Tesla Model S 85D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 85D remains a compelling choice in the used luxury EV arena, a real game-changer when it launched. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive liftback masterfully blended punchy performance with impressive practicality for its era. Key highlights for the 85D trim include its balanced range and year-round traction, making it a versatile daily driver. While no longer new, these revolutionary machines can be snagged for around $11,990 on the used market in the US, offering a taste of the electric future without breaking the bank. It truly set the benchmark!

What's New for 2016?

For the 2016 model year, the Model S 85D carried over much of its groundbreaking formula before being phased out early in the year. This means most 85Ds sport the classic "nosecone" front end, predating the mid-2016 facelift. Key developments included ongoing Autopilot software enhancements, building upon the hardware suite for features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. Inside, some 2016 models benefited from improved "next-generation" seat designs, boosting comfort on those long, silent electric journeys. It was a year of refinement before bigger design changes.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Model S 85D boasts that iconic, slippery silhouette that still turns heads. Its liftback design is both stylish and practical. Most 85Ds from this year will feature the original "nosecone" grille, a hallmark of early Model S cars, along with those cool flush door handles that present themselves as you approach. Standard 19-inch wheels kept things classy. Dimension-wise, it’s a substantial machine: 195.7 inches long, 77.3 inches wide (mirrors tucked), and 56.9 inches tall. A 'Dual Motor' badge subtly hints at its all-wheel-drive capability.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 85D, and you’re greeted by a minimalist cabin dominated by that massive 17-inch central touchscreen – the command center for almost everything. Material quality was generally premium, though early cars could have quirks. It’s properly spacious, seating five comfortably, with an option for two rear-facing child seats making it a "5, 7" seater. Cargo space is immense: a whopping 26.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic foot 'frunk' up front! No CarPlay/Android Auto, but Tesla’s own system is slick.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Model S 85D is no slouch, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in a brisk 4.4 seconds – that’s proper punchy! Its dual-motor setup, with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the front and an AC Induction Motor (IM) at the rear, delivers 311 kW (around 417 hp) and a hefty 487 lb-ft of instant torque. This means effortless, silent acceleration and confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive grip. The ride is generally smooth, especially with the common air suspension, and strong regenerative braking often allows for one-pedal driving. Max speed? A cool 155 mph.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 85D packs an 80.8 kWh usable battery, giving it a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 252 miles – plenty for daily duties and then some! Its efficiency is rated at 3.12 miles per kWh. For charging, the standard 10 kW on-board AC charger can juice it up fully overnight (around 8 hours). On the road, it supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW via its Tesla (NACS) port, typically located on the driver's side rear, meaning significant range can be added in under 40 minutes at a Supercharger.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big plus for the Model S, with the 2016 85D proudly wearing a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and Euro NCAP – top marks all around! It came equipped with first-generation Autopilot hardware. This typically enabled features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer for highway driving, often part of an optional package. Standard kit usually included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors, making it a reassuringly safe choice for families looking for a pioneering EV experience.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2016 Model S 85D typically came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Crucially, the battery and drive unit were covered for a generous 8 years with unlimited miles, a big confidence booster for early EV adopters. Tesla didn't offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, but EV running costs are generally lower thanks to fewer moving parts. While early Model S examples had some known quirks, the core powertrain proved pretty robust over time. Always check a used example's history for peace of mind.