The Tesla Model S, since its debut in 2012 (arriving in Canada as a 2013 model), has become a flagship for electric vehicles, constantly evolving with upgrades and new versions. For those looking to Compare Tesla Models, understanding the different Model S trims and their historical progression is crucial. This article provides a detailed breakdown of key Model S versions, highlighting the significant updates that have shaped this iconic electric sedan.
A Look Back at the Original Tesla Model S Versions
The Model S started its journey with a range of options catering to different needs and budgets, although the exterior design remained largely consistent, barring a 2017 refresh that streamlined the front fascia. Let’s compare Tesla models from the early years.
2013 Model S 40 kWh: The Entry Point
As the initial entry-level model in Canada, the 2013 Model S 40 kWh offered a starting point into Tesla ownership. It provided a range of 224 km and a combined fuel economy equivalent of 2.5 Le/100 km.
Performance-wise, this base Model S delivered 235 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 96.6 km/h in 6.5 seconds, a respectable figure for a midsize sedan of that era.
The Model S was noted for its spaciousness, boasting 744 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up and expanding to 1,645 liters with them folded. An additional 8.5 liters of space was available in the frunk.
However, early Model S versions, including the 40 kWh, lacked advanced safety features common in luxury sedans at the time, such as adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking. The 40 kWh variant was discontinued after just one year due to limited customer demand.
2013-2019 Model S 60 kWh: Stepping Up in Range
The 60 kWh model served as the midrange option in the early Model S lineup. Its larger 60 kWh battery extended the driving range to 335 km, which further increased to 338 km in 2016 models. Fuel economy remained at 2.5 Le/100 km combined equivalent.
The increased battery capacity also boosted the electric motor’s output to 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-to-96.6 km/h acceleration time to 5.9 seconds. In 2015, power was further increased to 315 hp, improving the sprint time to 5.5 seconds.
2013-2016 Model S 85 kWh: Breaking Range Barriers
The 85 kWh variant marked a significant step forward in electric vehicle range. Using an 85 kWh battery, it achieved a driving range of 426 km, a groundbreaking figure for EVs at the time. Fuel consumption was slightly higher at 2.6 Le/100 km combined equivalent.
Power output from the larger battery was increased to 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-to-96.6 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. A 2015 update increased power to 380 hp, dropping the acceleration 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 version used the 85 kWh battery but significantly boosted the electric motor output to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. This resulted in a sports-car-like 0-to-96.6 km/h sprint time of 4.4 seconds.
Despite the enhanced performance, the range remained at 426 km, and fuel consumption at 2.6 Le/100 km equivalent. This Performance model was available only until 2014, paving the way for even more powerful variants.
2015-2016 Model S 90 kWh: Refinement and Safety Enhancements
In 2015, Tesla expanded the Model S lineup, introducing the 90 kWh model. This variant was advertised to have a 6% range increase over the 85 kWh, reaching 426 km, with fuel consumption at 2.6 Le/100 km combined. However, official figures showed no significant range difference from the 85 kWh model.
The 90 kWh model maintained the same 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as the later 85 kWh versions and the same 0-to-96.6 km/h time of 5.6 seconds.
Crucially, 2015 marked the introduction of more standard advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Tesla AutoPilot, a semi-autonomous driving system, also debuted as an optional feature.
2015-2016 Model S 70D: Dual Motor AWD Arrives
2015 saw the introduction of Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, marked by the “D” designation in model names. The Model S 70D became the base AWD offering, featuring a 70 kWh battery.
The 70D offered a range of up to 386 km and a combined fuel consumption of 2.3 Le/100 km. Its dual-motor system delivered 328 hp, resulting in a 0-to-96.6 km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds.
2015-2016 Model S 85D: AWD with Extended Range
Tesla paired the existing 85 kWh battery with the dual-motor AWD system to create the 85D. This version provided a longer 435 km range and fuel consumption of 2.4 Le/100 km.
Performance was also enhanced, with 376 hp enabling a 0-to-96.6 km/h sprint time of 5.2 seconds, matching the 70D despite the larger battery focusing more on range.
2015-2016 Model S P85D: Performance Redefined with AWD
Replacing the original Performance model, the P85D marked a new era of Tesla performance. It combined an 85 kWh battery with a staggering 691 hp output from its dual motors. This power propelled the P85D to 96.6 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The increased power demand reduced the range slightly to 407 km, and fuel consumption increased to 2.5 Le/100 km equivalent.
2015-2017 Model S P90D: Ludicrous Speed Enters the Scene
The P90D initially mirrored the P85D in output and performance, but Tesla claimed a 6% range increase, though official figures didn’t always reflect this.
In 2016, the P90D gained the option of “Ludicrous Mode,” dropping the 0-to-96.6 km/h acceleration time to a supercar-rivaling 2.8 seconds in Ludicrous mode (3.1 seconds in normal mode). The late-2016 Model S refresh also boosted the P90D’s range to 435 km.
2016 Model S 70 kWh: Lineup Expansion Continues
2016 saw further expansion of the Model S powertrain options, including a new 70 kWh RWD Model S. This variant produced 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, reaching 96.6 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Its range was 377 km, with fuel consumption at 2.6 Le/100 km equivalent.
In 2016, Tesla also began offering “Full Self-Driving Capability” as an option, although this system has seen ongoing development and updates.
2016-2018 Model S 75 kWh: Replacing the 70 kWh
Later in 2016, Tesla replaced the 70 kWh battery with a 75 kWh pack in the RWD Model S. This increased the range to 401 km and slightly improved fuel consumption to 2.4 Le/100 km combined equivalent.
Power and acceleration remained the same as the 70 kWh model, at 315 hp and 5.5 seconds to 96.6 km/h.
2016-2017 Model S 60D: AWD for the 60 kWh
In 2016, dual-motor AWD became available for the 60 kWh Model S. The 60D delivered 328 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-to-96.6 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.
Range for the 60D was 351 km, and fuel consumption was rated at 2.3 Le/100 km.
2016-2017 Model S 75D: AWD with 75 kWh Battery
The 75 kWh battery was also paired with dual-motor AWD in 2016, creating the 75D. It offered similar performance to the 60D but benefited from the larger battery, extending the range to 417 km. Fuel consumption remained at 2.3 Le/100 km.
2016-2017 Model S 90D: Refreshed and More Efficient
Late 2016 saw a refreshed Model S 90D, replacing earlier 85D and 90D models. This version pushed the range up to 473 km and improved fuel consumption to 2.3 Le/100km combined.
The 90D’s power output was 417 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-to-96.6 km/h time of 4.2 seconds.
2016-2019 Model S P100D: Range and Extreme Performance
The P100D, introduced in late 2016, featured a new 100 kWh battery, increasing the range to 507 km. Fuel consumption was rated at 2.4 Le/100 km.
This model delivered 503 hp and could accelerate to 96.6 km/h in under 3 seconds, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle performance and further pushing the boundaries when you compare Tesla models.
2017-2019 Model S 100D: Long Range Focus
In 2017, Tesla launched the Model S 100D, a detuned version of the P100D. While still using dual-motor AWD, it prioritized range over ultimate acceleration, achieving 0-to-96.6 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The trade-off was a significant increase in range, reaching 539 km, 22 km more than the P100D, making it a leader in long-range EVs.
2019 Model S Standard Range: Simplifying the Lineup (Briefly)
In 2019, Tesla streamlined the Model S lineup, discontinuing the 60 and 75 kWh models and introducing a new naming scheme focused on range and performance. The Model S Standard Range emerged, featuring dual-motor AWD and a combined 642 hp (382 hp front, 260 hp rear). It accelerated to 96.6 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The Standard Range offered a 459 km range and a fuel consumption of 2.2 Le/100 km. However, this trim was short-lived, lasting only one model year.
2019-2021 Model S Long Range: The Range Champion
Replacing the 100D, the Model S Long Range continued with dual-motor AWD and increased total output to 541 hp. It achieved sub-4-second 0-to-96.6 km/h acceleration.
The Long Range boasted a remarkable 595 km range, later increased to 600 km in 2020, and a fuel consumption of 2.1 Le/100 km, solidifying its position as a long-distance EV leader.
2019-2021 Model S Performance: Uncompromising Speed
The Model S Performance succeeded the P100D, maintaining extreme performance levels with a 0-to-96.6 km/h time of just 2.4 seconds.
Range varied slightly with wheel choice: 555 km with 19-inch wheels and 523 km with 21-inch wheels. Fuel consumption was 2.3 Le/100 km (19-inch) and 2.4 Le/100 km (21-inch).
2020-2021 Model S Long Range Plus: Further Range Optimization
Tesla introduced the Long Range Plus in 2020, further optimizing range. Early versions achieved a remarkable 629 km range and 2 Le/100 km fuel consumption.
The Long Range Plus shared the same powertrain and performance figures as the standard Long Range model, focusing solely on maximizing efficiency and distance.
2021-2023 Model S Plaid: Tri-Motor Hyper Performance
2021 marked the arrival of the tri-motor Model S Plaid, a groundbreaking variant with 1,020 hp. It achieved a blistering 0-to-96 km/h time of approximately 2 seconds, making it the fastest production car globally, with a top speed of 322 km/h.
The Plaid offered a 630 km range with 19-inch wheels, dipping to 560 km with 21-inch wheels. Fuel consumption was 2 Le/100 km (19-inch) and 2.3 Le/100 km (21-inch).
2022-2023 Model S: Streamlined Lineup
In 2022, Tesla simplified the Model S lineup to just two main versions. The base model, simply named Model S, offered a 652 km range and 2 Le/100km fuel consumption.
The base Model S featured dual-motor AWD and 670 hp, accelerating to 96.6 km/h in just over 3 seconds, with a 250 km/h top speed, representing a powerful and efficient all-rounder when you compare Tesla models.
2023 Model S Standard Range: A Brief Return to Affordability
August 2023 saw the re-introduction of a Model S Standard Range as a more affordable option. It featured dual-motor AWD, 670 hp, and a 0-to-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Range was estimated at 515 km (19-inch wheels) and 483 km (21-inch wheels), with fuel consumption at 2.1 Le/100 km.
However, this Standard Range model was discontinued just two weeks after launch due to strategic changes, making it a rare find in the used market.
2024 Model S Pricing Update: Positioning in the Premium EV Market
In December 2024, Tesla adjusted Model S prices in the US and Canada, reflecting its market strategy. The Model S AWD base model now starts at $110,990 CAD, and the Model S Plaid at $131,990 CAD in Canada. These adjustments underscore Tesla’s commitment to maintaining its premium status in the competitive EV landscape.
Current Model S Lineup (December 2024): Focus on Performance and Range
Tesla’s current Model S lineup in Canada includes:
Model S AWD
- Dual-motor AWD
- 670 hp
- 0-to-100 km/h: 3.2 seconds
- Range: Up to 647 km (EPA est.)
- Starting Price: $110,990 CAD
Model S Plaid
- Tri-motor AWD
- Over 1,000 hp
- 0-to-100 km/h: 2.1 seconds
- Range: Up to 560 km (EPA est.)
- Starting Price: $131,990 CAD
The current lineup emphasizes high performance, long range, and luxury features, solidifying the Model S as a leader in the premium electric vehicle segment.
Finding Your Ideal Used Tesla Model S
For buyers considering a Tesla Model S while aiming for cost savings, the used market offers a wide array of options. Clutch provides a selection of used Tesla Model S vehicles.
Every used Tesla Model S at Clutch undergoes a comprehensive 210-point inspection and reconditioning process. For online purchase confidence, Clutch offers an optional 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee, allowing exchanges or returns for a full refund if the vehicle doesn’t meet expectations.
Explore the inventory of used Tesla vehicles at Clutch to discover the right Model S for your needs. Online financing and trade-in appraisals are also available, simplifying the car buying process.
