Tesla Model S 70

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70, now discontinued, was a key player in the early premium EV scene. This rear-wheel-drive liftback offered a compelling entry into Tesla ownership, blending sleek design with impressive tech for its era. Highlights included its access to the Supercharger network and a respectable real-world range. Though no longer available new, you can snag one on the used market in Europe for around €18,000. It set a benchmark for what electric motoring could be, packing a punch with its silent, instant acceleration and a digital-first experience.

What's New for 2016?

For the 2016 model year, the Model S 70, positioned as a more accessible entry into the range, primarily benefited from Tesla’s continuous over-the-air software enhancements. This included exciting updates to the Autopilot system, notably the rollout of features like 'Summon', allowing basic remote parking. While the wider Model S line saw a front-end design refresh later in 2016, the 70 trim was phased out around that time, meaning most examples retain the original 'nosecone' front. It solidified Tesla's approach of constantly improving cars even after they’d left the showroom.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70 boasts that iconic, slippery liftback silhouette that still turns heads. Its design is minimalist yet muscular, with flush door handles enhancing its aerodynamic prowess. Most 70 trims from this year feature the original 'nosecone' front grille, a distinctive Tesla trait of the era, and typically rode on 19-inch alloy wheels. This EV stretches to 4970 mm in length, spans 1964 mm in width (mirrors aside), and stands 1445 mm tall, giving it a commanding presence without being overly bulky for European streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 70, and you're greeted by a cabin dominated by that massive 17-inch central touchscreen, controlling nearly everything. The interior design is minimalist, with decent quality materials for its time, offering a spacious feel for five adults, with an optional rear-facing third row bumping capacity to seven. Luggage space is colossal: 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1645 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk up front. While no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Tesla’s own system was groundbreaking.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Model S 70 delivers that signature Tesla punch, zipping from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.8 seconds. Its single rear-mounted Induction Motor churns out 235 kW of power and 440 Nm of instant torque, making for effortless acceleration and surprisingly agile rear-wheel-drive handling. The ride is generally smooth and composed, soaking up bumps well, especially on standard suspension. Regenerative braking is strong and adjustable, allowing for one-pedal driving once you get the hang of it, really adding to the EV experience and helping to eke out extra range.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the skin, the Model S 70 packs a 66.5 kWh usable battery, offering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 337 km – pretty decent for its vintage and enough for most daily drives plus some. It sips energy at a rate of 5.07 km/kWh. For charging, it uses a Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port in Europe. At home on an 11 kW AC wallbox, a full top-up takes around 6 hours. Hooked up to a Tesla Supercharger or compatible DC fast charger, it can gulp down electrons at up to 120 kW.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a big focus for Tesla, and the Model S 70 scored an impressive 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard kit included essentials like multiple airbags, stability control, and parking sensors. Many 70s were optioned with early versions of Tesla’s groundbreaking Autopilot system, which could include features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and sometimes even automated lane changes and self-parking, though these were typically part of an optional package. Always check the specific car's configuration for these advanced aids.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Model S 70 came with a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty in Europe. Crucially, the 66.5 kWh battery pack and drive unit were covered for a more generous 8 years with unlimited kilometres, offering good peace of mind. Tesla’s maintenance schedule is less frequent than traditional cars, mainly involving checks on tyre wear, brakes, and coolant. While early models had some teething issues, the electric powertrain itself has proven relatively robust. As a used buy, ensure any remaining warranty details are checked.