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Things to know when buying a Model S

What Model S versions are there?

  • 60 (2012 - 2017) — rear-wheel drive, 60 kWh battery
  • 60D (2016 - 2017) — all-wheel drive, 60 kWh battery
  • 70 (2015 - 2016) — rear-wheel drive, 70 kWh battery
  • 70D (2015 - 2016) — all-wheel drive, 70 kWh battery
  • 75 (2016 - 2017) — rear-wheel drive, 75 kWh battery, refreshed
  • 75D (2016 - 2019) — all-wheel drive, 75 kWh battery, refreshed
  • 85 (2012 - 2016) — rear-wheel drive, 85 kWh battery
  • P85 (2012 - 2014) — rear-wheel drive, 85 kWh battery, performance
  • P85+ (2013 - 2014) — rear-wheel drive, 85 kWh battery, performance
  • 85D (2014 - 2016) — all-wheel drive, 85 kWh battery
  • P85D (2014 - 2016) — all-wheel drive, 85 kWh battery, performance
  • 90D (2015 - 2017) — all-wheel drive, 90 kWh battery, refreshed
  • P90D (2015 - 2016) — all-wheel drive, 90 kWh battery, performance, refreshed
  • 100D (2017 - 2019) — all-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery, refreshed
  • P100D (2016 - 2019) — all-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery, performance, refreshed
  • Standard Range (2019) — all-wheel drive, 80 kWh battery, refreshed
  • Long Range (2019 - …) — all-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery, refreshed
  • Performance (2019 - …) — all-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery, performance, refreshed

What is the difference between the P85 and P85+ versions?

The P85+ initially cost $6,500 more and offers the following additional options:

  • 21″ performance Turbine wheels (in silver or grey) and tires (Michelin Pilot Sport PS2’s).
  • Suspension dynamics is improved for performance and comfort: upgraded dampers, bushings and stabilizer bars.
  • The Brembo disc brake calipers on the P85+ are painted red with white Tesla lettering.

What is the difference between the 2018 100D/P100D and 2019 Long Range/Performance versions?

The 2019 Model S Long Range and Performance versions have the same 100 kWh traction battery, but are equipped with the new permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motors resulting in a better efficiency and longer range.


What Model S versions have heated rear view side mirrors?

All Model S vehicles with the Tech package produced after November 2013 have heated side mirrors.


What Model S versions have the Sub-Zero Weather Package?

The Model S Sub-Zero Weather Package includes washer nozzle heaters, heated front and rear seats, heated side mirrors and heated windshield wipers via the front windshield. It was introduced as an option in April 2014.
A new heated steering wheel was added as a new component of the Subzero Weather Package  in December 2014.


What Model S versions have a new driver's instrument cluster display?

The instrument cluster display resolution was improved from 1280 x 480 to 1920 x 720 in August 2014.


What Model S versions have executive rear seats?

In January 2015 Tesla added a new rear seating option called Executive Rear Seats (ERS). This option required the Premium Interior Package and forced the Subzero Weather Package.

The ERS customized the rear cabin area of the Model S with private and comfortable executive rear seats, which are wrapped in leather and include two zone heaters.
A wide center console offering hidden storage separates the rear seats.
The option was discontinued in July 2015.


What Model S versions have Ludicrous Mode?

P85D, P90D, P100D and Performance.


What Model S versions have a HEPA air filter?

After April 2016 Tesla began to offer a HEPA air filtration system that is 100 times more effective than premium automotive filters. Includes a Bioweapon Defense Mode.


What Model S versions have Air Suspension?

The ‘Smart Air Suspension’ was introduced in 2012 (optional) and made standard in May 2017.


What Model S versions have Rear-facing child seats?

The option was introduced in 2012 and discontinued in November 2018.


What Model S versions have refreshed interior and exterior?

All Model S vehicles produced after April 2016 have a refreshed design.

Exterior:

  • The front end has now similar design to the front end of the Tesla Model X. 
  • The front radar sensor was moved up from the previous lower position to a hidden area near and behind the Tesla T front logo. 
  • The side sill plates are now the same color paint as the car body. Prior to this they were in black trim material.
  • The rear diffuser is now black and may no longer have the chrome trim that came with the choice of the Premium Interior Option.

Interior:

  • The standard Piano Black interior finish decor is dropped and is no longer available.
  • Two new optional interior decor finishes are added: Figured Ash Wood Decor and Dark Ash Wood Decor.
  • The Front Trunk or Frunk, its plastic surrounds, latching connection and interior is changed.

What's more, all refreshed Model S cars are equipped with upgraded 48A on-board charger.


What Tesla Model S versions have full self-driving capability?

To answer this question we have made a special timeline. Please, take a look.

September 2014

AutoPilot hardware known as Driver Assistance Features is added to the Model S via the ''Tech Package with Autopilot'' option. Driver Assistance Features are composed of the following technology:

  • Looking Forward Camera in top Center Windshield
  • Ultrasonic Sensors located in Front and Rear Bumpers
  • Forward looking Radar located in lower Front Grill
  • High Precision Electronic Assisted Steering and Braking Systems

October 2014

Traffic Aware Cruise Control and Lane Departure sensors and Speed Assist are added as part of the Tech Package with ''Autopilot'' option.


October 2015

Tesla enables autopilot for its Model S.

Many of the new Autopilot features are now a bundled macro option which is made available in the Autopilot Convenience Features Option (ACFO):

  • Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
  • Lane Keeping with Automatic Steering
  • Parallel Self-Parking
  • Automatic High/Low Beam headlights

January 2016

New Driver Assistance Features are added to the Model S cars equipped with the Driver Assistance Features:

  • Autosteer Restrictions/Improvements
  • Summon (Beta)
  • Perpendicular Autopark
  • Enhanced Autopilot Visualization showing Cars, Trucks
  • Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Improvements
  • Additional Autopilot Improvements

October 2016

Tesla releases new Autopilot 2.0 hardware suite for Model S and Model X. 8 cameras, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and radar provide 360 degree coverage around the vehicle with almost twice the sensor range and resolution of the prior version.
This new hardware will be utilized by two optional software enabling packages. Both can be purchased after delivery.
The first package is called Enhanced Autopilot. It is an improvement over the first Tesla Autopilot.
Full Self-Driving Capability — is a second optional software package. It is designed to be able to conduct short and long distance trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.

Vehicles with 1.0 hardware no longer receive autopilot updates.


August 2017

Tesla releases new powerful Autopilot 2.5 hardware suite for Model S, Model X and Model 3.
This is the minimum hardware version to get the built-in dashcam and a fully functional Sentry Mode.
Vehicles with 2.0 hardware will no longer receive autopilot updates.


To sum it up, all Model S vehicles produced after September 2014 can be equipped with Driver Assistance Features. But if you want Full Self-Driving Capability you should consider only vehicles with the Autopilot 2.5 hardware (produced after August 2017).