The Tesla Model S, an icon in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, has been turning heads and breaking records since its debut. Predating the Model 3, Model Y, and Model X, the Model S arrived in 2012 (as a 2013 model in Canada), setting the stage for Tesla’s mass-market ambitions. Over the years, this flagship sedan has seen numerous iterations, each bringing advancements in technology, performance, and range. To help you navigate the diverse world of Model S variants and find the perfect match for your needs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Tesla Model S Comparison, detailing the key versions and the significant updates they introduced.
Tesla Model S Sedan in White
The 2024 Tesla Model S showcases the latest design and technology in the evolving lineup.
The Genesis of Model S: 2013 – 2014
In its inaugural year in Canada (2013), the Tesla Model S offered four distinct trims, catering to different needs and budgets.
2013 Model S 40 kWh: The Entry Point
The 40 kWh variant served as the base model, providing an accessible entry into the Model S family. While it was only available for the 2013 model year due to limited demand, it offered a respectable 224 km of range and a fuel economy equivalent of 2.5 Le/100 km combined. Its electric powertrain delivered 235 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-96.6 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds – competitive for a midsize sedan of its time. The Model S also impressed with its spaciousness, boasting 744 liters of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,645 liters folded, plus an additional 8.5 liters in the frunk. Notably, early Model S versions lacked some advanced safety features common in luxury sedans, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
2013-2019 Model S 60 kWh: Stepping Up in Range
Moving up the range, the 60 kWh Model S offered enhanced battery capacity, extending the driving range to 335 km (and later to 338 km in 2016). It maintained the same fuel economy equivalent as the 40 kWh model. The larger battery also boosted motor output to 302 hp (315 hp in 2015) and 317 lb-ft of torque, improving the 0-96.6 km/h sprint to 5.9 seconds (5.5 seconds in 2015).
2013-2016 Model S 85 kWh: Long Range Pioneer
The 85 kWh variant marked a significant leap in range, achieving 426 km – a groundbreaking figure for EVs at the time. This extended range came with a slightly higher fuel consumption equivalent of 2.6 Le/100 km combined. Power output was further increased to 362 hp (380 hp in 2015) and 325 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.6 seconds (5.4 seconds in 2015).
2013-2014 Model S Performance: Early Speed Demon
Even in its early years, the Model S offered a Performance trim. Utilizing the 85 kWh battery, this model cranked up the motor output to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, achieving a sports-car-like 0-96.6 km/h sprint in just 4.4 seconds. Despite the enhanced performance, the range remained at 426 km, and fuel consumption equivalent at 2.6 Le/100 km. This Performance trim was discontinued after 2014, paving the way for even higher-performance models.
Expanding the Lineup: 2015 – 2016 & Dual Motor AWD
2015 and 2016 marked a period of significant expansion for the Model S lineup, introducing new battery options, and crucially, Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, denoted by “D” in the model name.
2015-2016 Model S 90 kWh: Incremental Range Update
The 90 kWh model was introduced in 2015, aiming for a 6% range increase over the 85 kWh, although official figures didn’t reflect a significant difference. It maintained the same 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as the 85 kWh, with a similar 0-96.6 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. A key upgrade in 2015 was the introduction of standard advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Tesla Autopilot, a partial self-driving system, also debuted as an option.
2015-2016 Model S 70D: Base AWD Model
The Model S 70D was the entry-level AWD variant, featuring a 70 kWh battery and dual motors. It offered 386 km of range and a fuel consumption equivalent of 2.3 Le/100 km. Power output was rated at 328 hp, resulting in a 0-96.6 km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds.
2015-2016 Model S 85D: AWD with Extended Range
Pairing the 85 kWh battery with the dual-motor AWD system created the 85D. This version provided a 435 km range and fuel economy of 2.4 Le/100 km. Performance was also enhanced with 376 hp, achieving a 0-96.6 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.
2015-2016 Model S P85D: High-Performance AWD Arrives
Replacing the earlier Performance model, the P85D marked the arrival of high-performance AWD. With 691 hp from its dual motors and the 85 kWh battery, it could rocket to 96.6 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds. The range was slightly reduced to 407 km, and fuel consumption equivalent increased to 2.5 Le/100 km due to the higher power output.
2015-2017 Model S P90D: Ludicrous Speed Introduced
The P90D maintained the same power as the P85D but claimed a 6% range increase initially. However, in 2016, the P90D gained the “Ludicrous Mode,” dropping the 0-96.6 km/h acceleration to an astonishing 2.8 seconds in Ludicrous mode (3.1 seconds in normal mode). The refreshed late-2016 P90D also saw a range increase to 435 km.
Tesla Model S Interior with Large Touchscreen
The interior of a Tesla Model S highlights its minimalist design and signature large touchscreen interface.
2016 Model S 70 kWh & 75 kWh: Battery Capacity Refinements
2016 saw further battery refinements. A new 70 kWh Model S offered 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, with a 5.5-second 0-96.6 km/h time and a 377 km range. Later in 2016, the 70 kWh battery was replaced by a 75 kWh pack, increasing the range to 401 km while maintaining the same performance figures. 2016 also marked the introduction of Tesla’s optional “full self-driving capability,” which has been continuously updated since.
2016-2017 Model S 60D & 75D: AWD Options Expand
The dual-motor AWD system was extended to the 60 kWh and 75 kWh models in 2016. The 60D offered 328 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque, a 5.2-second 0-96.6 km/h time, and a 351 km range. The 75D mirrored the 60D’s output but increased range to 417 km thanks to the larger battery.
2016-2017 Model S 90D: Enhanced Range and Performance AWD
The refreshed 2016 Model S 90D replaced the 85D and earlier 90D models. It boasted an increased range of 473 km and improved fuel economy equivalent of 2.3 Le/100km. Power was also boosted to 417 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-96.6 km/h sprint to 4.2 seconds.
2016-2019 Model S P100D: Top-Tier Range and Performance
Late 2016 saw the arrival of the P100D, featuring a 100 kWh battery. This pushed the range to an impressive 507 km and maintained a fuel economy equivalent of 2.4 Le/100 km. Performance was also top-notch 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 introduced the Model S 100D, a detuned version of the P100D. While slightly less powerful, it prioritized range, achieving an impressive 539 km – 22 km more than the P100D, while maintaining AWD.
Streamlined Lineup and Performance Focus: 2019 – Present
In 2019, Tesla simplified the Model S naming convention, focusing on range and performance designations.
2019 Model S Standard Range: Short-Lived Base Model
The Model S Standard Range, introduced in 2019, featured dual-motor AWD and a combined 642 hp output, resulting in a 4.2-second 0-96.6 km/h time. It offered a 459 km range and a fuel economy equivalent of 2.2 Le/100 km. This trim was only available for a single model year.
2019-2021 Model S Long Range: Range Champion
Replacing the 100D, the Model S Long Range continued with dual-motor AWD and increased total output to 541 hp. It delivered sub-4-second 0-96.6 km/h acceleration and an extended range of 595 km (later 600 km in 2020), with a fuel economy equivalent of 2.1 Le/100 km.
2019-2021 Model S Performance: Extreme Acceleration
The Model S Performance succeeded the P100D, maintaining blistering performance with a 2.4-second 0-96.6 km/h sprint. Range varied slightly depending on wheel size, with 19-inch wheels offering 555 km and 21-inch wheels providing 523 km. Fuel economy equivalents were 2.3 Le/100 km and 2.4 Le/100 km respectively.
2020-2021 Model S Long Range Plus: Further Range Optimization
The Long Range Plus, introduced in 2020, further optimized range, reaching 629 km with a fuel economy equivalent of 2 Le/100 km. It retained the same powertrain and performance as the standard Long Range model.
2021-2023 Model S Plaid: Tri-Motor Hyper Performance
2021 brought the groundbreaking Model S Plaid, featuring a tri-motor setup producing over 1,000 hp. This made it the quickest production car globally, with a ~2-second 0-96 km/h sprint and a 322 km/h top speed. The Plaid offered a 630 km range with 19-inch wheels (560 km with 21-inch wheels) and fuel economy equivalents of 2 Le/100 km (19-inch) and 2.3 Le/100 km (21-inch).
2022-2023 Model S: Streamlined Base Model
In 2022, the lineup streamlined to just two main variants, with the base model simply named “Model S.” This version offered a 652 km range, a 2 Le/100km fuel economy equivalent, and 670 hp from its dual-motor AWD system. It accelerated to 96.6 km/h in just over 3 seconds and had a 250 km/h top speed.
2023 Model S Standard Range (Second Iteration): Affordable Option, Briefly
Tesla reintroduced a Model S Standard Range in August 2023 as a more affordable option. It featured dual-motor AWD, 670 hp, and a 3.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Range was estimated at 515 km (19-inch wheels) and 483 km (21-inch wheels). However, this trim was discontinued just two weeks after launch, making it a rare find on the used market.
2024 Model S Pricing and Current Lineup
As of December 2024, Tesla adjusted Model S pricing. The Model S AWD base model starts at $110,990 CAD, and the Model S Plaid at $131,990 CAD in Canada. The current lineup consists of:
Model S AWD:
- Dual-motor AWD
- 670 hp
- 0-100 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
- 0-100 km/h: 2.1 seconds
- Range: Up to 560 km (EPA est.)
- Starting Price: $131,990 CAD
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