Used Tesla Model S for Sale

Two Generations of the Tesla Model S

Tesla’s Model S is an all-electric, full-sized, five-door liftback luxury sedan that has been built since 2012. Tesla -- unlike most automakers -- doesn't issue specific model years or generations though Tesla did give the car a visual update in 2016.

All versions of the Model S seat five passengers, but an optional folding third-row child’s seat brings that number up to seven. With this option, the car comes with a more heavily-reinforced rear bumper.

The Model S was designed around the fact that it has an electric powertrain and batteries mounted between the two axles for optimal weight distribution. The Model S has two trunks – one in the rear and one in the front that Tesla has dubbed the “frunk.”

The Model S is rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive, depending on the model, and it has been offered with a variety of power outputs and battery pack sizes.

All Teslas can be charged at the automaker's growing network of charging stations, a network that is constantly expanding. Charging times vary depending upon multiple factors – for example, some versions of the sedan are equipped with dual chargers.

Tesla has sold the following versions of the Model S: 40, 60, 60D, 70, 70D, 85, 85D, P85+, P85D, 90D, P90D, 100D and P100D.

The 'D' in the name refers to all-wheel-drive models; the 'P' or '+' in the name refers to high-performance versions.

Tesla Model S 2nd Generation (2016-Present)

Though Tesla regularly updates the Model S without adhering to model years, Tesla gave the Model S essentially a mid-cycle refresh for 2016. The biggest update was to the car's exterior styling, particularly the front fascia, which was modified to resemble its SUV companion, the Model X. Adaptive LED headlights were also introduced at this time. The interior got a HEPA cabin air filtration system and two ash-wood style options.

Tesla also upgraded the standard charger to 48 amps, which allowed for faster charging when using a higher amperage outlet. 2016 saw the short-lived return of both the 60 and 60D versions (D is the all-wheel-drive designation). While its battery was capable of delivering 75 kWh, it was software-locked to produce only 60, with the ability to unlock 75 only available as an option. This was also the year “Bioweapon Defense Mode” -- an extreme version of a cabin air filter -- made its debut. Late 2016 was when the all-glass roof option became available.

A high-performance P100D model boasted an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles, the first electric car to break the 300-mile range barrier. In “ludicrous” mode, this version became the fastest accelerating vehicle currently being produced – going from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

The 60 and 60D variations were removed once again in 2017.

In 2018 the Model S source code, which is Linux-based, was released by Tesla and is maintained on a repository as part of a software licensing process.

Currently, Tesla sells three version of the Model S: P100D, 100D and 75D.

Tesla Model S (2012-2016)

The Model S was launched in 2012 in four different variants: 40, 60, 85 and P85+. Each had better range and horsepower than the last.

The base 40 kWh model had 235 horsepower and 139 miles of EPA range, the 60 kWh model had 302 horsepower and 210 miles of EPA range, the 85 kWh model had 373 horsepower and 265 miles of range and the P85+ model had the same 265 miles of range but 469 horsepower.

The 60 kWh battery pack is guaranteed for eight years or 125,000 miles, while the 85 kWh version has a guarantee of eight years or unlimited miles.

A 17-inch touchscreen mounted in the dashboard was revolutionary for its time and managed everything from general vehicle information and stats to navigation, phone and climate control.

In 2013 Tesla discontinued the short-run 40 kWh model.

In 2014 Tesla introduced the AWD versions of the 60, 80 and P85 Model S and they were differentiated with the letter D (for dual) after the model number.

2014 was also the year when Tesla altered the automatic height adjustment feature in the suspension to remember locations such as potholes or steep driveways which need higher clearance. This was to protect the batteries from coming into contact with road debris and getting damaged. Starting in 2014 Teslas also began to come with a camera, radar, and sensors that together enable the car’s Autopilot feature, in addition to providing lane centering and adaptive cruise control during normal driving.

In 2015 the 70D was introduced, replacing the 60 and 60D. The P85 was also discontinued at this time. The 85D saw its rear drive unit exchanged for a smaller one, with a second equivalent motor added in the front. This version also delivered a slight increase in range and speed.

The P85D had a new front drive motor which improved the overall power significantly. P85D variants also had an “Insane mode” which has now been advanced to “Ludicrous mode” allowing drivers to maximize the car's full acceleration potential. Unfortunately, it also puts intense strain on the batteries, which could cause them to overheat and even damage the car, so it is deliberately limited (by Tesla) to being used in short spurts with about ten minutes of cool-down time in between.

2015 also brought an upgraded 70 kWh battery to replace the 60s. 70 kWh models were available with either rear-wheel-drive or AWD. In addition, 2015 was the year that saw the introduction of the 70, 90 and 90D as well as the P90D with Ludicrous mode. The front axle on the P90D delivers 259 horsepower, while the rear axle offers 503 horsepower. This model can accelerate at 1.1g.