Here is the precise outline of benefits for a 2016 Tesla Model S P85D (772 hp) with Autopilot and Free Supercharging, broken down by what is guaranteed, what is „grandfathered,“ and what is purely nostalgic.
1. The Powertrain Benefit (The „P85D“ Party Piece)
The „Ludicrous“ Factor: While „772 hp“ is the motor peak, the actual output at the battery is about 691 hp, but the benefit is the instantaneous torque-vectoring.
Launch Mode: This car has Tesla’s „Launch Mode“ (pre-Christmas 2016 update), which pre-heats the battery and motors. Benefit: 0–60 mph in 2.8 seconds (with the optional Ludicrous Upgrade) or 3.1 seconds (without).
Dual Motor AWD Benefit: Independent front and rear motors provide phenomenal traction in rain or snow, with near-instant power distribution to whichever wheel has grip.
2. The „Free Supercharging“ Benefit (SC01 vs. SC04 – Crucial Distinction)
This is the single most valuable benefit of this 2016 vehicle, but it depends on when in 2016 it was built:
If it is an EARLY 2016 (Pre-April): It has SC01 (Transferable Free Supercharging).
Benefit: Unlimited, free 250kW supercharging for life, and it transfers to every subsequent owner. If you buy this car used, you get free road-tripping forever.
If it is a LATE 2016 (Post-April, Facelift): It likely has SC04 (Non-Transferable Free Supercharging).
Benefit: Free supercharging is tied to the original purchaser only. If you buy it used, it reverts to „Pay-Per-Use“ rates. (Check the vehicle’s „Additional Vehicle Information“ screen to confirm).
3. The „Autopilot“ Benefit (AP1 vs. AP2 – Massive Difference)
2016 is the cutover year. The benefits are completely different based on the hardware:
Early 2016 (AP1 – Mobileye Hardware):
Benefit: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer (lane-keeping), Auto Lane Change (with turn signal), and Summon (forward/backward). AP1 is rock-solid on highways; its single-camera system is remarkably smooth and rarely phantom-brakes. It is a bulletproof Level-2 highway cruiser.
Late 2016 (AP2 – Tesla In-House Hardware):
Benefit: Has 8 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and forward radar. It is software-upgradable. If the owner purchased Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD) at the time, this car can run modern FSD software (v12+), allowing for city-street navigation, stop-light control, and roundabouts—something AP1 physically cannot do.
4. The 2016 Used-Car Warranty (What is still active?)
Basic Vehicle Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles. This expired in 2020. There is no bumper-to-bumper coverage left on this vehicle.
Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years / Unlimited Miles (Tesla offered unlimited miles on the P85D in 2016).
Benefit: If you buy this car in 2026, the battery/drive unit warranty expires in 2026 (exactly 8 years from its build date). If it still has time left, it covers the battery against dropping below 70% capacity.
Warning: Once this expires, you are 100% responsible for a ~$20,000–$25,000 battery replacement.
5. The „Grandfathered“ Premium Connectivity Benefit
If this 2016 car was originally ordered with the premium package, it may have Lifetime Free Premium Connectivity.
Benefit: Unlike new Teslas that charge $99/year for data, this P85D may give you free satellite-view maps, live traffic visualization, and streaming music (Spotify/Slacker) over cellular data for as long as you own it.
6. The „2016 Exclusivity“ Hardware Benefits
Retractable Spoiler: The P85D has an active, retractable rear spoiler that deploys at highway speeds for downforce (removed in later models).
Physical Shifter Stalks & Instrument Cluster: Unlike the 2024 Highland, this car has dedicated turn-signal stalks, a gear shifter stalk, and a large, driver-focused 12.3-inch binnacle display behind the steering wheel. This is a benefit for drivers who hate touchscreen-only controls.
Massive Frunk: Because it uses the older 18650 battery cells (not the structural 4680 packs), the front trunk is cavernous and can fit a full-size carry-on suitcase.
7. Resale & Collectability Benefit
The P85D was the original „Insane Mode“ halo car that put Tesla on the map.
If it has the Ludicrous Upgrade (indicated by a red underline on the badge), it is highly collectible.
Benefit: Depreciation on the P85D has largely flattened out. A clean, low-mileage 2016 P85D with transferable free supercharging will hold its value better than a standard 2016 Model S 90D.
Summary Table of 2016 P85D Benefits
| Feature | Benefit Outline |
|---|---|
| Performance | 0–60 in 2.8–3.1 sec. Instant AWD torque-vectoring for all-weather grip. |
| Free Supercharging | If SC01: Lifetime free fast-charging, transferable to you. If SC04: Free only for the original owner (you pay if buying used). |
| Autopilot | If AP1: Flawless, smooth highway lane-keeping and adaptive cruise. If AP2: Upgradable to modern City-Street FSD (if purchased). |
| Active Warranty | Battery/Drive Unit: 8 years / Unlimited miles (Expires in 2026). No basic warranty remains. |
| Connectivity | Likely includes Lifetime Free Premium Maps & Streaming (if originally optioned). |
| Hardware Exclusives | Retractable spoiler, physical stalks, driver binnacle screen, massive frunk. |
| Collectability | Flattened depreciation; desirable „OG“ Tesla halo car. |
