Tesla Model S P90D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S P90D was the undisputed king of electric speed, a luxury liftback that showed the world EVs could be outrageously quick! This bad boy packed dual motors for all-wheel-drive grip and the legendary 'Ludicrous Mode' for face-melting launches. It redefined performance sedans, offering blistering pace with zero emissions. While new ones are long gone, you might snag a used P90D for around $16,395, a steal for this much performance. It’s a true icon that still turns heads and drops jaws with its instant torque and futuristic vibe.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Model S P90D continued to flex its muscles, having been introduced in mid-2015 with the headline-grabbing 'Ludicrous Mode' option for even wilder acceleration. Autopilot convenience features, using Tesla's first-gen hardware, saw continuous software enhancements, making highway cruising a breeze. Notably, April 2016 marked a significant Model S refresh, introducing a sleeker front fascia and updated LED headlights. So, a 2016 P90D could sport either the original 'nosecone' or the newer, cleaner look, depending on its build date. It also benefited from improved interior material options.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Model S P90D boasts a timelessly sleek liftback design that still looks modern. Measuring 195.7 inches long, 77.3 inches wide (mirrors excluded), and 56.9 inches tall, it has serious road presence. Early 2016 P90Ds featured the distinctive black 'nosecone' grille, while models built after April 2016 got the updated, smoother front end. Flush door handles pop out to greet you, and subtle P90D badging, often paired with a carbon fiber spoiler and racy red brake calipers, hinted at the beast within. It’s a design that’s both elegant and athletic.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the P90D, a massive 17-inch touchscreen dominates the minimalist dash, controlling almost everything – very sci-fi! Material quality was decent for its era, with options for plush leather. Passenger space is generous, with available rear-facing child seats expanding capacity from 5 to 7. Cargo is a strong suit: a whopping 26.3 cubic feet in the rear trunk, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 cubic foot frunk up front. While no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Tesla’s own infotainment and navigation were cutting-edge for 2016.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The P90D with Ludicrous Mode rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.0 seconds flat, thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system (a PMSM motor up front, IM at the rear) pumping out a combined 515 kW (around 691 hp) and a monstrous 686 lb-ft of instant torque. The experience is utterly addictive – silent, savage acceleration. Standard adaptive air suspension provides a composed ride, balancing comfort with surprising agility for a big car. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving much of the time.

Range, Battery & Charging

The P90D is powered by an 85.5 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 238 miles, with an efficiency of 2.78 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 10 kW onboard AC charger can top it up overnight, typically in around 9 hours using its NACS (Tesla) charge port. On the road, it can guzzle electrons at up to 120 kW on a Supercharger, zapping from 10-80% in about 30-40 minutes. Plenty for most road trips, especially with Tesla's then-burgeoning Supercharger network access.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a big deal for Tesla, and the Model S P90D scored a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came packed with advanced safety features for its time. Standard kit included collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking. The real party piece was the available Autopilot system (running on Tesla's first-gen hardware), offering features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer for semi-autonomous highway driving. Blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning were also typically part of the package, making it a secure and tech-forward ride.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2016 Model S P90D came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Crucially, the big 90 kWh battery pack and drive unit were covered for a reassuring 8 years with unlimited miles, guarding against major powertrain headaches. Tesla didn't follow traditional complimentary maintenance schedules; service visits were on an as-needed basis, typically less frequent than gas cars. While early Model S builds had some quirks, the core EV tech proved pretty solid, offering a glimpse into lower-maintenance motoring. Always check a used car's history, though!