Tesla Model S P85D

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S P85D is a legendary machine, a true pioneer that showed the world electric cars could be face-meltingly quick and seriously desirable. This all-wheel-drive liftback, now discontinued, redefined performance sedans with its groundbreaking dual-motor setup and "Insane Mode" acceleration. Its impact is undeniable, offering blistering pace and substantial range for its era. On the used market in Europe, you might find one of these electrifying trailblazers for around €21,970. It’s a piece of EV history that still packs a serious punch, delivering a unique blend of luxury and tech.

What's New for 2016?

For its final model year, the 2016 P85D largely carried over the earth-shattering features that made it famous, as it was being phased out for the even quicker P90D. While the major Model S visual refresh (updated front fascia) arrived in April 2016, meaning P85Ds sport the original 'nosecone' design, these models still benefited from Tesla's continuous over-the-air software updates. These often refined the Autopilot 1 (AP1) system, enhancing driver assistance features and improving the already slick infotainment, keeping this early performance hero feeling impressively current.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Model S P85D boasts that iconic, slippery silhouette that still turns heads, rocking the original 'nosecone' front end before the mid-2016 facelift. It's a generously proportioned liftback, measuring an impressive 4970 mm in length, 1964 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and standing 1445 mm tall. Signature Tesla touches like flush, pop-out door handles and the often-optioned massive panoramic glass roof contribute to its futuristic vibe. P85D models featured subtle badging, hinting at the potent performance lurking beneath its sleek, understated skin. A design that’s aged remarkably well!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the P85D and you're greeted by Tesla's minimalist vision of the future: a colossal 17-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, controlling almost every vehicle function. Cabin materials were decent for the era, offering a premium feel with seating for five, or optionally seven with those quirky rear-facing child seats. Cargo space is absolutely immense! You get a whopping 745 litres in the boot, expanding to a van-like 1645 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a handy 60-litre frunk under the bonnet for extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The P85D is an absolute rocket ship, catapulting you from 0-100 km/h in a neck-snapping 3.3 seconds thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. With a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the front and an AC Induction Motor (IM) at the rear, it unleashes a colossal 515 kW (around 691 hp) and 930 Nm of instant torque – just bonkers! Top speed is a lofty 250 km/h. The drive is shockingly quick, with 'Insane Mode' delivering gut-punch acceleration, while air suspension generally provides a comfy, composed ride.

Range, Battery & Charging

The P85D packs an 80.8 kWh usable battery (85 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 377 km – pretty solid for its vintage and performance. It boasts an efficiency of 4.67 km/kWh. For AC top-ups at home or work, the standard 11 kW on-board charger will refill the battery in roughly 7-8 hours. When you need a quicker zap on the go, it supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW via its European Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) port, leveraging its 400V architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a core Tesla focus, and the Model S P85D didn't disappoint, achieving a top-tier 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. These cars were equipped with Tesla's early Autopilot (AP1) hardware. This typically included features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer as part of an optional package, building on standard aids like parking sensors and a reversing camera. While not as advanced as current systems, AP1 was revolutionary for its time, offering a helpful suite of driver aids for enhanced comfort and safety on longer journeys.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Tesla provided a fairly comprehensive warranty for the Model S P85D in Europe, typically a 4-year/80,000 km basic vehicle warranty. More importantly, the battery and drive unit were covered for a more generous 8 years with unlimited kilometres, offering significant peace of mind. Maintenance is simpler than internal combustion cars due to fewer moving parts. While extensive complimentary maintenance wasn't standard, the P85D, being a later iteration of the early Model S, benefited from numerous refinements, contributing to reasonable used market reliability.