The Tesla Model S, since its debut in 2012 (arriving in Canada as a 2013 model), has been a flagship of electric vehicle innovation. Predating the Model 3, Model Y, and Model X, the Model S established Tesla’s presence in the premium EV market. Over the years, it has undergone numerous updates and variations, making it crucial for potential buyers to understand the different trims and their evolution. This comprehensive Tesla Model S Comparison will guide you through the key versions, highlighting the significant changes and helping you determine the ideal Model S for your needs.
Decoding the Tesla Model S Versions: A Model-by-Model Breakdown
While the exterior design of the Model S has remained largely consistent, with a notable refresh in 2017 that refined the front fascia, the powertrain and feature sets have seen significant transformations. This detailed Tesla Model S comparison explores each key model year and trim, providing a clear picture of how this iconic EV has developed.
2013 Model S: The Original Lineup
In its inaugural year in Canada, the 2013 Model S offered four distinct trims, each defined by its battery capacity and performance characteristics.
2013 Model S 40 kWh: The Entry Point
As the base model for 2013, the Model S 40 kWh was designed to introduce drivers to the electric luxury sedan experience. It provided a range of approximately 224 km (139 miles) and an energy consumption equivalent of 2.5 Le/100 km combined.
Powering this model was an electric motor delivering 235 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This translated to a 0-96.6 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration time of 6.5 seconds, a respectable figure for a midsize sedan of that era.
The Model S boasted impressive cargo capacity from the start, offering 744 liters (26.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1,645 liters (58.1 cubic feet) with the seats folded. Additionally, a front trunk (frunk) added 8.5 liters (0.3 cubic feet) of storage.
Notably, early Model S versions lacked some advanced safety features common in luxury sedans at the time, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The 40 kWh variant was discontinued after just one year due to limited customer demand, making it a relatively rare find today.
2013-2019 Model S 60 kWh: Stepping Up in Range
The 60 kWh Model S served as the midrange option in the early years. Its larger 60 kWh battery extended the driving range to 335 km (208 miles), with later 2016 models achieving a slightly improved 338 km (210 miles). Energy consumption remained consistent with the base model at 2.5 Le/100 km combined.
The increased battery capacity also allowed for a more powerful electric motor, producing 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. This reduced the 0-96.6 km/h sprint to 5.9 seconds. In 2015, power was further increased to 315 hp, improving acceleration to 5.5 seconds.
2013-2016 Model S 85 kWh: Long Range Pioneer
The 85 kWh Model S was a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of EV range at the time. Its 85 kWh battery provided an impressive 426 km (265 miles) of range, a figure that solidified the Model S as a viable long-distance electric vehicle. Energy consumption was slightly higher at 2.6 Le/100 km combined due to the larger battery.
Performance was also enhanced, with the electric motor delivering 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. A 2015 update increased power to 380 hp, further reducing the sprint time to 5.4 seconds.
2013-2014 Model S Performance: Early Performance Focus
Even in its initial years, Tesla offered a performance-oriented Model S. This variant utilized the 85 kWh battery but boosted the electric motor output to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. This resulted in a sports car-like 0-96.6 km/h acceleration of 4.4 seconds.
Despite the increased power, the range remained at 426 km, and energy consumption was consistent at 2.6 Le/100 km. The original Performance model was available only through 2014, paving the way for even higher-performance versions in subsequent years.
2015-2016 Model S: Expanding the Lineup and Adding AWD
2015 marked a significant expansion of the Model S lineup, introducing seven new models and the groundbreaking dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, denoted by “D” in the model name. This era also saw the introduction of advanced safety features and Tesla’s Autopilot system.
2015-2016 Model S 90 kWh: Minor Battery Upgrade
The 90 kWh Model S arrived as a slight upgrade to the 85 kWh, aiming for a 6% range increase according to Tesla, though official ratings remained similar at 426 km. Energy consumption was also unchanged at 2.6 Le/100 km combined.
Power output and performance figures remained the same as the later 85 kWh models, with 362 hp and a 5.6-second 0-96.6 km/h time. However, 2015 models benefited from newly standard advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Tesla Autopilot, a semi-autonomous driving system, was also introduced as an option.
2015-2016 Model S 70D: Base AWD Model
The Model S 70D marked the introduction of Tesla’s dual-motor AWD system to the base trim level. It featured a 70 kWh battery providing a range of up to 386 km (240 miles) and improved energy consumption of 2.3 Le/100 km combined.
The dual-motor setup delivered a combined 328 hp, enabling a 0-96.6 km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds.
2015-2016 Model S 85D: AWD with Extended Range
Pairing the established 85 kWh battery with the dual-motor AWD system created the 85D variant. This model offered a slightly improved range of 435 km (270 miles) and energy consumption of 2.4 Le/100 km.
The 85D produced 376 hp, achieving a 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.2 seconds, matching the 70D despite the larger battery and slightly higher weight, highlighting the benefits of AWD traction.
2015-2016 Model S P85D: High-Performance AWD Arrives
Replacing the previous Performance model, the P85D introduced high-performance AWD to the Model S lineup. Utilizing the 85 kWh battery, the P85D delivered a substantial 691 hp, resulting in a blistering 0-96.6 km/h acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds, entering supercar territory.
The increased performance came at the cost of range, reduced to 407 km (253 miles), and slightly increased energy consumption at 2.5 Le/100 km.
2015-2017 Model S P90D: Ludicrous Speed Introduced
The P90D maintained the same power output and performance as the P85D initially, with Tesla claiming a minor range increase that wasn’t reflected in official ratings for 2015.
However, in 2016, the P90D gained the optional “Ludicrous Mode,” dropping the 0-96.6 km/h acceleration to an astonishing 2.8 seconds in Ludicrous mode and 3.1 seconds in normal mode. The late 2016 Model S refresh also improved the P90D’s range to 435 km.
2016 Model S 70 kWh: Return of RWD Option
In 2016, the lineup expanded further, reintroducing a 70 kWh RWD Model S. This variant produced 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.5 seconds. Its range was rated at 377 km (234 miles) with energy consumption at 2.6 Le/100 km combined. 2016 also marked the introduction of Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving Capability” as an optional feature, though it has seen continuous development and updates since.
2016-2018 Model S 75 kWh: Battery Capacity Increase
Later in 2016, the 70 kWh battery was replaced with a 75 kWh pack, increasing the range to 401 km (249 miles) and slightly improving energy consumption to 2.4 Le/100 km combined. Power and acceleration remained the same as the 70 kWh RWD model.
2016-2017 Model S 60D & 75D: AWD Expansion to Lower Trims
2016 also saw the introduction of AWD to the 60 kWh and 75 kWh models. The 60D offered 328 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.2 seconds, and a range of 351 km (218 miles). The 75D mirrored the 60D’s output but extended the range to 417 km (259 miles) thanks to the larger battery. Energy consumption for both models was rated at 2.3 Le/100 km.
2016-2017 Model S 90D: Refreshed and Improved
Late 2016 brought a refreshed Model S 90D, replacing the earlier 85D and 90D variants. This updated model achieved a significantly improved range of 473 km (294 miles) and lower energy consumption at 2.3 Le/100km combined. Power was rated at 417 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-96.6 km/h time of 4.2 seconds.
2016-2019 Model S P100D: The Range and Performance King
The P100D, introduced in late 2016, added a massive 100 kWh battery, pushing the range to a remarkable 507 km (315 miles). Energy consumption was slightly higher at 2.4 Le/100 km. Performance was also top-tier, with 503 hp and a sub-3-second 0-96.6 km/h acceleration.
2017-2019 Model S 100D: Long Range Focus
In 2017, Tesla released the 100D, a detuned version of the P100D prioritizing range. It retained the dual-motor AWD but with less power, resulting in a 4.1-second 0-96.6 km/h time. However, it achieved an even greater range of 539 km (335 miles), surpassing the P100D in distance capability.
2019 Model S: Streamlining and New Naming Conventions
2019 saw a simplification of the Model S lineup, dropping the 60 and 75 kWh options and introducing a new naming scheme based on range and performance.
2019 Model S Standard Range: Short-Lived Base Model
The Model S Standard Range featured dual-motor AWD, producing a combined 642 hp (382 hp front, 260 hp rear). It accelerated from 0-96.6 km/h in 4.2 seconds and offered a range of 459 km (285 miles). Energy consumption was rated at 2.2 Le/100 km. This trim was available for only one model year, making it relatively rare.
2019-2021 Model S Long Range: Maximizing Distance
Replacing the 100D, the Model S Long Range continued with dual-motor AWD and increased total power to 541 hp. It achieved a sub-4-second 0-96.6 km/h sprint and a significantly extended range of 595 km (370 miles), increasing to 600 km (373 miles) in 2020. Energy consumption was further reduced to 2.1 Le/100 km.
2019-2021 Model S Performance: Uncompromising Speed
The Model S Performance succeeded the P100D, maintaining exceptional performance with a 2.4-second 0-96.6 km/h acceleration. Range varied depending on wheel size, with 19-inch wheels offering 555 km (345 miles) and 21-inch wheels reducing it to 523 km (325 miles). Energy consumption was 2.3 Le/100 km with 19-inch wheels and 2.4 Le/100 km with 21-inch wheels.
2020-2021 Model S Long Range Plus: Further Range Optimization
The Long Range Plus, introduced in 2020, further optimized range, achieving an impressive 629 km (391 miles) with energy consumption at 2 Le/100 km. Powertrain and performance remained similar to the Long Range model.
2021-Present Model S: Plaid and Streamlined Lineup
2021 marked the arrival of the tri-motor Plaid variant, pushing the Model S to new performance heights, and eventually led to a simplified two-trim lineup.
2021-2023 Model S Plaid: Tri-Motor Hyper Performance
The Model S Plaid introduced a tri-motor powertrain producing an astounding 1,020 hp. This made it the quickest production car globally, with a 0-96 km/h time of approximately 2 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). Range was also impressive at 630 km (391 miles) with 19-inch wheels, reduced to 560 km (348 miles) with 21-inch wheels. Energy consumption was rated at 2 Le/100 km with 19-inch wheels and 2.3 Le/100 km with 21-inch wheels.
2022-2023 Model S: Base Model Evolution
In 2022, the lineup streamlined to just two models, with the base model simply named “Model S”. This version featured dual-motor AWD and 670 hp, accelerating from 0-96.6 km/h in just over 3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Range was a substantial 652 km (405 miles) with energy consumption at 2 Le/100km.
2023 Model S Standard Range (Short-Lived 2023): Affordable Option
Briefly reintroduced in August 2023 as a more affordable option, the Model S Standard Range offered dual-motor AWD, 670 hp, and a 3.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Range was estimated at 515 km (320 miles) on 19-inch wheels and 483 km (300 miles) on 21-inch wheels. Energy consumption was 2.1 Le/100 km. This trim was discontinued just two weeks after release, making it exceptionally rare.
2024 Model S: Current Lineup and Pricing
As of December 2024, the Tesla Model S lineup consists of two models:
Model S AWD:
- Dual-motor AWD
- 670 hp
- 0-100 km/h: 3.2 seconds
- Range: Up to 647 km (402 miles) EPA est.
- Starting Price: $110,990 CAD
Model S Plaid:
- Tri-motor AWD
- Over 1,000 hp
- 0-100 km/h: 2.1 seconds
- Range: Up to 560 km (348 miles) EPA est.
- Starting Price: $131,990 CAD
These current models represent the pinnacle of Model S evolution, offering exceptional performance, long range, and advanced technology, cementing Tesla’s position in the luxury EV market.
Finding Your Ideal Tesla Model S
This Tesla Model S comparison demonstrates the remarkable evolution of this electric sedan. From its initial offerings focused on range and efficiency to the current lineup boasting incredible performance and extended range, the Model S has consistently pushed the boundaries of EV technology. Whether you prioritize range, performance, or value, understanding the different Model S trims and their historical context is key to making an informed decision when choosing a new or used Tesla Model S.
