Tesla Model S 90D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 90D was a game-changer, a premium all-electric liftback that set benchmarks for range and performance. This all-wheel-drive variant offered a compelling blend of luxury, cutting-edge tech, and electrifying pace, making it a status symbol and a serious contender against established luxury sedans. It showed the world EVs could be desirable and practical. With production ending in 2016, you can snag one on the used market, like this 90D example, for around $14,497, offering a lot of EV for the money. It’s a proper tech-laden rocket ship!

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the big news was the "90" kWh battery pack, which the 90D trim proudly sported, offering a bump in range over the outgoing 85D. While a significant facelift with a new nose and LED headlights arrived later in April 2016, early 2016 models (as this 2015-2016 production 90D suggests) often retained the original iconic fascia. Autopilot convenience features continued to evolve, becoming more sophisticated. The 90D solidified the Model S's dominance with that extra bit of go-juice for longer adventures, keeping it ahead of the curve in the burgeoning EV scene.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Model S 90D boasts that sleek, almost timeless liftback silhouette that still turns heads. Its slippery shape isn't just for show; it's key to its impressive efficiency. Signature features include those cool flush door handles that present themselves as you approach. The 90D variant looks largely identical to other Model S trims of the era, exuding an understated yet potent vibe. It measures a substantial 195.7 inches long, 77.3 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 56.9 inches tall, giving it serious road presence without being overly bulky.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 90D, and you're greeted by a minimalist cabin dominated by that massive 17-inch touchscreen controlling almost everything – a true tech statement! Material quality is generally good, aiming for a modern, premium feel. Passenger space is ample for five, with an optional rear-facing third-row for two kids, making it surprisingly versatile. Cargo is king here, with a generous 26.3 cubic feet in the boot, expanding to a massive 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic feet frunk for your charging cables or extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 90D isn't just about range; it packs a serious punch! With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup—a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor up front and an AC Induction Motor at the rear—it churns out a combined 311 kW (around 417 hp) and a hefty 487 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a thrilling 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds. It’s not just quick off the line; the driving experience is smooth, refined, and planted, thanks to the low center of gravity. Braking is strong, with adjustable regenerative braking to send power back to the battery.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of the 90D is its 85.5 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 257 miles – plenty for most journeys. It achieves an efficiency of 3.01 miles per kWh. At home, the standard 10 kW on-board AC charger can top it up overnight. Out on the road, it utilizes Tesla's NACS port (Tesla proprietary connector) and can guzzle electrons at up to 120 kW on a Supercharger, adding significant range pretty quickly. This makes road trips a doddle, especially with Tesla’s then-unrivaled charging network.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a top priority for Tesla, and the Model S 90D benefits from this, scoring a top-notch 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came equipped with a suite of standard safety gear. Early versions of Tesla's Autopilot system were available, often as an option for this model year, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. These systems were cutting-edge for 2016, paving the way for more advanced driver aids and showcasing Tesla's tech-forward approach to keeping you safe on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2016 Model S 90D typically came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Critically for an EV, the battery and drive unit were covered for a more substantial 8 years with unlimited miles (for the 90kWh battery, though specifics on degradation guarantees could vary). Maintenance on EVs like the Model S is generally lower than gas cars, with fewer moving parts meaning fewer trips to the shop. However, out-of-warranty repairs on early Teslas can sometimes be pricey, so a pre-purchase inspection is always a smart move for a used example.