The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric vehicle market, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. But with a production run spanning over a decade, some model years are more desirable than others due to improvements in technology, reliability, and overall value. This guide will help you navigate the used Model S market, identifying the best years to buy and which ones to potentially avoid.
Model S: Year-by-Year Breakdown & Recommendations
| Model Year | Key Improvements/Features | Potential Issues/Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2013 | First generation, innovative design, groundbreaking range for EVs | Early build quality issues, smaller battery packs (60kWh & 85kWh), MCU1 (slow processor), no Autopilot, limited Supercharger network |
| 2014 | Refined interior, introduction of Dual Motor (D) models, Autopilot hardware 1 (AP1) introduced in late '14 | Still some early build quality concerns, AP1 is limited compared to later Autopilot versions, potential for battery degradation in older packs |
| 2015 | Further improvements to build quality, standard Autopilot hardware, larger battery options (90kWh) | Potential for battery degradation, AP1 is limited, some reports of drive unit failures (less common than earlier years) |
| 2016 | Facelifted front fascia, HEPA air filtration (Bioweapon Defense Mode), improved interior materials, more efficient motors | Potential for battery degradation, some reports of drive unit failures, early versions of Autopilot 2.0 (AP2) had limited functionality |
| 2017 | Significant battery upgrades (100kWh), quicker charging, improved performance, enhanced Autopilot (AP2.5) | Potential for battery degradation, AP2/AP2.5 still not as advanced as later versions, some reports of screen delamination |
| 2018 | Enhanced Autopilot (AP2.5), improved range and efficiency, introduction of Raven powertrain (later in the year) | Potential for battery degradation (though less than earlier models), some reports of screen delamination |
| 2019 | Raven powertrain (Long Range and Performance models), adaptive air suspension, improved efficiency, more refined interior | Fewer significant issues, but standard wear and tear should be expected, potential for screen delamination (less common) |
| 2020 | No major changes, incremental improvements in software and battery technology | Mostly reliable, standard wear and tear should be expected |
| 2021 | "Refresh" Model S, completely redesigned interior, yoke steering wheel (optional), Plaid model introduced, new battery architecture | Initial build quality issues reported on some early refresh models, yoke steering wheel controversial, potential for longer repair times due to new components |
| 2022 | Continued refinements to the "Refresh" Model S, improvements in build quality, software updates | Mostly reliable, but potential for longer repair times due to new components, Yoke steering wheel remains controversial |
| 2023 | Further refinements and software optimization, minor improvements in battery technology and efficiency | Mostly reliable, standard wear and tear should be expected, dependent on options can be more expensive. |
Detailed Explanations
2012-2013: These were the pioneering years of the Model S, introducing the world to a high-performance electric sedan with impressive range. However, they came with early build quality issues, smaller battery pack options (60kWh and 85kWh), the slower MCU1 infotainment system, and lacked Autopilot. The Supercharger network was also in its infancy, limiting long-distance travel options.
2014: This year saw refinements to the interior and the introduction of Dual Motor (D) models, enhancing performance and handling. Autopilot hardware 1 (AP1) was introduced in late 2014, but its capabilities were limited compared to later versions. While build quality improved, some early issues persisted, and battery degradation remains a concern for these older models.
2015: Further improvements were made to build quality, and Autopilot hardware became standard. Larger battery options (90kWh) provided increased range. While generally more reliable than previous years, potential for battery degradation and some reports of drive unit failures still exist.
2016: The Model S received a facelifted front fascia, along with the introduction of HEPA air filtration (Bioweapon Defense Mode) and improved interior materials. More efficient motors were also introduced. However, potential for battery degradation remains, and early versions of Autopilot 2.0 (AP2) had limited functionality compared to subsequent releases.
2017: This year brought significant battery upgrades with the introduction of the 100kWh battery pack, leading to quicker charging and improved performance. Enhanced Autopilot (AP2.5) was also implemented. While the battery degradation risk is lower than in earlier models, it's still a factor to consider. Some owners have also reported screen delamination issues.
2018: Enhanced Autopilot (AP2.5) continued, and the Model S saw further improvements in range and efficiency. The Raven powertrain was introduced later in the year, offering significant advancements in motor technology and suspension. Although battery degradation is less of a concern, screen delamination remains a potential issue.
2019: The Raven powertrain became standard on Long Range and Performance models, bringing adaptive air suspension, improved efficiency, and a more refined interior. This year is considered a sweet spot for many buyers, offering a balance of modern features and relative reliability.
2020: This year saw no major changes, but rather incremental improvements in software and battery technology. These models are generally reliable and offer a good ownership experience, with standard wear and tear being the primary consideration.
2021: The Model S underwent a complete "Refresh," featuring a redesigned interior, an optional yoke steering wheel, and the introduction of the Plaid model with its groundbreaking performance. A new battery architecture was also introduced. However, some early refresh models experienced initial build quality issues, and the yoke steering wheel remains a controversial design choice.
2022: Continued refinements were made to the "Refresh" Model S, with improvements in build quality and ongoing software updates. While mostly reliable, potential for longer repair times exists due to the newer components. The yoke steering wheel's polarizing design is still a factor for some buyers.
2023: This year brought further refinements, software optimization, and minor improvements in battery technology and efficiency. It is considered mostly reliable, but standard wear and tear should be expected. The overall cost can be higher depending on the chosen options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Model S year offers the best value for money? Generally, the 2019 Model S offers a great balance of features, performance, and reliability at a more affordable price point than newer models.
What are the biggest concerns with older Model S vehicles? The primary concerns are battery degradation, potential drive unit failures, and the outdated MCU1 infotainment system in pre-2018 models.
Is Autopilot worth it, and which years have the best version? Autopilot is a valuable feature, but the newer versions (AP2.5 and later) offer significantly more functionality and safety features than the older AP1 system.
What is the difference between MCU1 and MCU2? MCU2 is a much faster and more responsive infotainment system that enables features like Tesla Arcade, streaming video, and a smoother overall user experience.
What is the Raven powertrain and why is it important? The Raven powertrain introduced in late 2018 brought improved efficiency, adaptive air suspension, and enhanced performance, making it a significant upgrade over previous powertrains.
Should I be worried about "screen delamination?" Screen delamination, a separation of the display layers, was a known issue in some Model S vehicles, particularly those produced between 2016 and 2018.
What is the range on older model S vehicles? Range varies depending on the battery pack (60kWh, 85kWh, 90kWh) and degradation, but expect 180-270 miles for 60kWh-85kWh packs and 240-300+ miles for 90kWh packs.
Is the Yoke Steering wheel comfortable and useful? The Yoke Steering wheel is a matter of preference, some find it less comfortable and useful for daily driving, while others enjoy the increased view of the digital dashboard.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Tesla Model S requires careful consideration of your budget, desired features, and tolerance for potential maintenance issues. While the newer models offer the latest technology and performance, the 2019 Model S often represents the best value for money, providing a compelling blend of modern features and proven reliability.