, DE, CO, LA, MA, MD, PA, TN, UT). Going for the all-wheel drive package will add $5,000 to the price tag for a total of $75,000 or $59,500 after incentives and gas savings. The Tesla Model S 70 is powered by a 70 kWh battery which allows for a driving range of 230 miles on a full charge. The battery and the electric motors together allow for an equivalent of 315 horsepower and 325 lb.ft. of torque*, and 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph. The all-wheel drive model, the Tesla Model S 70D, allows for a range of 240 miles with an equivalent of 328 horsepower and 387 lb.ft. of torque*. Zero to 60 mph comes in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph.
Tesla Model S 85/85D: Moving up to the mid-level, the Tesla Model S 85 carries a starting price tag of $80,000 or $64,500 after incentives and gas savings. The all-wheel drive Model S 85D, on the other hand, carries a starting price tag of $85,000 or $69,500. The Model S 85 is powered by a 85 kWh battery allows for a total driving range of 265 miles. Motor power comes in at 373 horsepower with a peak torque of 325 lb.ft.*, while 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds. Go for the all-wheel drive Model S 85D and that range extends to 270 miles while motor power jumps to 417 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque*. Zero to 60 mph comes in just 4.2 seconds.
Tesla Model S P85D: The Tesla Model S P85D is all about performance. If range is your ultimate concern, then you may want to stay away from this model. The P85D comes standard with all-wheel drive and motor power comes in at a whopping 463 horsepower and 713 lb.ft. of torque*. The Model S P85D makes it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Turn on the special Ludicrous mode and the TeslaModel S P85D will pump out 532 horsepower* and lower the 0 to 60 mph time to 2.8 seconds. On a full charge, the Tesla Model S P85D can drive an EPA estimated 253 miles.
Tesla Model S P90D: The Tesla Model S P90D is an upgrade package for the Model S 85 trim level which adds an additional $3,000 to the price-tag. Available as an option on all 85 kWh battery models with all-wheel drive, the P90D upgrades the driving range by about 6-percent.
So which is the best model for your daily need? If range is your ultimate concern, you should go for the Tesla Model S 85D. If performance is your cup of tea, you should opt for the P85D. However, if you want the best of both worlds, the Tesla Model S P90D is the best bet for you.
Standard Equipment and Options:
The Tesla Model S comes with long list of standard features that are mostly options in other equivalently-priced vehicles.
Standard features include:
- Automatic keyless entry
- Parking sensors
- Power folding and heated side mirrors
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
- Daytime running headlamps
- Blind spot warning system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning system
- 8-year, infinite-mile battery and drive unit warranty
- Free long distance travel on the Supercharger network
You can further equip the Tesla Model S with:
- Autopilot – $2,500: Allows the Model S to steer within a lane and change lanes with a tap of the turn signal, manage speed, scan for parking spaces and automatic parallel park.
- Premium interior and lighting package – $3,000: This package adds power lift gate, Nappa leather armrests and dashboard, Alcantara headliner, interior accent lighting, fog and cornering lights, and lighted door handles.
- Smart air suspension – $2,500: This option allows the Tesla Model S to automatically adjust stiffness for optimum performance.
- Ultra high-fidelity sound – $2,500: This package adds XM satellite radio, 12-speaker sound system with an 8-inch subwoofer.
- Sub-zero Weather Package – $1,000: This package adds three-zone seat heaters, wiper blade defrosters, washer nozzle heaters, heated steering wheel.
- Rear-facing seats – $3,000: This option adds two seats in the trunk of the Tesla Model S that face the opposite direction allowing the seating capacity to increase to 7-passengers.
*Battery limited maximum motor shaft power