Home Articles Model S Original Comparison to Today

Model S Original Comparison to Today

Comparison of the original Model S 85 with the latest LR.  All information is for the USA market. (Aug-2023)

Model S LR

Specifications

Item
Model S 85
Model S LR
Model Year
2012
2024
Code Name
Whitestar
Palladium
EPA Range
265 mi
405 mi
EPA MPGe Combined
89
120
EPA Efficiency
38 kWh/100 mi
28 kWh/100 mi
Battery Energy
85 kWh
100 kWh
Battery Usable
77 kWh
95 kWh
Battery Software Unlocked
Battery Main Cell Style
18650
18650
Battery Main Cell Type
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
Battery Main Chemistry
NCA
NCA
Battery Main Cell Vendor
Panasonic
Tesla/Panasonic
High-Voltage Architecture
400 V
450 V
Battery 12V Type
AGM
Lithium-Ion
Low-Voltage Architecture
12 V
16 V
Charging Rate, DC Max
90 kW
250 kW
Charging Rate DC Alternate
90 kW
150 kW
Charging Rate, AC
10 kW
11.5 kW
Charging Systems
Tesla, NACS
Tesla, NACS
Charging Systems, Optional
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO, CCS
Maximum Speed
125 mph
155 mph
0 to 60 mph
5.6 sec
3.1 sec
Paint Colors
8
5
Peak Power
362 hp
670 hp
Cd
.24
.208
Maximum Regen
50 kW
50 kW
Cargo Space
60.2 cu. ft.
64.6 cu. ft.
Vehicle Width, with mirrors
86.2 in.
86.2 in.
Vehicle Width, folded mirrors
77.3 in.
78.2 in.
Vehicle Width, excluding mirrors
77.3 in.
78.2 in.
Vehicle Length
196 in.
198 in.
Vehicle Height Normal
56.5 in.
56.3 in.
Ground Clearance Maximum
6.0 in.
6.2 in.
Turning Radius
245 in.
245 in.
Towing Capability
0 lbs.
0 lbs.
Seats (standard/optional)
5/7
5
Warranty - General
4 year/50 k mi
4 year/50 k mi
Warranty - Restraint Systems
5 year/60 k mi
5 year/60 k mi
Warranty - Drive unit and Battery
8 year/unlimited k mi
8 year/150 k mi
Weight, Curb
4,647 lbs.
4,560 lbs.
Payload
lbs.
827 lbs.
Date when Info Collected
2-Jul-22
17-Jan-2024

Prices and Options

Vehicle options can mostly be purchased with the vehicle but some options are also available after the vehicle purchase.  Options and pricing can change, so consult the Tesla order page for the most current information.  Prices, options and features are for the original Model S as of 31-Dec-2012.  Comparison is not exact as many options now included are more advanced than those available in 2012.

Item
Model S 85
Model S LR
Active Air Suspension
$1,500
Included
Enhanced Auto-Theft
Not Available
Included
Full Self-Driving
Not Available
$12,000
Homelink
Included
Included
Interior Color White or Cream
Not Available
$2,000
Mobile Charging Cable
Included
$230
Paint - Black
0
$1,500
Paint - Blue
$750
$1,500
Paint - Grey
$750
Paint - Pearl White
0
$1,500
Paint - Red
$1,500
$2,500
Paint - Stealth Grey
0
Paint - Ultra Red
$2,500
Paint Armor
$950
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
$1,500
Not Available
Parcel Shelf
$250
Included
Premium Interior
$1,500
Included
Seats - 7
$1,500
Not Available
Sound Studio
$950
Included
Tech Package
$3,750
Included
Twin Chargers
$1,500
Not Available
Wheels - Low-Profile
$3,750
$4,500
Yoke Steering Wheel
$250
EVERY OPTION TOTAL**
$18,650
$23,980

Item
Model S 85
Model S LR
Base Price
$78,950
$74,990
Base with Inflation
$100,503
$74,990
Price with every option
$97,600
$98,970
Price with every option and Inflation
$124,244
$98,970
Price with options and Inflation - FSD
$124,244
$86,970
Savings Calculator
 
   ** Using Red paint if available (other optional paint color cost not included).

Feature Differences

This is a list of feature differences, where one vehicle offers something different than another.  Features for the  Model S 85 are those available at the end of 2012. Since then, some features were made available as part of free updates.

Item
Model S 85
Model S LR
360 Degree Driving Visualization
Acoustic Glass
Active Noise Canceling
Adaptive Air Suspension
Air Quality Monitoring
Alcantara Headliner
All LED lighting
All-Wheel Drive
Audio - Immersive Sound
Audio - Subwoofer Volume
Audio Power
200 W
960 W
Audio Speakers, cabin
7
22
Audio Subwoofers
optional
1
Auto Shift
Auto-Lane Change
optional
Auto-Park
optional
Automatic Emergency Braking
Autopilot Computer
None
HW4
Bioweapon Defense Mode
Blind-spot Warning
Brake Hold
Camera Resolution
0 MP
5.0 MP
Charge Port Door Auto-Close
Chrome Delete
Climate - Remain On
Climate Zones
2
3
Coat Hooks
Connectivity Free Trial Period
lifetime month
12 month
Contact Roadside Assistance
Cost per Year
0
$100
Cupholders
2
4
Dashcam
Dashcam Viewer
Display Orientation, Center
Portrait
Landscape
Display Tilt
Displays Area, Combined
180 sq. in.
206 sq. in.
Door Pockets
Drag Strip Mode
Driver Profiles with Auto-select
Dual-Band FOB
optional
Easy Access Profile
Electronic Door Releases
Electronic fold-flat releases
Electronic Fuses
Enhanced Anti-Theft
Enhanced Battery Cooling
Even DRL LED Illumination
Extensive Sound Insulation
Fastest DC Charging
Fog Lights
optional
Free Navigation and Routing
optional
Front Collision Warning
Glass Roof
Heat Pump
HEPA air filtration
High Performance Gaming Processor
Higher Thermal Brake Calipers
Homelink Auto Open/Close
Homelink Text Identifiers
Initiate Software Update
Interior Camera
Karaoke
Lane Departure Avoidance
Lane Keeping
Liftgate - Open Height Memory
optional
Liftgate - Powered Open and Close
optional
Lighted Vanity Mirror
Load Address from Calendar
LTE
Maps - Charging locations
Maps - Points of Interest
Matrix Headlights
Mirrors - Auto Dimming Sides
optional
Mirrors - Side Heated
Mirrors - Side Power Folding
Mobile Charging Cable
included
optional
Motors - Traction
1
2
Multilingual Voice
Multiple Bluetooth Device Support
Navigate on Autopilot
optional
No-Fade Performance
Notification - Break-In
Notification - Vehicle Unlocked
Notification - Windows Open
Obstacle Aware Acceleration
Parking Sensors Type
none
Camera
PIN to Drive Option
PIN to Unlock Glovebox
Precondition Schedule
Radio - AM
Radio - XM
optional
Rear Door Wide Opening
Rear Seat Fold-Down Center Armrest
Rear Turn lights - Amber
Redundant Steering Power
Remote Climate Control
Remote Seat Heat/Steering Heat
Remote Unlock and Start Car
Remote Vent Windows
Route via Needed Charge Points
Route with Waypoints
Seats - Auto Heat/Cool
Seats - Cooled Front
Seats - Heated Rear
Seats - Perforated
Seats - Rear Electronic Release
Security: Sentry/Valet/Speed limit
Self-Leveling
optional
Sentry Mode
Setup a Service Appointment via App
Side Collision Warning
Single Frunk Latch Design
Smart Summon
optional
Speed Assist
Speed per inch of riide height change
sec
5 sec
Steering Wheel - Heated
Steering Wheel Selection Controls
11
16
Steering Wheel Stalks
3
0
Steering Wheel, Racing Inspired Option
Streaming Audio without a Phone
Summon
optional
Supercharger Costs
free
fee
Tall Visors
Tesla Arcade - Main
Tesla Arcade - Rear
Tesla Theater
Tire Pressure By Tire
Tires, Advanced
Traffic and Stop Sign Control
optional
Traffic Aware Cruise Control
Ultra Leather Type Materials
Unlock - via FOB
optional
Unlock - via Keycard
Unlock - via Phone
USB Charge Ports
2
5
USB Charging Speed
Normal
Fast
USB Type
USB-A
USB-C
USB Version
2.0
3.0
Valet Mode
Ventilation Control, Front
Manual
Touch
Ventilation control, Rear
Manual
Electronic
Video on 2nd Row Display, when Driving
Video Streaming
Voice Activated Controls
Limited
Warm interior LED lighting
Washer Nozzle Heater
Wiper Blade Defroster
Wireless phone charging
0
4

Visual Changes

Model S LR

There are many changes to the exterior and interior styling. Some of the major changes include:

  • The entire interior has been completely redesigned
  • The front facia eliminated the black oval and side vents
  • The vehicle is more aerodynamic with subtle styling changes
  • The front and rear fenders are wider to accommodate wider tires
  • Seven external cameras were added
  • The headlights, fog lights, and tail lights are updated
  • The lower rear bumper styling changed
  • The metal roof was replaced with a large glass panel
  • Most items previously in chrome are now blacked out
  • The chrome strip below the doors is gone

Common Features

Charging
Notes
Value
Destination Charging CostsUsing Tesla's network of destination connections
free
Lightest ConnectorsEasy to handle
Schedule ChargingAllows home charging at lowest rates
Simple Plug-in and ChargeNo special cards or cumbersome interactions
Supercharger ConnectionsWorldwide as of Jul-2023
50,000
Supports CCS with AdapterOptional adapter from Tesla
Supports CHAdeMO with AdapterOptional adapter is no longer sold by Tesla
Supports J1772 with AdapterFor L2 AC Charging, included with vehicle

Connectivity
Notes
Value
Live Traffic VisualizationWith connectivity
Over-the-Air UpdatesFree, often with new features and enhancements
Web BrowserAccess internet web pages

Exterior
Notes
Value
Body Material - Fenders and TrunkExterior metal body panels
Aluminum
Body Material - Hood and DoorsExterior metal body panels
Aluminum
Body Material - Side FrameExterior metal body trim and sill
Aluminum
Mirrors - Auto-TiltTilts down when in reverse
Power Retractable Door HandlesWith downlights
Puddle Lights when Door ClosedLights mounted under door handles
Puddle Lights when Door OpenLights mounted under door
Wheel LugsUse more for high torque
5

Interior
Notes
Value
Audio - Multi-Band Equalizer5 bands
Auto-Locking GloveboxGlovebox locked when vehicle locked
Automatic Keyless EntryNo keys needed
Automatic WipersManual and automatic modes
Carpeted Floor MatsFor front and rear
Display, Main SizeDiagonal Size
17 in.
Homelink ControlsFor garage open/close
Interior Accent LightingOn door panels
Mirror - Auto Dimming RearviewDetects headlights behind you
Radio - FM Analog radio
Radio - FM-HDAccess digital FM HD channels
Seats - 40/60 Fold Down RearGreatly expands available space
Seats - Adjustable Lumber SupportFor front seats
Both
Seats - Front Driver Power12-way and driver profile memory
Seats - Heated FrontThree levels
Secondary StorageFrunk and under Trunk
Steering Feel AdjustableComfort, Standard, and Sport
USB Music PlayerPlay ACC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV files
Windows - PoweredOne-touch

Mobile App
Notes
Value
Remote Charging Control and StatusSet the charging limits, start/stop charging
Show Vehicle LocationDisplays location on a map

Navigation
Notes
Value
Maps - Free updatesFor resident maps
Maps - Pinch to zoom, shrink, and rotateEasy to adjust map size
Maps - Real-time Traffic MonitoringColor coded traffic levels, requires connectivity
Maps - Resident and Internet MapsKeeps maps accurate
Maps - Satellite ViewRequires connectivity
Route to DestinationShows arrival time and progress
Traffic Aware RoutingDetermines the best route based on current traffic
Voiced Direction PromptsEnable or disable

Safety
Notes
Value
Airbags
8
Antilock BrakesImproves emergency stopping distance
Auto - High Beam Prevents blinding oncoming traffic
Backup CameraWide angle
Cornering LightsLED
Daytime Running LightsLED
Electronic Stability ControlFar better than ICE, as motor control is almost instant
Electronic Traction ControlHelps maintain traction on slippery road surfaces
Five-star Crash RatingsNHTSA 5-stars In every category
Low Rollover RiskVery low center of gravity
Rear Seat ISO Child Seat LatchesFor attachment of child seats

Internal
Notes
Value
Bluetooth Phone ConnectionFor hands-free talking, contacts, calendar
Display ComputerDesign generation
MCUZ
Theft AlarmAlarm sounds if doors, trunk or frunk open when locked
Tire Pressure MonitoringWarns if tire pressure is low or high

Sources

The information listed here has been obtained from the Tesla website, the vehicle manuals, EPA, and our own vehicle analysis. Tesla does not always send out notifications of changes, but we do our best to maintain current information.  The last line of the specifications section shows the date when the information was collected for specific vehicles.

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