Tesla Model S P85

Overview

The 2014 Tesla Model S P85 was a rear-wheel-drive performance hero that truly kickstarted the premium EV revolution. This thing was a rocket ship wrapped in a sleek liftback body, offering blistering acceleration and a then-groundbreaking 17-inch touchscreen that felt like the future. As a flagship RWD model, it laid the groundwork for Tesla's dominance. While no longer new, a used 2014 P85 can be snagged for around $9,499, offering a thrilling entry into high-performance electric motoring with that iconic Tesla street cred.

What's New for 2014?

For 2014, the Model S P85 saw some solid refinements. Tesla rolled out underbody titanium shielding and aluminum deflector plates mid-year for enhanced battery protection – a reassuring upgrade. While the core P85 package remained a performance beast, later 2014 builds (from September onwards) started receiving the initial Autopilot hardware, hinting at the advanced driver-assist features to come. Software updates continued to improve functionality and performance over the air, a party trick Tesla was already famous for. It kept the P85 feeling fresh!

Design & Exterior

The 2014 Model S P85 still turns heads with its slippery, aerodynamic liftback silhouette and those cool flush door handles that present themselves as you approach. It’s a big car, measuring 195.7 inches long, 77.3 inches wide, and 56.9 inches tall, giving it serious presence. The P85 often sported a subtle carbon fiber spoiler and distinct badging, hinting at its performance chops. Standard 19-inch wheels kept things comfy, but many opted for the flashier 21-inch "Turbine" wheels for maximum visual punch.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the P85, it’s all about that massive 17-inch central touchscreen – a command center controlling nearly everything. The cabin design is minimalist and airy, with decent materials for its era. It comfortably seats five, with some models featuring optional rear-facing child seats in the trunk, bumping capacity to seven! Cargo space is epic: 26.3 cubic feet in the main trunk, expanding to a van-like 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic feet frunk. No CarPlay/Android Auto, but Tesla’s native system was ahead of its time.

Performance & Driving Experience

Stomp the accelerator in the P85, and hold on! This rear-wheel-drive monster, powered by a gutsy AC Induction Motor, smacks you with 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of instant torque, catapulting you from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. The driving experience is pure EV magic: silent, incredibly responsive, and with a low center of gravity, it handles surprisingly well for a big sedan. The ride, often on air suspension, is composed, and regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving much of the time.

Range, Battery & Charging

The P85 rocks an 80.8 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 243 miles – pretty solid for its day, with an efficiency of 3.01 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 10 kW on-board AC charger can top it up overnight. For road trips, it uses Tesla's NACS port, gulping down juice at up to 120 kW on a Supercharger, getting you back on the road quickly. This made long-distance EV travel a reality for P85 owners.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a big deal for the Model S, and the 2014 P85 scored a top-notch 5-star rating from NHTSA. Standard kit included multiple airbags, stability control, and parking sensors. For P85s built from late September 2014 onwards, the first-generation Autopilot hardware (HW1) became available, enabling features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Earlier 2014 models missed out on this, but still packed a good suite of safety tech for the time, including available blind-spot monitoring.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Originally, the 2014 Model S P85 came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. Crucially, its substantial 85 kWh battery pack and drive unit were covered for a generous 8 years with unlimited miles, offering peace of mind. Maintenance is generally simpler than gas cars, with fewer moving parts. Over-the-air software updates kept the car feeling modern. While early models had some quirks, the core powertrain proved robust, making it a compelling used proposition if the battery health checks out.