Best Car Reviews - 2016 Tesla Model S AWD - 60D

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Introduction

The 2016 Tesla Model S AWD 60D is a large, five-seat electric luxury liftback aimed at drivers who want long-distance EV capability, all-wheel-drive traction and distinctive technology. Its dual-motor layout, single-speed automatic transmission and silent electric performance helped make it one of the most compelling premium EVs of its era. The 60D paired a comparatively accessible Model S entry price with an EPA-rated 218-mile range when new.

Design and Exterior Features

The Model S has a sleek, low-slung fastback profile rather than a conventional three-box sedan shape. Its long wheelbase, flush door handles, short front overhang and large rear liftgate give it a futuristic but practical appearance. The 2016 facelift introduced a cleaner front-end treatment with a body-colour nose in place of the earlier black faux grille, helping the car look more modern and aerodynamic.

Four-door liftback body with a wide rear opening and front luggage compartment.
2016 facelift front styling with a smoother, grille-free appearance.
Flush, automatically presenting door handles.
All-wheel-drive stance with dual electric motors.
Available glass panoramic roof and upgraded wheel designs.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is dominated by a portrait-oriented 17-inch central touchscreen and a clean dashboard with very few physical controls. Seating for five is standard, while the low battery placement creates a flat floor and a spacious-feeling cabin. The Model S is especially quiet at city speeds, and its front trunk plus rear cargo area make it unusually useful for a large luxury car. Material quality is attractive in places, but it is not as consistently plush or tightly finished as the best German luxury sedans of the period.

Five-seat cabin with generous rear cargo space and a separate front trunk.
Large 17-inch touchscreen for vehicle controls, navigation and media.
Quiet electric operation and supportive front seats for long trips.
Available premium interior trim, heated seats and panoramic glass roof.
Minimalist dashboard layout with a digital instrument display.

Performance and Handling

The 60D uses two electric motors, one at each axle, to provide all-wheel drive through a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Tesla did not publish a conventional engine displacement because this is a battery-electric car. Period specifications list 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, making the entry-level dual-motor Model S brisk rather than merely economical. EPA figures list 101 MPGe city, 107 MPGe highway and 104 MPGe combined, with a 218-mile range when new. Canadian official consumption data lists approximately 20.2 kWh/100 km combined, or about 2.3 L/100 km gasoline-equivalent; real-world range depends heavily on speed, temperature, tyres, battery age and cabin heating or cooling use.

Dual-motor all-wheel drive for confident wet- and winter-weather traction.
Single-speed automatic direct-drive transmission.
Approximately 5.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration when new.
EPA-rated 218-mile electric range when new.
104 MPGe combined EPA efficiency; zero tailpipe emissions.

Technology and Connectivity

The touchscreen is the focal point for navigation, climate control, media, charging information and many vehicle settings. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates were a major advantage in 2016, allowing functions and interface features to evolve after delivery. Equipment varied by build date and options, particularly for Autopilot hardware, so used-car buyers should confirm the specific vehicle’s driver-assistance package and computer generation rather than assuming all features are installed.

17-inch touchscreen with navigation, music, web features and energy-use displays.
Over-the-air software update capability.
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.
Available Autopilot driver-assistance hardware and features, depending on specification.
Mobile-app functions for monitoring charging and controlling selected vehicle features.

Safety Features

The Model S benefits from a rigid battery-floor structure, a low centre of gravity and the absence of a front combustion engine. Equipment includes multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and a rear-view camera. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the tested 2016 Model S 60 an Acceptable overall rating in the driver-side small-overlap front test; the rating applies to specified production dates and should not be generalized to every 2016 configuration. Driver-assistance features are aids only and require an attentive driver.

Front, side and curtain airbags.
Electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock braking.
Rear-view camera and parking sensors, depending on equipment.
Available forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-related assistance.
IIHS driver-side small-overlap front rating of Acceptable for the tested 2016 Model S 60.

Pricing and Variants

The 2016 Model S 60D had a starting MSRP of about $71,000 in the United States, including destination according to period pricing data, before options and applicable incentives. The Model S range also included 60, 70, 70D, 75, 75D, 90D, P90D and later P100D versions, though availability varied during the model year. Against a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A7 or Porsche Panamera, the Tesla offered electric driving, rapid torque and a unique charging network, while its rivals generally delivered richer cabins, more established service support and faster refuelling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong instant acceleration for an entry-level Model S variant.
All-wheel drive improves traction and all-weather confidence.
Useful 218-mile EPA range when new.
Spacious cargo arrangement with rear liftback and front trunk.
Advanced touchscreen interface and over-the-air software updates.

Cons

Battery degradation can reduce the original driving range on older examples.
Repair costs can be substantial once warranty coverage has expired.
Interior fit, finish and noise isolation can trail established luxury rivals.
Long trips still require charging stops and route planning.
Feature availability differs significantly by production date and options.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single verified annual maintenance-cost figure for the 2016 Model S 60D is not available because costs vary greatly by mileage, region, tyre wear, warranty status and repair history. Routine service is typically lighter than for a combustion luxury car because there are no oil changes, spark plugs or exhaust system, but major repairs can be expensive. Common owner-reported concerns for this Model S generation include battery-range loss with age, retracting door-handle failures, touchscreen or media-control-unit problems, suspension wear or air-suspension faults on equipped cars, and water ingress or trim and rattle issues. A pre-purchase inspection, battery-health check and verification of all completed recalls are important for any used example.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.0/10. Design: 8.5/10; comfort: 7.5/10; performance: 8.0/10; technology: 9.0/10; safety: 8.0/10. The 60D remains a landmark electric luxury car, although age, condition and charging access matter more than the headline specification on today’s used market.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the driving experience, packaging and technology, while long-term comments are more divided on build quality, service access and age-related repair costs.

Owners often enjoy the instant, smooth acceleration and quiet city driving.
Many appreciate the liftback, front trunk and family-friendly practicality.
Home charging is frequently described as essential to the best ownership experience.
Some report that real-world range falls noticeably in cold weather or at sustained motorway speeds.
Older examples can attract complaints about door handles, screens, suspension components and expensive out-of-warranty repairs.

Best Cars in This Category

2016 Tesla Model S 90D
2016 Tesla Model S P90D
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2016 BMW 7 Series
2016 Porsche Panamera

Summary

The 2016 Tesla Model S AWD 60D suits drivers who can charge conveniently at home or work and want a spacious, quick, technology-led electric luxury car. Its original 218-mile EPA range, all-wheel drive and clever cargo layout still make it appealing, but buyers should prioritize battery condition, charging capability, service history and option verification over low purchase price alone. A well-maintained example can be an engaging and practical used EV, while a neglected one can become costly quickly.