Here is a detailed outline of the benefits of a Tesla Model S P85D Performance with Ludicrous, 2015, EU, with Autopilot and Free Supercharging.
This combination represents the peak of Tesla’s performance and value offerings from its era, with several features that are now impossible to get on new vehicles.
Executive Summary
The primary benefits of this specific vehicle are its breathtaking, supercar-beating performance, the potentially perpetual value of free, unlimited Supercharging, and the ** foundational Autopilot driver-assistance system**. It’s a performance bargain that also offers significant long-term charging savings.
1. Benefits of the Performance & Ludicrous Mode
This is the defining characteristic of the P85D. The „P“ stands for Performance, and the „Ludicrous“ upgrade takes it to another level.
Supercar-Level Acceleration: When new, this car achieved 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.8 seconds with Ludicrous Mode engaged. This performance was, and still is, faster than almost any internal combustion engine vehicle on the road, including those costing three or four times as much.
The „Ludicrous“ Experience: The upgrade involved replacing the main pack contactor with a high-tech fuse and pre-charge controller, allowing the battery to deliver immense power instantly. The sensation is described as being „launched“ or „catapulted“ with relentless force.
Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The „D“ denotes Dual Motor. This provides:
Superior Traction: Excellent grip and stability in all weather conditions, putting the power down effectively without wheelspin.
Enhanced Control: The ability to precisely control torque to the front and rear wheels improves handling and safety.
High Performance without the Typical Hassle: You get this extreme performance from a silent, practical, and comfortable luxury sedan. There are no loud engines, high insurance costs typically associated with supercars, or need for frequent premium gas fill-ups.
2. Benefits of „Free Unlimited Supercharging“
This is arguably the most significant financial benefit on the used market and a feature Tesla no longer offers on new cars (except in very specific promotions that are not transferable).
Truly Unlimited & Transferable: This benefit is tied to the car itself, not the owner. Any owner of this vehicle can use Tesla Superchargers for free, forever. It does not expire.
Substantial Long-Term Savings: For an owner who frequently uses Superchargers for road trips or top-ups, this can save thousands of dollars/Euros over the lifetime of owning the car, effectively reducing the total cost of ownership.
Pure Convenience: It removes any financial calculation or worry about the cost of electricity on long journeys. You simply plug in and charge without ever seeing a bill.
3. Benefits of the „Autopilot“ System (2015 EU)
This car features Tesla’s first-generation Autopilot hardware (HW1). It’s important to understand its capabilities, which are foundational but not as advanced as newer systems.
Core Driver-Assistance Features: The system includes:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): Excellent for highway driving, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
Autosteer: Keeps the car centered in its lane on highways. This is a fantastic feature for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.
Auto Lane Change: When Autosteer is active, engaging the turn signal will cause the car to change lanes automatically.
Collision Avoidance and Emergency Braking: A key safety benefit.
Proven and Mature System: The software for this hardware suite has been refined over the years and is considered very stable and reliable for the specific features it offers.
4. Benefits of the Tesla Model S Platform (2015)
Practical Performance: The Model S is a full-size luxury liftback sedan. It offers a massive frunk (front trunk), a large rear hatchback for cargo, and comfortable seating for five adults (or seven with the optional rear-facing jump seats). It’s a family car that can outperform a Ferrari.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Even as a 2015 model, the car will still receive certain software updates that can improve the user interface, add new features to the infotainment system, or enhance performance and safety.
Low Center of Gravity & Handling: The battery pack mounted in the floor gives it excellent handling characteristics and a very low rollover risk.
Low Maintenance: As an electric vehicle, it eliminates costs for oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems, and many other ICE-related items. Regenerative braking also significantly reduces wear on the physical brake pads.
Important Considerations & Context
Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: A 2015 model likely has exceeded its original 8-year/unlimited-mileage battery and drive unit warranty (check the specific VIN for in-service date). This is a crucial consideration, as replacing the battery pack is very expensive. However, the P85D’s performance drivetrain had extended warranty coverage in many cases—verifying the status is essential.
Autopilot Hardware is HW1: This car cannot be upgraded to newer hardware (HW2/3) and therefore cannot run newer features like „Navigate on Autopilot,“ „Smart Summon,“ or the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta. Its capabilities are fixed to what is listed above.
Battery Technology & Range: The 2015 battery technology has more degradation than newer models. The P85D had an EPA range of ~253 miles (407 km) when new. Expect a realistic range of 210-230 miles (~340-370 km) today, which can be less in cold weather. The larger 21″ performance wheels also reduce range compared to 19″ wheels.
Potential for Older Feature Failures: As an earlier model, be aware of potential wear on items like the door handles (which are motorized and can fail), the MCU (Media Control Unit) screen, which may suffer from „yellow banding“ or eMMC failure (a known issue Tesla has a recall/service program for).
Conclusion
The 2015 Tesla Model S P85D with Ludicrous is an iconic vehicle that offers a unique value proposition for the right buyer. Its benefits are for:
The Performance Enthusiast who wants devastating acceleration and AWD grip at a fraction of a new supercar’s cost.
The Frequent Traveler who will leverage the free, unlimited Supercharging for significant long-term savings and convenience.
The driver who appreciates core highway Autopilot for reducing fatigue on long trips but does not need the latest (and more expensive) FSD features.
The trade-offs are accepting older battery technology with more limited range, the lack of upgradability for Autopilot, and the need to carefully consider the status of the battery warranty.