Tesla Model S 70

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70 was the entry-level ticket to Tesla's game-changing electric liftback experience, offering a compelling slice of the future with its sleek design and innovative tech. Positioned as a premium EV, it shook up the established luxury saloon market, making electric cool and desirable. While no longer new, a used Model S 70 can be snagged in Europe for around €21,998. Its unique blend of performance, decent range for its era, and access to the Supercharger network made it a strong contender for early EV adopters seeking style and substance.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Model S line, including the 70 trim, saw some exciting updates. The most noticeable was the mid-year facelift, which ditched the original "nose cone" for a sleeker, moustache-free front end, aligning it with the Model X. This refresh also introduced optional LED headlights and a "bioweapon defense mode" HEPA air filtration system – pretty trick! While the 70 RWD variant was introduced in 2015, 2016 models, especially later ones, benefited from these enhancements, keeping the car fresh against rivals and boosting its already futuristic appeal in the European market.

Design & Exterior

The Model S 70 cuts a seriously sleek figure, even years on. Its liftback design is both stylish and practical, with an aerodynamic profile that screams efficiency. Models from 2016 might feature the original front fascia or the updated, smoother look if built after the April refresh. Signature flush door handles add to the clean lines. Dimension-wise, it’s a substantial machine, measuring 4970 mm in length, 1964 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1445 mm in height. Standard wheels on the 70 trim kept things smart without being overly flashy.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 70, and you're greeted by a minimalist cabin dominated by a massive portrait touchscreen – a proper tech-fest! Material quality is generally good, though perhaps not quite matching some German rivals of the day. Passenger space is generous, thanks to the flat floor, and this liftback can even be had with optional rear-facing child seats, making it a surprising "5, 7" seater. For your clobber, there’s a whopping 745 litres in the boot, expanding to 1645 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk up front.

Performance & Driving Experience

The rear-wheel-drive Model S 70 isn't the maddest Plaid, but it’s no slouch! Its single Induction Motor (IM) churns out 235 kW and a healthy 440 Nm of torque, whisking you from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 5.8 seconds. That instant electric punch makes it feel plenty quick for daily driving. Expect a smooth, quiet ride, with the RWD setup offering a balanced and engaging feel. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving once you’re used to it, helping to claw back some precious range. It’s a refined and effortlessly swift cruiser.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the Model S 70 is a 69 kWh (usable) battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 341 km, which was pretty decent for 2016, delivering an efficiency of 4.94 km/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture supports AC charging up to 11 kW via its Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7 hours at home. Out and about, DC fast charging maxes out at 120 kW on compatible Superchargers or other 400V DC chargers, getting you back on the road swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla has always pushed hard on safety, and the Model S 70 benefits from this focus, scoring a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. It was packed with advanced safety kit for its time. Standard features often included collision avoidance and emergency braking. The big news was Autopilot; early versions offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, forming a sophisticated driver-assistance suite. While some features were optional, the underlying safety structure and available tech made it a secure choice for families looking for a cutting-edge EV.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Tesla Model S 70 came with a fairly standard 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty in Europe. Crucially for an EV, the battery and drive unit were covered for a more generous 8 years with unlimited kilometres for the 70 kWh pack, including a guarantee against excessive degradation. Maintenance is one of Tesla’s strong suits; with fewer moving parts than a combustion car, scheduled servicing is minimal. Plus, many issues could often be diagnosed or even fixed via over-the-air software updates, reducing dealer visits.