Timeline of Tesla S improvements

Tesla Model S is certainly at the top of the wishlist for many drivers.

Besides the new models, the second-hand market becomes vivid, thus it would be good to summarize what exact model we should look for. I am among that people. I simply believe in second-hand cars.

2012: The production started, and there were 4 models:

S 40, 235 HP, 0-60 mph in 6.5 s
S 60, 302 HP, 0-60 mph in 5.9 s
S 85 , 362 HP, 0-60 mph in 5.4 s
S 85P, 416 HP and 0-60 mph in 4.4 s (later improved to 4.2 s)

Options were:

Convenience Lighting
Automatic Keyless Entry with Auto Present Door Handles
Homelink for garage door opening
High Definition Back-Up Camera Display when in reverse (no parking sight lines)
Xenon Headlamps
LED Cornering Lights
Fog Lamps
Power Rear Liftgate
Turn By Turn Navigation

Adjustable height air suspension is announced as an option later the same year

Optional third row

Initially, interior seating was only offered in Nappa leather. Signature Series and Founders cars are offered with a white leather option color choice.

For those who love sound, there was the option called Sound Studio (950 $).

Another thing for true hedonists, Panoramic Roof.

Currently, there are no models from 2012 listed for sale in Europe.

So, the 2012 Tesla S should look something like this:

In March 2013, the 40 kWh model was removed from the list.

About the interior, textile upholstery became available as the standard.

Heated front seats with memory settings became available in January 2013, nice for north...

Memory seats became a feature of the Tech Package in February 2013

From April, new door handles.

In August, the price for Hi-quality sound system got the new name, Ultra High Fidelity Sound System, and the new price, 2500 $.

In August, also came the parking sensors - useful...

The lowest price today, November 2017 for the 2013 Models S is 43.000 Eur and the median price is about 60-65.000 Eur.

I took the images from classifides.

2014 - Retroactive 8 year unlimited mile warranty on all Model S batteries and motors!

In the late Summer of 2014, the driver's instrument cluster display resolution was improved from 1280 X 480 to 1920 X 720.

New S85D, 691 HP, and the lighting 3.2 s 0-60 mph time.

The new Model S 85D dual motor Model S could be ordered in late 2014 but would not ship until late February of 2015. The S85D would feature AWD via two 188 HP motors, front and rear, 376 HP and 362 ft-lb of torque with 0-60 mph performance in 5.2 seconds and 270 mile EPA rated range.

Also, in 2014, metal doorsill plate inserts in the interior.

Right-hand models become also available.

Firmware updates.

The Sub-Zero Weather Package was added as an option in April 2014 or earlier, providing heated front and rear seats, heated side mirrors and heated windshield wipers via the front windshield. Heated steering wheel was added to the list later the same year.

An air ionizer and carbon filter designed for air purity was added to all new Model S vehicles starting in late May or early June 2014.

"Tech Package with Autopilot" option. Driver Assistance Features are composed of the following technology:

Looking Forward Camera in top Center Windshield
Ultrasonic Sensors located in Front and Rear Bumpers
Forward looking Radar located in lower Front Grill
High Precision Electronic Assisted Steering and Braking Systems

As the prices are basicaly the same as for 2013 Models - I would go for 2014...

2015 - New Models:

S 70D, 329 HP, 5.2 s
S 60 was discontinued

New autopilot features:

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (currently shipping)
Lane Keeping with Automatic Steering (future feature - released October 15, 2015)
Parallel Self-Parking (future feature - released October 15, 2015)
Automatic High/Low Beam headlights (currently shipping)

Ludicrous Mode is an option on the P85D design center which reduces 0 - 60 MPH time from 3.1 seconds to 2.8 seconds for a $10,000 fee.

New S 70D wariant with 315 HP and 328 HP
S 85 came in two versions 373 HP and 417 HP

New rear seats.

Prices are a bit higher, starting from 60.000 Euros:

In conclusion, I would go for the models produced in 2014 and with the range of above 400 km.
The reasons for this include nicer screen, me being afraid from early series and the more advanced auto-pilot functions.

In Short, it would be the versions of The Model S 85, probably 382 hp version.

If you own Tesla S, help us with some useful tips.

My Sources: https://sites.google.com/site/teslamotorsclubwiki/home/model-s/options-by-year
https://cleantechnica.com/2016/05/27/brief-history-tesla-cars-one-simple-infographic/
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1092439_tesla-model-s-electric-car-what-has-changed-since-2012
https://www.autoscout24.com/

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