Tesla Model S 60

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model S 60 served as an enticing entry point into Tesla's flagship liftback experience, blending sleek design with zippy electric performance. While discontinued, it offered a taste of the future with its tech-laden cabin and impressive (for its time) capabilities. Key highlights included its rear-wheel-drive fun and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. On the used market, you might snag one for around $8,999, making it a compelling proposition for EV curious buyers looking for a premium slice of electric motoring without breaking the bank.

What's New for 2017?

The 2017 Model S 60 benefited from the mid-2016 facelift, sporting a cleaner front fascia without the old "nose cone" and updated headlights. Crucially, this trim featured a 62 kWh usable battery that was actually a software-limited 75 kWh pack, offering a potential upgrade path. Many 2017 models also came equipped with Tesla's upgraded Autopilot Hardware 2 (AP2), packing more cameras and sensors for enhanced driver-assist features and future self-driving capabilities. The awesome HEPA air filtration system, dubbed "Bioweapon Defense Mode," also became available, keeping the cabin air crisp.

Design & Exterior

The 2017 Tesla Model S 60 is a proper head-turner, even years on! Its sleek, liftback silhouette, flush door handles, and the (then new) minimalist front end give it an athletic yet elegant stance. Standard wheels set off the design nicely. This EV cuts a dashing figure with dimensions of 195.7 inches in length, 77.3 inches in width (mirrors aside), and a low-slung height of 56.9 inches. It’s a design that screams "future" while remaining timeless, making many of its contemporaries look a bit old hat.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 60, and you're greeted by Tesla's signature minimalist chic, dominated by a massive 17-inch touchscreen. This command center handles everything from climate to tunes. While material quality is generally good, it’s the tech that shines. Seating for five is standard, though some models have nifty rear-facing child seats boosting capacity to seven. For your gear, there's a generous 26.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a massive 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic foot frunk up front!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the "60" fool you; this Tesla still packs a punch! The rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single induction motor (IM), churns out 235 kW (around 315 hp) and a solid 325 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0-60 mph sprint in a brisk 5.5 seconds – plenty quick to surprise folks at the lights! Top speed is a respectable 130 mph. The driving experience is classic Tesla: smooth, silent, and instantly responsive. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving much of the time, making city cruising a doddle.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Model S 60 rocks a 62 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 193 miles – decent for daily driving and some road trips. Efficiency is rated at a respectable 3.11 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger can top it up fully in about 5-6 hours. Out and about, it utilizes the Tesla (NACS) port and can guzzle electrons at up to 120 kW on a Supercharger, getting you back on the road quickly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big deal for Tesla, and the Model S 60 scored a top-notch 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard kit typically included automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and lane departure warning. Many were equipped with Autopilot Hardware 2, enabling optional "Enhanced Autopilot" features like adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, auto lane change, and Summon. While not full self-driving by today's evolving standards, it provided a significant step up in driver convenience and a reassuring safety net on those long hauls.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2017 Model S 60 came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. The crucial battery and drive unit were covered for 8 years with a 125,000-mile cap for this 62 kWh (originally 60 kWh badged) battery version. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates keep the car feeling fresh and can even add features. Maintenance is generally minimal compared to gas cars, with fewer moving parts meaning less to go wrong. Reliability has been decent for the powertrain, though watch for common Tesla quirks like door handle mechanisms.