Tesla Model S 60

Overview

The 2015 Tesla Model S 60 was the entry ticket to Tesla’s game-changing electric revolution! This sleek liftback turned heads and offered a tantalising glimpse into the future of motoring. Even as the base model, the "60" packed a decent punch with its innovative tech and surprising practicality. It carved out a unique niche in the premium EV space. As a discontinued model, it's now a compelling used buy, with European prices hovering around €17,999. It’s a chance to own a piece of automotive history that still feels remarkably current.

What's New for 2015?

For 2015, the Model S 60, in its final production year, benefited from the ongoing evolution of the Model S platform. The big news was the rollout of Autopilot 1 hardware – cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors – making advanced driver-assistance features a reality for cars built from late 2014. While the "60" RWD configuration remained, these sensor suites paved the way for features like adaptive cruise and early Autosteer. Other subtle refinements in build and software continued to enhance the groundbreaking Model S experience before this specific trim bowed out.

Design & Exterior

The 2015 Model S 60 boasts that iconic, slippery silhouette that still looks sharp today. Those flush, pop-out door handles were pure sci-fi back then! Its liftback design isn't just cool, it’s super practical. The "60" trim typically rolled on stylish 19-inch alloys, contributing to its poised stance. Dimensionally, it's a substantial machine: 4970 mm long, a broad 1964 mm wide (mirrors tucked in), and a low-slung 1445 mm tall. It’s a design that screams efficiency and modern luxury, even years later.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 60 and you're greeted by that revolutionary, minimalist cabin dominated by a colossal 17-inch touchscreen. This screen controls almost everything, from climate to tunes! Material quality was good for the era, aiming for a premium feel. Passenger space is generous, with the unique option for two rear-facing child seats, making it a stealthy 7-seater. Cargo? Massive! You get 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1645 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk upfront. No native CarPlay/Android Auto, but the built-in system was cutting-edge.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the "60" badge fool you; this Tesla still delivers that signature electric punch! The rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Induction Motor, zaps you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.2 seconds. With 225 kW of power and 430 Nm of instant torque, it’s properly quick off the line. Driving is eerily smooth and quiet, making city cruises and motorway journeys a doddle. The RWD layout offers engaging handling, and the regenerative braking is strong, allowing for plenty of one-pedal driving once you’re used to it.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Model S 60 packs a 58.5 kWh usable battery, giving you a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 300 km – plenty for daily duties and some weekend fun. Efficiency is a respectable 5.13 km/kWh. For charging, its Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port handles up to 11 kW AC, meaning a full top-up at home takes roughly 5.5-6 hours. Hit a Supercharger, and you can juice up at a zippy 120 kW DC, getting you back on the road swiftly. No vehicle-to-load (V2L) here, but the core EV experience is solid.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was paramount for Tesla, and the Model S 60 scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. For 2015 models, many came equipped with Autopilot 1 hardware. This enabled features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist (Autosteer beta), often as part of an optional package or software unlock. Standard kit included essential safety nets like ABS and stability control, while blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking were also part of the Autopilot suite, making it a tech-forward guardian on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Model S 60 typically came with a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty. Crucially, the battery and drive unit were often covered for 8 years with a high mileage cap (or unlimited km) and a degradation guarantee, which is peace of mind for used buyers. Maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than petrol cars, thanks to fewer moving parts. While original warranties are likely expired now, these early Teslas showcased the potential for long-lasting EV components, though some early-build niggles like door handles were known.