Tesla Model S 70D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D was a game-changer, bringing all-wheel-drive grip and Tesla's signature tech to a slightly more accessible price point within the S lineup. Even though it's now discontinued, it remains a compelling used buy, especially with an estimated price around €29,500. It packed a decent punch in performance and range, making it a strong contender in the premium EV space back then. This liftback beauty offered practicality with that massive boot and frunk, plus access to the then-burgeoning Supercharger network, making longer trips a doddle.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Model S 70D solidified its spot as the entry-level all-wheel-drive superstar in Tesla’s lineup. While the big news was the mid-year facelift that freshened up the Model S’s schnoz, the 70D variant itself continued to offer that sweet blend of dual-motor traction and a respectable battery. Autopilot convenience features were becoming more refined, and the massive central touchscreen remained the command centre for all things infotainment and vehicle settings. It was all about making that premium EV experience slightly more attainable without skimping too much on the core Tesla goodness.

Design & Exterior

The Tesla Model S has always been a looker, and the 2016 70D was no exception with its sleek, liftback silhouette. Whether rocking the original 'nosecone' front or the refreshed, more minimalist face introduced mid-2016, it turned heads. Flush door handles added to its futuristic vibe. Dimension-wise, it’s a sizeable machine, stretching 4970 mm long, 1964 mm wide (mirrors tucked in!), and standing 1445 mm tall. Standard wheels were typically 19-inch alloys, contributing to its poised stance on the road. It’s an effortlessly cool design that still looks modern today.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2016 Model S 70D, and you're greeted by that iconic, minimalist cabin dominated by a colossal 17-inch touchscreen. This is your command centre for pretty much everything – sat-nav, climate, tunes, you name it. While it lacked Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Tesla's own system was slick. Seating for five was standard, with an optional rear-facing third row for two kids, boosting versatility. Material quality was good, though perhaps not quite up to some German rivals. Cargo? Cavernous! 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a massive 1645 litres, plus a handy 60-litre frunk.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 'D' in 70D means dual motors, giving you instant all-wheel-drive grip and that signature Tesla shove-in-the-back acceleration! It’ll rocket from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.4 seconds, thanks to its combined 245 kW and hefty 525 Nm of torque from its PMSM front and IM rear motor setup. It’s not just quick in a straight line; the low-slung battery ensures planted handling, though comfort is prioritized over hardcore sportiness. Regenerative braking is strong, allowing for plenty of one-pedal driving, which is super intuitive once you’re used to it.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice-wise, the Model S 70D packs a 69 kWh usable battery, good for a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 353 km – pretty decent for its era! It sips energy at about 5.12 km/kWh. For European charging, it uses a Tesla-modified Type 2 (Mennekes) port. Hooked up to an 11 kW AC wallbox, a full charge takes roughly 6.5 hours. Find a Supercharger, and you can ram in electrons at up to 120 kW DC, meaning significant range can be added in well under an hour. Ideal for those longer jaunts.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a big deal for Tesla, and the Model S 70D proudly wore a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It came equipped with Tesla's early Autopilot hardware, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard, which were pretty cutting-edge for 2016. Collision avoidance systems, including automatic emergency braking, were also part of the package. While more advanced 'Enhanced Autopilot' features were often optional upgrades, the standard suite provided a solid layer of driver support, making journeys safer and less taxing. Parking sensors and a reversing camera were also typically included.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Back in 2016, Tesla typically offered a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty for the Model S 70D. Crucially, the battery and drive unit were covered for a stonking 8 years with unlimited kilometres, including a guarantee against excessive degradation. Maintenance is one of an EV's party tricks – far less faff than a petrol car, with no oil changes to worry about. Software updates arrived over-the-air, often adding features or improving existing ones. Overall reliability was generally good, though early Teslas could have some niggles, often addressed via service visits or software.