Here is the outlined breakdown of benefits for the 2016 Tesla Model S Performance P85D with Autopilot (AP1) in the EU.

This is a Ludicrous-era icon. It is not a practical daily driver like the Model 3, but it is a high-performance, depreciated luxury sedan with unique historical significance. However, you must go in with eyes wide open regarding its age.

1. The „P85D“ Benefit (The Performance Bargain)

The „P“ and „D“ are the key letters here.

  • Ludicrous Mode (Likely): Most 2016 P85Ds include the Ludicrous Mode upgrade (originally $10k). This unlocks 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds (with rollout). That is still supercar territory (Ferrari F12 level) in a 4-door family car.

  • Insane Mode (Standard): If no Ludicrous, you still get „Insane Mode“ at 3.3 seconds.

  • Dual Motor Torque Vectoring: The „D“ provides AWD traction and can send torque side-to-side on the rear axle. This is superior to the non-P 85D in cornering grip.

  • The „P“ Feeling: The rear motor is a larger, higher-output unit (not just a software unlock). The acceleration feels violent in a way modern Teslas don’t replicate.

  • Current Value: A 2026 EV that does 0-100 in 3.1 seconds costs €60k+. This car can be found for €20k-€28k.

2. The „2016“ Benefit (The Refresh Year)

2016 was a split year. You want a late 2016 (facelift). If it has the „nose cone“ (old front end), it’s early 2016. The facelift benefits are substantial.

  • Facelift Styling: Updated front bumper (no „nose cone“), LED headlights, and LED taillights. It looks modern, not like a 2012 car.

  • Hepa Filter (Bioweapon Defense Mode): Late 2016 added the massive medical-grade HEPA filter. Useful for EU cities with poor air quality (Milan, Paris, Warsaw).

  • Updated Seats (Next Gen): Much better bolstering than the flat 2012-2015 „base“ seats. Essential for holding you in place during Ludicrous launches.

  • Center Console: Finally included a factory center console (open space in earlier cars).

  • Ludicrous Mode Availability: Only late 2016 facelifts have the „Ludicrous Mode“ (earlier had „Insane“).

3. The „Autopilot (AP1)“ Benefit (The Mobileye System)

This is not the FSD you know. This is the original Mobileye EyeQ3 system. It has surprising advantages.

  • What AP1 Does Well:

    • Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Silky smooth. Better „follow distance“ behavior than early AP2 (2016-2018).

    • Lane Keeping (Autosteer): Works on highways. It is less „nervous“ than newer systems. Very natural.

    • Speed Sign Recognition: Reads EU speed signs accurately (including „100“ with rain overlay).

    • Lane Changing: It works! Tap the indicator, the car moves itself. (Note: AP1 changes lanes slower/cautiously, but it does it).

  • What AP1 Does NOT Do:

    • No Navigate on Autopilot (no highway interchanges).

    • No Smart Summon.

    • No Autopark (well, it has a very basic version, but it’s unreliable).

    • No Traffic Light/Stop Sign control.

    • No FSD. Ever. This car will never drive itself on city streets.

  • Why AP1 is Still Good (EU Perspective): For highway cruising (90% of Autopilot use), AP1 is actually more reliable than early AP2/2.5 cars from 2016-2018. Mobileye’s system is mature and bug-free.

4. The „EU“ Benefit (Specific Advantages)

  • Radar is Standard (and Works): Unlike newer EU Teslas that rely only on cameras, AP1 uses a radar. In EU weather (fog, rain, tunnels), AP1 does not disengage randomly.

  • Tow Hitch Ready (Many cars): Many EU P85Ds were ordered with the factory electric tow hitch (rated for 2,250 kg braked). The car includes Trailer Mode. Use it for a caravan or horse trailer.

  • Air Suspension Standard: The P85D has smart air suspension. It automatically raises at GPS-tagged locations (e.g., your steep driveway, or a ferry ramp). Very useful in hilly EU cities (Lisbon, Edinburgh, Rome).

  • Physical Controls: Full stalks, physical buttons on the steering wheel. No hunting through a screen for wipers or gear selection.

5. The „Free Supercharging“ Possibility (Check This!)

Most 2016 Model S cars have Free Unlimited Supercharging (FUSC) that transfers with the car (pre-2017). This is massive.

  • Verify: Look for „Free Unlimited Supercharging“ in the Tesla account’s „Specs“ tab.

  • If Yes: You have free fuel for life in the EU. Supercharger rates at €0.40-€0.70/kWh mean every full 100kWh charge saves you €40-€70.

  • Combined with P85D: The P85D is thirsty (it has two large motors). Free Supercharging negates its inefficiency.

The Major Caveats (Read This Carefully)

This car is not a rational purchase. It is an emotional one.

 
 
IssueDetails
MCU1 (eMMC Failure)The media computer will fail. Screen goes black, AC stops, charging stops. Budget €1,500-€2,000 for MCU2 upgrade (infotainment retrofit). Non-negotiable.
Door HandlesThe self-presenting handles fail regularly. Repair: €300-€500 each.
Battery Degradation2016 85kWh packs degrade more than newer ones. Expect 8-12% loss (real range ~320-350km).
Drive Unit Issues (LDU)The large rear drive unit (LDU) in the P85D has a coolant seal failure. It fails. Repair under warranty is free; out of warranty is €5,000-€7,000.
No Heat PumpResistive heating. Range drops significantly in EU winter (30-40% loss).
Supercharging SpeedLimited to ~120kW (max). 10-80% takes ~45-50 minutes. Modern cars do it in 20 minutes.
Warranty StatusBattery warranty (8 years/unlimited km) expires in 2024. If buying in 2026, you have zero warranty on the €20,000 battery.
AP1 is Dead TechNo updates since 2019. Never getting new features.