Images: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
The 2012 Tesla Model S 85 was a sedan produced from 2012 to 2016. It features a single motor (ac induction) RWD powertrain. EPA-rated range is 265 miles with 89 MPGe. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is 125 mph. Manufactured at Fremont, CA.
The 85 was the hero car at launch. When the first Model S rolled off the line in June 2012, this was the trim Tesla wanted you to buy, and most people did. It offered 265 miles of EPA range, which was extraordinary for the time. The 85 kWh battery also came with free Supercharging for life, a perk that made early owners feel like they'd joined an exclusive club.
Motor Trend named it 2013 Car of the Year, the first time an EV won the award. Consumer Reports gave it a near-perfect score. The 85 was the variant that put Tesla on the map as a serious automaker.
- Tesla's first ground-up vehicle: all-aluminum body, skateboard chassis
- First production car with a 17" portrait touchscreen
- Available 7-seat configuration with rear-facing jump seats
- OTA software updates introduced (industry-first at this scale)
| Peak DC Fast | 120 kW |
| DC Fast 10-80% | ~40 min |
| AC Onboard Charger | 10 kW |
| Home L2 (full charge) | ~8.5 hrs |
| Connector | Tesla (NACS adapter) |
| Model Years | 2012–2016 |
| Model | Tesla Model S |
| Variant | 85 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Generation | Model S (Original / Nose Cone) |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Motor(s) | Single Motor (AC Induction) |
| Battery Capacity | 85 kWh |
| EPA Range | 265 miles |
| MPGe | 89 |
| Efficiency | 38 kWh/100mi |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Horsepower (est.) | 362 HP |
| Curb Weight | 4,647 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 63.4 cu ft |
| Length | 196" |
| Width | 77.3" |
| Height | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 116.5" |
| Production Start | 2012-06 |
| Production End | 2016-02 |
| Autopilot | None |
| Factory | Fremont, CA |
| Basic Vehicle Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Battery & Drive Unit | 8 years / 150,000 miles |
- 17" touchscreen
- Aluminum body
- Free Supercharging for life