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

 
 
FeatureBenefit Outline
Performance0–60 in 2.8–3.1 sec. Instant AWD torque-vectoring for all-weather grip.
Free SuperchargingIf SC01: Lifetime free fast-charging, transferable to you. If SC04: Free only for the original owner (you pay if buying used).
AutopilotIf AP1: Flawless, smooth highway lane-keeping and adaptive cruise.
If AP2: Upgradable to modern City-Street FSD (if purchased).
Active WarrantyBattery/Drive Unit: 8 years / Unlimited miles (Expires in 2026). No basic warranty remains.
ConnectivityLikely includes Lifetime Free Premium Maps & Streaming (if originally optioned).
Hardware ExclusivesRetractable spoiler, physical stalks, driver binnacle screen, massive frunk.
CollectabilityFlattened depreciation; desirable „OG“ Tesla halo car.