Tesla Model S 70D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D was a key entry into Tesla's all-electric luxury sedan lineup, bringing standard all-wheel drive and that signature Tesla tech-forward experience to a wider audience. It cleverly blended practicality with thrilling performance. Highlights for this specific trim include its dual-motor setup, access to the extensive Supercharger network, and a glimpse into the future of driving. As a discontinued model, you can snag one on the used market for around $15,121, offering a tempting slice of EV innovation without the brand-new price tag. It’s a proper game-changer, still!

What's New for 2016?

For the 2016 Model S lineup, the big news was a mid-year facelift, which ditched the original "nose cone" for a sleeker front end and introduced an optional HEPA air filtration system – pretty nifty for allergy sufferers! While the 70D trim itself was largely a carryover from its late 2015 debut, models produced in 2016 could feature these fresh looks depending on their build date. Autopilot hardware was onboard, with software features often being optional extras, continuing Tesla’s push for advanced driver aids.

Design & Exterior

The Model S 70D sports that iconic, slippery liftback silhouette that still turns heads. Early 2016 models kept the original grille, while later ones got the updated, cleaner front fascia. Signature flush door handles and those sleek lines scream futuristic luxury. It’s a sizable machine, measuring 195.7 inches long, 77.3 inches wide (mirrors folded!), and 56.9 inches tall, giving it a commanding presence. The 70D badge subtly hints at its all-wheel-drive capability, often rolling on standard 19-inch wheels that balance comfort and style.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 70D and you're greeted by Tesla’s hallmark minimalist cabin, dominated by that massive 17-inch touchscreen. This command center controls almost everything, offering a unique, albeit screen-heavy, experience. Passenger space is generous for five, with an optional (and quirky!) rear-facing third-row for two kids. Cargo? Oodles! You get 26.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a van-like 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic feet frunk up front. Tech-wise, it’s all Tesla’s own OS, no CarPlay here.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 70D isn't just a pretty face; it packs a punch! With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, mashing the pedal delivers that instant electric shove, rocketing you from 0-60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds. The powertrain, featuring a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) up front and an AC Induction Motor (IM) at the rear, churns out a combined 245 kW (around 328 hp) and a hefty 387 lb-ft of torque. Expect a smooth, quiet ride with confident handling thanks to the low-slung battery, and effective regenerative braking for efficient one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the Model S 70D houses a 69 kWh usable battery pack, good for a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 219 miles – plenty for most daily grinds and some road trips. It sips energy at a respectable 3.17 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger can top it up overnight in about 7-8 hours. Out and about, hit a Tesla Supercharger and its NACS port can gulp down juice at up to 120 kW, adding significant range in 30-40 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla has always prioritized safety, and the Model S 70D reflects that, boasting a stellar 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. While a full suite of modern active safety features wasn't all standard back then, essentials like automatic emergency braking and collision warnings were typically included. Many 70Ds were optioned with Tesla's early Autopilot (AP1) system, which offered impressive adaptive cruise control and Autosteer (lane-keeping assist) for highway driving, alongside blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, making it quite the safety pioneer for its time.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2016 Model S 70D came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Critically, the battery and drive unit were covered for a reassuring 8 years with unlimited miles, a big plus for peace of mind. Tesla didn't offer traditional complimentary maintenance schedules like some luxury brands, focusing instead on 'as-needed' service and over-the-air software updates to keep things running smoothly. For a used model, checking the remaining battery warranty is key, but these early Teslas have generally proven quite robust in their EV-specific components.