Tesla Model S 70D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D was a game-changer, offering practical electric motoring with a premium punch. As an all-wheel-drive variant in Tesla's revolutionary liftback lineup, it delivered a compelling blend of performance, early advanced tech, and respectable range for its era. It carved a niche as a desirable entry into Tesla's large luxury EV segment. Now on the used market, you might snag one in Europe for around €18,950, making it a tempting proposition for those wanting a slice of the early electric dream from a pioneering brand.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Model S, including the 70D, received a slick mid-cycle refresh! Most notably, cars built from April 2016 ditched the old 'nose cone' for a sleeker, more modern front fascia, aligning it with the Model X. This update also brought optional adaptive LED headlights and the legendary 'Bioweapon Defense Mode' HEPA air filtration system. Earlier 2016 models retained the original design, so check which version you're eyeing! Autopilot hardware also saw continued refinement, laying groundwork for more advanced driver aids.

Design & Exterior

The Model S 70D boasts that iconic, slippery liftback silhouette that still turns heads. It’s a big car, stretching 4970 mm in length, 1964 mm wide (mirrors aside!), and standing 1445 mm tall. The 2016 refresh (for later models) brought a cleaner front end, really sharpening its premium look. Flush door handles add to the futuristic vibe, and while the 70D trim didn't shout with unique exterior bits beyond its subtle badging, it was all about that understated cool. It’s a design that's aged remarkably well, still looking fresh on the roads today.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model S 70D and you're greeted by that massive 17-inch central touchscreen, dominating the minimalist dashboard – proper wow-factor! Material quality is decent, though some rivals might feel a tad plusher. Seating for five is standard, with an optional rear-facing third row for kids, boosting it to seven. Cargo space is immense: a whopping 745 litres in the boot, expanding to 1645 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk! Tesla’s own infotainment system runs the show; no CarPlay/Android Auto here, but its native navigation and features were groundbreaking.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 'D' in 70D means dual motors and all-wheel drive, giving it grippy, confident handling. It'll sprint from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.4 seconds, thanks to its combined 245 kW and punchy 525 Nm of instant torque from its PMSM front and IM rear motor setup. The driving experience is smooth and eerily quiet, with that signature EV whoosh. Ride comfort is generally good, soaking up most bumps, though it can feel a bit firm on rougher stuff. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for plenty of one-pedal driving antics once you’re used to it.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Model S 70D packs a 66.5 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 349 km – pretty decent for its vintage. It sips energy at about 5.25 km/kWh. For charging, you’ve got an 11 kW on-board AC charger, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 6-7 hours at home or a public AC spot using its Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port. Hook it up to a Supercharger, and it’ll gulp down electrons at up to 120 kW DC, getting you back on the road swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a biggie for Tesla, and the Model S 70D scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. It came equipped with first-generation Autopilot hardware. Depending on the original spec and any software unlocks, this could include features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning. Blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking were also part of the safety suite, though some advanced Autopilot convenience features might have been optional software upgrades. Always check the specific car's configuration for these goodies.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Model S 70D typically came with a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty. Crucially, the battery and drive unit were covered for a reassuring 8 years with unlimited kilometres, a big selling point! Maintenance on these early Teslas is generally simpler than petrol cars – no oil changes here! However, be mindful that as an older EV, some specific parts can be pricey if out of warranty. Overall reliability has been a mixed bag, so a thorough check-up on a used example is wise. Look for good service history.